Essential Guidelines for Travelling with Stimulant Medications to Asian Countries

General Guidelines

• Always carry medications in their original packaging with clear pharmacy labels
• Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter explaining medical necessity
• Keep medications in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage
• Check embassy websites and contact them directly for the most current regulations
• Plan to apply for permits at least 2-4 weeks before travel

Country-Specific Requirements

Japan

Restricted Medications Include:

• Concerta
• Ritalin
• Vyvanse

Requirements:

• Must obtain Yakkan Shoumei (medical import certificate)
• Application required at least 2 weeks before arrival
• Maximum 30-day supply allowed

Application Process:

1. Download the application form from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website:
   https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html
2. Submit the application with the required documents via email or post
3. Carry the approval document during travel

South Korea

Restricted Medications Include:

• All amphetamine-based medications
• Methylphenidate products

Requirements:

• A Narcotic Drug Export/Import License is required
• Maximum 30-day supply
• Application through the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA)

Application Process:

• Contact the KFDA directly at least 6 weeks before travel
• Website: https://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/

Singapore

Restricted Medications Include:

• All psychotropic medications, including stimulants

Requirements:

• Approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is required
• Maximum 3-month supply
• Must carry a prescription and a doctor’s letter

Application Process:

1. Apply through the HSA website
2. Processing time: 10 working days
3. Website: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/personal-medication

Thailand

Restricted Medications Include:

• All stimulant medications

Requirements:

• A permit from the Thai FDA is required
• Maximum 30-day supply
• Original prescription and doctor’s letter mandatory

Application Process:

• Contact the Thai FDA at least 2 weeks before travel
• Permit application through the Royal Thai Embassy

China

Restricted Medications Include:

• Most ADHD medications
• All amphetamine-based products are strictly prohibited.

Requirements:

• A special import permit is required
• Maximum 14-day supply
• Detailed doctor’s letter in Chinese and English

Application Process:

• Contact the nearest Chinese embassy
• Allow a minimum of 4 weeks for processing
• No centralised online application system

Indonesia

Restricted Medications Include:

• All ADHD medications
• Amphetamine-based products
• Methylphenidate

Requirements:

• Import permit from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)
• Maximum 30-day supply
• Original prescription and doctor’s letter mandatory

Application Process:

• Contact BPOM at least 3 weeks before travel
• Documents must be translated into Indonesian
• Website: https://www.pom.go.id/

Vietnam

Restricted Medications Include:

• All psychotropic medications
• Stimulant medications

Requirements:

• Approval from the Ministry of Health is required
• Maximum 7-day supply without special permission
• Documentation must be translated into Vietnamese

Application Process:

• Apply through the Vietnam Drug Administration
• Processing time: 15-20 working days
• No centralised online application system
• Contact the Vietnamese embassy for guidance

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Restricted Medications Include:

• All stimulant medications
• Particularly strict on amphetamine-based products

Requirements:

• Must obtain pre-approval from the UAE Ministry of Health
• An electronic approval system is available
• Maximum 90-day supply with approval

Application Process:

1. Register on the UAE Ministry of Health website
2. Submit your application through their online portal
3. Processing time: 5-10 working days

Special Notes:

• Some medications are completely prohibited
• Criminal penalties for non-compliance can be severe
• Zero tolerance for unauthorised medications

Hong Kong

Restricted Medications Include:

• Methylphenidate
• Amphetamine-based medications
• Other controlled substances

Requirements:

• A license from the Department of Health is required
• Maximum 30-day supply
• Must declare at customs

Application Process:

• Apply through the Hong Kong Department of Health
• Processing time: 10 working days
• Requires a doctor’s certification

Philippines

Restricted Medications Include:

• All ADHD medications
• Psychotropic substances

Requirements:

• Permit from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration
• Maximum 30-day supply
• Original prescription and medical documents

Application Process:

• Contact the Philippine FDA
• No online application system
• Processing time: 15-20 working days
• Documentation must be authenticated

India

Restricted Medications Include:

• Most ADHD medications
• Psychotropic substances

Requirements:

• No formal permit system
• Maximum 30-day supply
• Original prescription and doctor’s letter mandatory

Special Notes:

• Regulations vary by state
• Some medications may be prohibited entirely
• Consult with the Indian embassy before travel
• Carry detailed medical documentation

Iran

Restricted Medications Include:

• All stimulant medications
• Strict controls on psychotropic substances

Requirements:

• Special permit from Iran Food and Drug Administration
• Maximum 30-day supply
• All documentation must be in Farsi

Application Process:

• Apply through the Iranian embassy
• Processing time: 20-30 days
• Documentation must be legally translated
• Strict enforcement of regulations

General Recommendations

Before Travel

1. Start the application process at least 6 weeks before departure
2. Obtain all required documentation:

• Original prescriptions
• Doctor’s letter detailing:
  • Medical condition
  • Necessity of medication
  • Dosage and duration
  • Doctor’s contact information

1. Consider alternative medications if certain substances are prohibited
2. Make copies of all documentation

During Travel

1. Keep medications in carry-on luggage
2. Maintain all documentation easily accessible
3. Consider bringing a translation of medical documents
4. Have emergency contact numbers for:

• Your doctor
• Embassy in the destination country
• Local medical facilities.

Emergency Situations

• Contact your embassy if medications are confiscated
• Keep a list of local physicians who can prescribe alternative medications
• Have a plan for medical emergencies
• Consider travel insurance that covers prescription-related issues

Important Notes

• Regulations can change without notice
• Some countries may have additional requirements not listed
• Always verify current requirements with official sources
• Consider consulting a travel medicine specialist
• Some medications that are legal in your home country may be illegal in Asian countries.

Resources

• World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance on travelling with medications
• International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) country regulations
• Embassy websites for specific countries
• Your country’s foreign travel advisory service

Always verify requirements with official sources before travel.

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