Can you bring medication to Hong Kong?

• Controlled medication

  depends on specifics

  A visitor wishing to bring medicine containing dangerous drugs (as defined under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134) must obtain "prior written approval issued by the Drug Office of the Department of Health", supported by a certification letter from the local doctor giving the doctor's name and medical registration number, clinic details, the patient's name and address, and the drug name, dosage form, strength and total quantity, with the doctor's original signature. Processing normally takes 10 working days; carry both the letter and the approval while travelling.

  Customs' list of dangerous drugs includes opium, morphine, heroin, cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines, so amphetamine-based ADHD medication such as Adderall falls in this approval regime (an inference from that list). Which other prescription drugs (for example specific benzodiazepines or methylphenidate brands) are scheduled under Cap. 134 was not confirmed in this pass — ask the Drug Office (tel. +852 2572 2068, pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk) before travelling with them.

  Also covers: controlled substance, narcotic medication, opioid, morphine, codeine, adderall, amphetamine, vyvanse, dangerous drugs, psychotropic medication, stimulant medication

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Drug Office, Department of Health — Frequently Asked Questions (medicines carried by visitors)

• Prescription medication

  allowed, within limits

  "Pharmaceutical products and medicines imported in the personal baggage of a person entering Hong Kong and which are accompanied by him and in a reasonable quantity for his personal use may be exempted from licensing requirement." No numeric day-supply cap is published; "reasonable quantity for personal use" is the test.

  This exemption covers ordinary medicines. Medicines containing dangerous drugs (see the controlled-medication entry for Hong Kong) need prior written approval from the Drug Office. Medicines containing endangered-species ingredients need separate approval under species-protection law.

  Also covers: medication, prescription medicine, medicine, otc medicine, painkillers, antibiotics

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Drug Office, Department of Health — Frequently Asked Questions (medicines carried by visitors)

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history