Hello everyone, I have a couple of questions regarding medication and medical device while visiting Japan. I want to preface my question that I have already visited Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan website and read (what I believe is the entirety) about the rules regarding medication and medical equipment. I just want to get confirmation of what I read is correct from anyone who has experiences bringing either or both into Japan. Here is my question: for our upcoming 14-day trip to Japan (including a cruise), a family member will be bringing some medication. I carefully check the lists on the MHLW website and found 2 medications (or anxiety) belonging to the psychotropic category (not narcotics nor stimulants). We will only be brining 14 days supply (which is under the 30 day limit). I want to confirm that since it’s only for 14 days, we will NOT NEED TO apply for “Yunyu Kakunin-sho”. Also, we are brining ONE CPAP machine for sleep apnea, can i confirm that we also don’t need to apply for either the “Yunyu Kakunin-sho” nor the “yakkan shoumei” for just ONE machine. Finally, for the Visit Japan Web, will i need to declare we are bringing psychotropic for our trip. Anyone with knowledge and/or experience with these, we’d really appreciate your advice. Thank you.
2 Comments
Hi JD! 👋
Do you mind if we convert this to a discussion? It will likely reach more people that way.
Hi
Just saw this. For a CPAP machine, from what I understand, it is medical equipment and not medication so it is not an issue. I had a friend with one in Japan mention there is no issue with immigration but you likely want to let the airline know if you plan to use it onboard (to be sure you get a seat with power etc).
As for the medication… no one here should give legal advice of a “yes” as we aren’t members of immigration or legal affairs and don’t want to be liable for an incorrect answer. I would suggest you contact MHLW and ask directly. They can give you an official answer you can be confident in (keep the reply on hand!) and if you do need to start filling out form they are the ones to talk to and can get you started on that. You could also try your country’s embassy in Japan or the Japanese embassy in your country as they can point you on the proper path.
I’m sorry if my answer is a bit vague, but it really is an issue where we point you to where to ask, but not give an answer that gives you false confidence… and potentially put you on the wrong side of the law if we are wrong.
