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Doctor's letter for Japan

The official sources recorded for Japan say what a medical certificate and a doctor's letter must state, and the items differ by document and by medicine, as set out below.

These are the requirements for arriving in Japan, as this site's record of its official sources holds them. Each document below links the source it comes from. Which class each ADHD medicine falls into is on the Japan country page.

ADHD medication rules last checked 6 Oct 2026

What does the medical certificate have to state?

For lisdexamfetamine only.

The source asks it to state

  • The diagnosis or condition
  • The generic (INN) name of each medicine
  • The strength of each medicine

Issued within the last three months. Japan will reject a letter that only says the medicine is for personal use: it has to name your condition and why you need the medicine.

Main public source for Japan

What does the doctor's letter have to state?

For methylphenidate only.

The source asks it to state

  • The diagnosis or condition
  • The generic (INN) name of each medicine
  • The strength of each medicine
  • The total quantity carried

Only above 2.16 g of methylphenidate, or for injections. Below that Japan asks for no certificate and no permission, though carrying your prescription is still sensible.

Source

What else does the record list?

Besides the documents above, the record for Japan lists: Import permit: Application to import stimulants' raw materials; Photographs of your medication; Proof of address; Visa or proof of your length of stay; Import permit: Yakkan Shoumei, the import confirmation certificate. The Japan country page explains each of them and which medicines they apply to.

Related pages

Reviewed 6 Oct 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Japan authority or its embassy before you travel.

This page lists what official sources ask for. It is information only, not legal or medical advice, and it does not suggest what a doctor should write or certify: the prescriber decides that from their own assessment of the patient. The traveller and the prescriber should confirm current requirements with the authority concerned before travel. See also the disclaimer.