Bringing Medication to Japan? Get Your Prescriptions Translated Before Your Trip
Japan has strict medication rules, and you may need to explain what you're carrying at customs.
Check My Medication is a free tool to see if your prescription needs translation. Start My Translation begins the paid translation — a free quote is sent before any work begins.
These Medications Often Raise Questions at Japanese Customs
Japan's medication rules are based on active ingredients, not just brand names. This means even common prescriptions that are legal in your home country may be prohibited or strictly controlled.
In some cases, your medication may be delayed, questioned, or confiscated, and additional customs screening may occur. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation as some medications may require approval before being brought into Japan.
ADHD medications are either tightly controlled or completely banned, with serious legal consequences for violations.
Bringing more than the allowed supply into Japan can require import approval, even when the medication itself is allowed.
Travellers carrying insulin, glucose monitors, or diabetes supplies may need to explain these medical devices at customs.
Medication that requires syringes, injection pens, or needles can raise questions during airport screening.
Antidepressants and mood stabilisers may have quantity limits or documentation requirements, depending on the medication.
Anxiety and sleep medications often have strict limits, typically a one-month supply, or require approval.
Which Medical Documents Should Be Translated?
For most travellers, translation involves just a few key medical documents.
Prescriptions show the medication name, dosage, and prescribing doctor. Translating this helps customs officials or doctors understand what medication you are carrying.
Letters from your doctor explain why the medication has been prescribed and how it should be used.
Medical reports provide additional context about ongoing treatment or health conditions.
Lab results or medical records help explain a condition or confirm the medication being used.
Why Use Our Medical Translation Service?
Customs officers need clear details they can check quickly — including what the medication is, why you need it, and whether the information matches your prescription. This is where machine translation often lets travellers down.
- ✓Specialised medical and pharmaceutical index of 1,000+ verified terms
- ✓Human editor review for clarity and accuracy
- ✓Translations clearly show the medication name, active ingredients, and dosage
- ✓Documents are easier to verify at customs inspection
- ✓Reduces risk of confiscation, delays, or misunderstandings at entry
Customs officers must be able to understand your prescription — including the medication name, active ingredients, dosage, and medical necessity. MedicTranslate ensures all key details are clearly shown and verifiable.
Hear From Other Travellers
Traveling to Japan with my son's ADHD medication had me stressed for weeks. Getting his doctor's letter and prescription translated was the only way to know we were doing it right. Customs was smooth and I wasn't anxious the whole flight wondering if we'd get stopped.
I'm 71 and I travel with a small pharmacy — blood pressure, heart tablets, the lot. I uploaded the documents from my doctor and the translations came back quickly. Very straightforward process and I strongly recommend.
My sister had her meds confiscated at Narita airport last year. It ruined the first two days of her trip. I uploaded my prescription to MedicTranslate and walked straight through customs without a hitch.
We'd love to feature your experience. Real reviews help other travellers make confident decisions before visiting Japan.
Get Your Documents Translated in 4 Simple Steps
Upload your prescriptions, doctor's letters, or other medical documents for review.
Our team reviews your documents and sends a translation quote. No payment required at this stage.
Once you approve the quote, we begin preparing your medical translations.
Receive your PDF — ready to present at customs or share with doctors in Japan.
We translate prescriptions so customs officers can clearly understand your medication.
When It Comes to Medical Documents, Google Translate Isn't Enough.