International travel with kids
Can You Bring Your Kids’ Medications on an International Trip?
Usually yes, in their original labeled bottles with a copy of the prescription. Japan is strict: stimulant ADHD medicines like Adderall are banned even with a prescription, Sudafed and other pseudoephedrine products aren’t allowed, and more than a one month supply of prescription medicine needs an import certificate.
This is the one I check for every family going to Japan. ADHD medicine is the big one. If your child takes Adderall or another stimulant, talk to your doctor months before the trip, not the week before.
Every trip
How I’d pack medicine
- Original labeled bottles
- A copy of each prescription
- A letter from your doctor with the medicine, the dose and why it’s needed
- Enough for the trip plus a few extra days
- Everything in your carry on
- Children’s fever and pain medicine you already know. Brands and doses differ abroad
Japan
The rules that surprise families
Adderall and other stimulants
Amphetamine based ADHD medicines are banned in Japan, even with a US prescription. Ask your doctor about options well ahead.
Sudafed and cold medicines with pseudoephedrine
Pack a different cold medicine, or buy one there.
More than a month of prescriptions
You need an import certificate, the Yunyu Kakunin-sho. It can take up to three weeks.
Codeine and other controlled medicines
Need permission in advance. Apply at least 14 days before you travel.
Everywhere else
Check before you go
Rules change by country. Some European countries want a certificate for controlled medicines like ADHD meds. The country’s embassy website is the place to check, and your pharmacist can help.
“I sort the order of the cities, the trains, and hotels that actually fit five people. And I’m there if something goes sideways.”
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Former social studies teacher, mom of three, 60+ countries.
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More answers
More for your first international trip
Quick answers
Can I bring Adderall to Japan?
No. Amphetamine based ADHD medicines like Adderall are banned in Japan, even with a prescription. Talk to your doctor well before you go.
Can I bring Sudafed to Japan?
No. Cold medicines with pseudoephedrine aren’t allowed. Pack a different one or buy one there.
How much medicine can I bring to Japan?
Up to a one month supply of prescription medicine and two months of over the counter medicine without paperwork.
What is a Yunyu Kakunin-sho?
Japan’s import certificate for bringing more medicine than the limit. It can take up to three weeks, so apply early.
Should medicine go in checked bags?
No. Keep it in your carry on in the original bottles, so it’s with you if a bag gets lost.
Do I need a doctor’s letter for my child’s medicine?
It’s a good idea. Include the medicine, the dose and why your child takes it.
Keep planning: International travel with kids, step by step, more travel questions, answered. Medicine rules last checked October 2026. Always check the current rules for your destination.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices, fees and processing times last checked October 2026 and change often.
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