Healthcare & medicine

Can I bring anxiety medication into Japan?

DEPENDS

It depends on the anxiety medicine. Many benzodiazepines are controlled psychotropics with ingredient-specific quantity rules, while other anti-anxiety medicines follow ordinary prescription import limits.

VerifiedExact primary sourceLast checked: 18 Aug 2026

What you need to know

Requirements & exceptions
  • Check the generic name and amount with the NCD list.
  • Exceeding a controlled threshold can require advance permission.
  • A foreign prescription is useful evidence but does not override Japanese controlled-drug law.
Documents
  • Passport/ID
  • Insurance information if applicable
Likely cost
No standard customs fee for lawful personal-use quantities, but medical certificates, translations, Import Confirmation/NCD documentation and replacement medicines may create costs.
Where to act
MHLW / Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare for Import Confirmation; Narcotics Control Department separately for controlled substances.

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