ADHD Travel Checklist
We have created a specially curated ADHD travel checklist to ensure that your travel planning is timely and streamlined. This checklist will ensure that you have everything you need to successfully bring your ADHD Medications to Japan.
ADHD Travel Checklist
Step One - Are My ADHD Medications Legal in Japan?
Is your ADHD medication legal in Japan? Check out our ADHD Medication in Japan article to find out the legality of your medications and whether or not you will need to fill out an application for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Japanese medication import certificate) for your medications.
Step Two - Coordinate with your Doctor
The next step for planning your trip to Japan with medication is to coordinate with your healthcare provider. We have provided a list of the materials you might need for the import process in our article Doctor’s Notes and More. We recommend scheduling a telehealth or in-person appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to ensure that planning your trip to Japan goes as smoothly as possible.
Depending on the legality of your ADHD medication in Japan, it might be worth it to talk to your doctor about other alternative ADHD medications that are legal in Japan. It is important to talk to your doctor about your travel timeline and medication refills to ensure that you will have enough of your medication for the duration of your trip.
Step Three - Complete the Japan Import Certificate Process
This step is optional depending on the legality of your medication in Japan (see ADHD Medication in Japan). Most ADHD medications do require the use of an import certificate. Japan uses the Yunyu Kakunin-sho Application System. In order to make sure the import process runs smoothly, it is imperative that you have the proper documentation. We have included a step-by-step guide to navigating the application process on our Japan Import Certificate Tips page.
Step Four - Preparing your Documents
After you have completed the import certificate application, the Japanese government will send a copy of your import certificate to your email inbox within a few days. Be sure to check your spam folder as well to ensure that you receive the documentation.
It is best practice to print your Import Certificate, as well as a copy of your itinerary, doctor’s note, and prescriptions. Ensure that you have all your documents printed and available for the customs officer to reference when you enter the country. The documents do not need to be in Japanese.
Once you have all your documentation, it is recommended that you store it in a waterproof file folder to ensure your documents do not get folded or damaged during your trip. We recommend this waterproof file folder from Amazon.
Step Five - Packing your Medication for your Trip
When packing your medications for your trip to Japan, it is important to remember to store your prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. It might be tempting to bring your medications in a pill counter, but doing so could actually hinder your import process when going through customs, as the customs officer will most likely not be able to identify the individual pills without their containers. However, it is good practice to store all your medication bottles in one place- preferably a small travel bag like this compact medication bottle organizer from Amazon.
Optional- Pack Fidget Toys
Anyone who has traveled before knows that sitting on a plane for long hours can get tedious, and for many people with ADHD, it is hard to sit still. We have created a specially curated list of fidgets and other toys for people of all ages to help pass the time and make the plane ride a little more fun.
Step Six - Declaring your Medication at Customs
When you land in Japan, you will be asked to declare your medications at customs. Now is the time for you to give you import certificate to the customs officer. During his or her inspection of your import certificate, the customs officer may ask you to take out your individual prescriptions to inspect. Be patient and cooperative, and answer any questions the customs officer has to the best of your ability. Once the customs officer has finished their inspection, you will be free to go along your way. Congratulations! You have successfully brought your ADHD medicationt to Japan!