Free Japan Travel Medication & Vaccine Checker
Is Your
Prescription
Illegal in Japan?
Some of your prescriptions could get you arrested at the airport.
Even with a valid US prescription, your medications may be illegal the moment you land. Adderall is banned outright. Sudafed is prohibited. Vyvanse requires a government permit weeks in advance. Check yours before you fly.
Try it — What are you taking?
Japan Drug Import Laws
Common US Medications
Banned or Restricted in Japan
Millions of Americans travel internationally carrying medications that are perfectly legal at home — but classified as controlled or prohibited substances at their destination. Japan’s drug import laws are strict. Consequences range from confiscation to imprisonment.
Prohibited — Cannot Bring
Prohibited under Stimulants Control Act. Cannot be imported even with a prescription.
Prohibited under Cannabis Control Act. Most CBD products (oils, gummies) are treated as high-risk at the border.
Conditional — Permit or Limits Apply
Classified as stimulant raw material. Requires NCD permission before travel.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 2.16 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 72 mg with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 1.2 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 300 mg with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 6 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Narcotic — requires advance NCD import permission. Formulations with ≤1% codeine are excluded.
Stimulant raw material — requires import permit. Also restricted in Advil Cold & Sinus, NyQuil.
Common Questions
Is Adderall legal in Japan?▼
No. Adderall (amphetamine) is prohibited under Japan's Stimulants Control Act. A US prescription does not authorize import — travelers have been detained at customs for personal-use quantities. Speak with your prescriber about Japan-legal alternatives like methylphenidate (Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strattera) before travel.
Is Vyvanse legal in Japan?▼
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is allowed in Japan only with advance Narcotics Control Department (NCD) permission. Apply at least 14 days before arrival with a doctor's letter detailing diagnosis, dosage, and trip length. Elvanse, Venvanse, Aduvanz, and Tyvense are also lisdexamfetamine and require the same permit.
Can I bring Sudafed to Japan?▼
Sudafed containing pseudoephedrine above 10% is restricted and requires an NCD import permit. Most US Sudafed products exceed that threshold. The simplest plan: leave Sudafed at home and buy Pabron or another Japanese cold remedy at any pharmacy.
Can I bring CBD oil or gummies to Japan?▼
Only CBD products certified THC-free AND pre-approved by Japan's NCD are legal. Most US CBD products do not meet this bar and are routinely seized at customs. When in doubt, don't bring any cannabis-derived product.
Real arrests happen every year to travelers carrying legal US prescriptions.
Japanese customs has zero-tolerance policies for carrying medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and codeine. A valid US prescription does not protect you in Japan.
3 Steps · Under 60 Seconds
How MedPassport Works
MedPassport cross-references your medications against Japan’s drug import laws and provides required vaccine recommendations for entry. Get a personalized action plan with everything you need to prepare.
Check What You’re Bringing
Medications
Instantly check 1,000+ prescriptions and OTC drugs against Japan’s official drug import database: banned, permit required, or allowed status instantly.
Vaccines
Match Japan-specific vaccines against live CDC advisory data — including seasonal forecasts and custom recommendations.
Get Your Personalized Action Plan
Action Items
Leave at home, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei, or just bring it — each med with the specific Japanese law cited and preparation timeline.
Alerts
When your prescribed medication cannot be brought, we call out which ones require a doctor substitute conversation with your provider.
Download & Prepare
Forms & Resources
Doctor letter template, pre-departure checklist, PDF packing or printing on your plan.
Pharmacies
Locate CDC-certified vaccination centers and travel health clinics near you by ZIP code.
More Destinations on the Way
We’re expanding MedPassport to cover more countries with strict medication import laws. Stay tuned.
Data Sources
Data compiled from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Narcotics Control Department, Controlled Substances List dated 12 December 2024, and the US FDA Orange Book (March 2026).
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Japanese embassy or the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before travel.