Traveling with Medications in Japan

Typically, we don't look at prescription and over-the-counter medication requirements for travel until the fall before we travel, but as I was chatting with our tour consultant at the first of the year, she mentioned that she had attended a short seminar on travel in Japan. We already know that with COVID-19, there are bound to be travel restrictions depending on where you go. Keep in mind that Japan is one of the few countries in the world that as recently as July 2022 began to open its borders to foreign travelers. 

As we begin to prepare for our trip abroad, not only do we have to be aware of our travel documents needed to exit and enter our country of departure and destination, but we also need to be aware of their restrictions on the types of medications allowed for personal use within the country and how much can be imported or brought with you in your luggage. Thus, of course, the consequences that go along with them. 

Decisions on which medications or prescription drugs can be brought into Japan are made solely by the Japanese Government and subject to control under Japan’s Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.  Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan.  It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan:  if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities.  The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan do not maintain a comprehensive list of prohibited medications or ingredients. Comprehensive information is available only from the Japanese government and is subject to change without notice. 

All travelers are encouraged to check before traveling to Japan at  Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare  (MHLW) website, including reviewing FAQ , or to email yakkan@mhlw.go.jp.

Here is one of the links with information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan. 

Read more below on the policies and where/how to apply for a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" certificate.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

To import medicines from overseas is subject to control by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and the Customs Law to prevent health hazard caused by defective products.

Therefore, when you enter into Japan, procedures should be done depending on your bringing medicines even if you have medicines for personal use. When you bring your personal medicines into Japan, you have to apply for what is called a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho", a kind of import certificate, and receive it before you leave home, and declare it to the officer at customs.

1. Drugs, Quasi Drugs

2. Cosmetics

3. Medical Devices

4. Narcotics, Psychotropics

Find more information from the Japanese Embassy regarding bringing over the counter medications and prescriptions into Japan. 

https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/ 

I know it's a lot to take in and process, but I wanted you all to have it in the back of your minds now so that if you are on a prescription medication or require over-the-counter medications throughout our trip, we have the proper documents and clearances. I will check the Japanese embassy page again before we travel to ensure that we are traveling with the appropriate amounts of medications. Dionne and I typically bring along a small med kit each day for what may come our way, so this is definitely something to keep on your radars.