Tips for patients traveling with medication to Japan
The following article discusses important information for patients traveling to Japan.
Overview
- Japan is strict with import of "stimulant" medications; even small amounts should be documented and declared
- You should try to start this process 3-4 weeks before your arrival in Japan to give the authorities enough time to evaluate and respond
Process
- Fill out the application for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, which is an import form (you'll need to fill out at least Form 12 and Form 13)
- Collect receipts for your medication (a web printout of your pharmacy account is fine - make sure it has the price and date)
- Have your prescriber write you a short note with your diagnosis, what you are being prescribed (medication name and dosage) along with most recent appointment dates to show doctor-patient relationship
- Email the application, doctor's note, prescription, and receipt to the relevant authority for your entry prefecture; 90% of the time if you're coming from the US you'll be flying into Haneda or Narita, which is yakkan@mhlw.go.jp
- If you're bringing less than a 14-day supply, they may say that you don't need to get a formal Yunyu Kakunin-sho; print that message and the entire email thread out as well as all your application package and bring it for border control anyways
Before leaving
- Print out everything in duplicate; border control officers may want to keep hard copies for filing
- Prepare an entry document at vjw.digital.go.jp
- Answer YES to "Do you presently have in your possession narcotics, marijuana, opium, stimulants, or other controlled substances, firearms, crossbow, swords, explosives or other such items?"
- Screenshot the QR code it gives you for the entry document in case you don't have cell service when you land
- Pack your medication and all of your documentation in your CARRYON bag for easy accessibility
- Keep your medication in the original bottle you got from the pharmacy displaying the information
- Important: make sure the number of pills you bring match the number you put in your Yunyu- Kakunin-sho application
Upon arrival
- You'll scan the QR code at customs; an officer will pull you aside and ask you what you are importing and the documentation
- Hand them the documentation and the pill bottle with your medication inside
- Provided everything looks fine, you'll be waved through
Please reach out to your prescriber if you have any further questions.
