The medicine groups to double-check
| Medicine group | Common examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Decongestants | Pseudoephedrine, ephedrine in cold & sinus tablets | Prohibited in Japan even with a prescription |
| Opioid cough & pain medicines | Codeine syrups, tramadol | Controlled in the UAE, Singapore, Thailand and many others |
| Sleeping & anxiety medicines | Benzodiazepines, zolpidem | Psychotropic — limits, prescriptions or permits needed |
| ADHD medicines | Stimulants such as methylphenidate | Banned or strictly controlled in several countries |
Country quick guide
- Japan: medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine are prohibited. Psychotropic medicines above a one-month supply need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho import certificate.
- UAE: narcotic and psychotropic medicines are allowed for up to 3 months’ personal use with a recent prescription; MOHAP offers optional pre-approval.
- Singapore: up to 3 months’ supply of personal medicines is allowed without approval, unless they contain controlled substances — those need HSA approval at least 2 weeks before arrival.
- Thailand: psychotropic medicines up to 30 days’ supply with a prescription; narcotic medicines need a Thai FDA permit applied for at least 15 days before travel.
- Schengen Europe: carry prescriptions; narcotic or psychotropic medicines need a certificate from your doctor.
Always check the official source
Rules change. Confirm with the destination’s health authority or embassy before you travel, especially for controlled medicines.
How to stay safe
- Read the ingredient list on every cold, cough and pain medicine you pack.
- Carry prescriptions and keep medicines in original packaging.
- If you are not sure, ask a doctor for an alternative before you fly — you can use a TravelMed teleconsultation for this.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take cold medicine to Japan?
Only if it does not contain pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, which are prohibited in Japan even with a prescription. Check the ingredient list of every cold and sinus product before packing.
Is codeine cough syrup allowed in the UAE?
Codeine is a controlled medicine in the UAE. It may be carried for personal use only with a valid recent prescription and within quantity limits; pre-approval from MOHAP is recommended.
Do I need approval to bring medicines into Singapore?
Not for up to 3 months’ supply of ordinary personal medicines. Medicines containing controlled substances need HSA approval, applied for at least 2 weeks before arrival.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chitarth Rajasekaran
Founder & Medical Director · MBBS, MS Ortho, DNB Ortho, MRCS (Edin), Fellow in FIJR, FISS
A practising surgeon and frequent traveller, Dr. Chitarth founded TravelMed after a family trip abroad was derailed by a minor illness.
Read his storySources
- U.S. Embassy Japan — Importing medication
- UAE MOHAP — Permit to import medicines for personal use
- HSA Singapore — Travelling with medications
- Thai FDA — Permit for travellers
- INCB — Information for travellers
This article is general information for travellers and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Medicine-import rules change — always confirm with the destination’s official health authority or embassy.
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