Can you bring codeine 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.

  Get prior written approval from Hong Kong's Drug Office

  Who to apply to

  Drug Office, Department of Health

  How long it takes

  Normally 10 working days once all the documents are received

  What you'll need

  • A certification letter from the doctor who prescribes the medicine, with: the doctor's full name and medical registration number; the clinic's name and address; the date of the letter; your full name and home address; and, for each controlled medicine, its name, dosage form, strength and total quantity. It must carry the doctor's original signature. The Drug Office links a sample letter.

  Steps

  1. Ask your doctor for the certification letter, using the Drug Office's sample format.
  2. Apply to the Drug Office for prior written approval. Its FAQ gives no application form or channel, so contact it first (tel. +852 2572 2068, pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk).
  3. Allow at least 10 working days for processing once your documents are complete.

  At the border: Carry the doctor's certification letter and the Drug Office's written approval while you enter and stay in Hong Kong.

  Source Drug Office, Department of Health — Frequently Asked Questions (medicines carried by visitors)Procedure checked 2026-10-14

  Doctor's letter checklist

  Only what Hong Kong's rule asks the letter or prescription to include. Tick each one off with your doctor.

  • A certification letter from your doctor with the doctor's name and medical registration number, and clinic details
  • Your name and address
  • The drug name, dosage form, strength and total quantity
  • The doctor's original signature

  Copy the list for your doctor

  Source Drug Office, Department of Health — Frequently Asked Questions (medicines carried by visitors)Checked against the official source on 2026-10-18

  If you're only changing planes here Applies in transit too

  You need the Drug Office's approval even if you're only transiting through Hong Kong.

  Transit rule: Drug Office, Department of Health — Frequently Asked Questions (medicines carried by visitors) · Checked against the source on 2026-10-14

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

  Download border card (PDF)

  Source Drug Office, Department of Health — Frequently Asked Questions (medicines carried by visitors)Checked against the source on 2026-10-18

Check your specific trip →|All medication rules for Hong Kong →

Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. Not medical advice. Don't stop or change a medicine because of a travel rule without talking to your doctor. See update history