Checked 14 October 2026 · Independent guide by East&Well.
Short answer
Taking other medicines too? Check them all for your trip
The rule
Prescription medicines: you can bring up to a one-month supply for your own use with no paperwork.
What to do
More than a month’s supply needs an Import Confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho, once called “Yakkan Shoumei”) before you leave home. The US Embassy suggests carrying a copy of your prescription.
Sources
Japan’s health ministry (MHLW): bringing medicines for personal use; US Embassy in Japan: bringing medicine into Japan
Checked 14 October 2026
The rule
Ordinary medicines: up to 6 bottles or a 3-month supply. You must be able to show they’re for your own use: a prescription, a medical certificate or the pharmacy label.
What to do
Keep them in the original packaging. You may be asked for a receipt.
Sources
Korean government notice: bringing medicines into Korea; US Embassy in Korea: controlled substances
Checked 14 October 2026
The rule
China lists tramadol as a Category II psychotropic. You may bring an amount that fits your prescription; there’s no set number.
What to do
Carry your prescription or a diagnosis certificate from your doctor, and declare it to customs (the red channel).
The same medicine, as it’s written in each country. Not yet checked by a pharmacist.
Prescription medicines: you can bring up to a one-month supply for your own use with no paperwork. More than a month’s supply needs an Import Confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho, once called “Yakkan Shoumei”) before you leave home. The US Embassy suggests carrying a copy of your prescription.
Ordinary medicines: up to 6 bottles or a 3-month supply. You must be able to show they’re for your own use: a prescription, a medical certificate or the pharmacy label. Keep them in the original packaging. You may be asked for a receipt.
China lists tramadol as a Category II psychotropic. You may bring an amount that fits your prescription; there’s no set number. Carry your prescription or a diagnosis certificate from your doctor, and declare it to customs (the red channel).
What this page is
A plain summary of each government’s own rules, with links, checked 14 October 2026.
What it isn’t
Legal or medical advice. Rules change, and the officer at the border has the final say.