Visa & Entry
Bringing medication to Japan
輸入確認証ゆにゅうかくにんしょうyunyū kakuninshōCheck before packing: Japan's rules are strict
Travellers may bring medicines for their own use into Japan within set quantities without formalities. Larger quantities need an import confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) from the health ministry, narcotics need prior permission, and medicines containing stimulants such as amphetamine are banned outright.
Japan regulates medicines more strictly than most European countries. Some substances that are routine prescriptions elsewhere are classified as stimulants and cannot be brought in at all, others count as narcotics that need a permit, and some common cold remedies are affected too. Most travellers, however, carry ordinary medicines in modest amounts and need do nothing beyond keeping them in their original packaging.
The rules are set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and enforced by customs. Because classifications differ from country to country, anyone taking regular medication should check the ingredients against the ministry's guidance well before departure.
Step by step
- 1Check the ingredientsCompare the active ingredients of every medicine you plan to take with the health ministry's guidance on narcotics, psychotropics and stimulants.
- 2Calculate the quantityCheck whether you stay within one month for prescription medicines and two months for over-the-counter medicines.
- 3Apply if necessaryFor larger quantities, apply for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho through the health ministry's online system; for narcotics, apply to the Narcotics Control Department. Allow several weeks.
- 4Pack and documentKeep medicines in their original packaging, carry prescriptions or a doctor's letter in English, and have any certificate ready at customs.
Quantities for personal use
Without any formalities, travellers may bring prescription medicines for up to one month of use, over-the-counter medicines for up to two months, and non-prescription topical products such as creams up to a set number of items per type. Self-injected medicines such as insulin, together with the syringes, may also be brought for up to one month.
It is advisable to keep medicines in their original packaging and to carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter in English stating the ingredients and dosage.
The import confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho)
For quantities above these limits, travellers need an import confirmation, known as Yunyu Kakunin-sho and formerly as Yakkan Shōmei. It is applied for through the health ministry's online application system before travel, with documents such as a copy of the prescription, a description of the product and flight details. Processing can take some weeks, so the ministry advises applying well ahead of departure. The confirmation is shown to customs on arrival.
Narcotics and psychotropics
Medicines classified in Japan as narcotics, which include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and some preparations containing codeine, may be brought only with prior permission from the Narcotics Control Department of the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare responsible for the arrival airport. The application requires a doctor's certificate and must be made in advance.
Many sleeping pills and tranquillisers are psychotropics under Japanese law. They can generally be brought within standard quantities for personal use; larger amounts require documentation. Some medicines used to treat ADHD are classified as stimulant raw materials and also require prior permission.
Banned substances
Stimulants are prohibited even with a prescription. This affects medicines containing amphetamine, such as some ADHD treatments common in North America, and some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines that contain pseudoephedrine above a certain concentration. Cannabis and products containing THC are prohibited; CBD products are allowed only if they meet Japan's strict limits on residual THC.
Amphetamine
Prohibited, including in prescription ADHD medicines.
Pseudoephedrine
Prohibited above a certain concentration, found in some cold medicines.
Cannabis and THC
Prohibited; CBD products only within strict residual-THC limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my regular prescription medicine to Japan?
Yes, up to one month's supply without formalities, provided it does not contain a prohibited or specially controlled substance. For more, apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho before travel.
Are ADHD medicines allowed in Japan?
Medicines containing amphetamine are prohibited. Some other ADHD medicines are controlled and need prior permission. Check the specific ingredient with the health ministry before travelling.
Can I bring cold medicine from home?
Most are fine within two months' supply, but some contain pseudoephedrine above the permitted concentration or codeine. Check the ingredients or buy a Japanese equivalent on arrival.
Who answers questions about specific medicines?
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which publishes guidance and an email contact for personal imports; for narcotics, the Narcotics Control Department of the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare.
Related
Sources
- 1.医薬品等の個人輸入について（輸入確認証） (opens in a new tab) — 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
- 2.The Law on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (opens in a new tab) — Tokyo Customs
- 3.麻薬取締部（Narcotics Control Department） (opens in a new tab) — 厚生労働省 地方厚生局 麻薬取締部
- 4.Bringing Medications into Japan (opens in a new tab) — Embassy of Japan in the United States