Is Vyvanse Legal in Japan?
NCD permit required
Vyvanse contains Lisdexamfetamine and requires a Narcotics Control Department (NCD) import permit before travel to Japan. The permit application must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival, supported by a doctor's letter listing your diagnosis, dosage, and trip length. Vyvanse cannot be brought into Japan with just a foreign prescription.
Japan status
Permit Required
Quantity threshold
Not applicable
Substance class
Stimulant Raw Material
Why is Vyvanse controlled in Japan?
Lisdexamfetamine is classified as a Stimulant Raw Material under Japan's Stimulants Control Act because it metabolizes into amphetamine. Unlike amphetamine itself, it is not outright prohibited — but it requires advance NCD permission before travel.
How to apply for the NCD import permit
- 1Apply for the NCD import permit at least 14 days before your arrival date.
- 2Doctor's letter (dated within 3 months) must list: your full name, diagnosis, medical necessity, drug name, strength, daily dose, and the prescribing doctor's signature.
- 3Attach photos of original packaging showing drug name and strength.
- 4You must carry the import certificate with you and present it at customs — not in checked baggage.
Application form: Submit through the Japan Narcotics Control Department (NCD).
NCD import permit applicationLegal alternatives in Japan
Discuss these with your prescriber before travel. Switching medications mid-trip is not advisable.
Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)
Permit-conditional psychotropic — allowed up to 2.16 g without permit.
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Non-controlled — available with regular prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vyvanse legal in Japan?▼
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is allowed in Japan only with advance Narcotics Control Department (NCD) permission. The application must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival, with a doctor's letter detailing diagnosis, dosage, and trip length.
How long does the Vyvanse permit application take?▼
Plan for 2-4 weeks. The NCD requires the application, a doctor's letter dated within 3 months, and photos of the original packaging. Apply as early as possible — last-minute permits are rarely granted.
Can I bring Elvanse from Europe to Japan?▼
Yes, with the same NCD permit. Elvanse, Venvanse, Aduvanz, and Tyvense are all brand names for lisdexamfetamine and are treated identically by Japanese customs.
What if I can't get a permit in time?▼
Do not travel with Vyvanse without the permit — customs will seize it and may detain you. Speak with your prescriber about a temporary switch to a Japan-permit-conditional medication like methylphenidate or non-controlled atomoxetine.
Related medications
Lisdexamfetamine is classified as a Stimulant Raw Material under Japan's Stimulants Control Act because it metabolizes into amphetamine. Unlike amphetamine itself, it is not outright prohibited — but it requires advance NCD permission before travel.
Amphetamine is a Schedule I stimulant under Japan's Stimulants Control Act. The law makes no exception for foreign prescriptions — possession, even of small amounts in original pharmacy packaging, is treated as a criminal offense at the border.
Methylphenidate is a Schedule I psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. At 54 mg/day for 30 days, you would carry 1.62 g — well below the 2.16 g threshold, so no permit is needed for a typical 30-day supply.
Check your full travel kit
Vyvanse is just one medication — most travelers carry several. Our free checker reviews your entire prescription list against Japan’s import rules.
Check all my medicationsSource: MHLW Narcotics Control Department — Controlled Substances List (12 Dec 2024). Page last reviewed 2026-05-31 by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD). Regulations change — verify with the MHLW Narcotics Control Department before travel. This page is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your prescribing physician or from a Japanese customs authority.