Safety Notice Regarding Bringing Medication into the Philippines (Cebu)
< Background >
ㅇ We are issuing this safety notice to prevent similar incidents for citizens traveling to the Philippines (Cebu). Recently, some of our citizens were detained and later released after being found carrying prescription medication (narcotic painkillers) without following the proper verification procedures, which led to the confiscation of their medication.
ㅇ The Philippines strictly regulates the use, possession, and transport of narcotics and psychotropic substances under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, the 'Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002' (see Attachment 1 for the full text). Therefore, extra caution is required when bringing prescription drugs into the country.
< Key Points >
Please ensure you check the following three items before your departure:
1. Confirm the Generic Name of the prescription medication you are taking.
2. Check if the substance is listed as a controlled substance by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) of the Philippines.
3. If it is a controlled substance, you must carry your prescription and a doctor's note (in English). Additionally, check with the DDB and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in advance to see if prior authorization is required for entry.
< Medications Requiring Special Caution >
ㅇ Painkillers and Anesthetics: Codeine, Tramadol, Morphine, Fentanyl / Sedatives and Sleeping Pills: Diazepam, Alprazolam, Zolpidem, Midazolam / ADHD Medication: Methylphenidate / Cold Medicine Ingredients: Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine / Anesthetic Adjuncts: Ketamine
ㅇ These are only representative examples. Please check the full list of controlled substances on the official Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) website. (See Attachment 2 for the list of controlled substances as of July 2025.)
< Entry Procedures >
1. For small quantities (up to a 30-day supply)
- A medical certificate from your doctor or an English note explaining the purpose of the treatment.
- A prescription in English stating the brand name and generic name of the medication.
- The medication must be in its original packaging with the label containing the drug information clearly attached.
- The quantity must be appropriate for the duration of your stay (maximum of 30 days).
2. For large quantities (exceeding a 30-day supply)
- Prior authorization, such as a 'Clearance for Personal Use' or 'Certificate of Exemption', is required from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) before arrival.
- If considered a commercial import, a formal Import Permit and relevant licenses are required.
※ See Attachment 3 for the 'Guidelines for International Travelers Carrying Dangerous Drugs' issued by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as of January 2025.
< Important Notes >
This information is based on data publicly available from Philippine authorities such as the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as of the date of this notice. Please ensure you check the latest information on the respective agencies' websites before your trip. If you have specific questions or require further clarification, please contact the relevant authorities directly to avoid any inconvenience.
< Related Links >
ㅇ Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) : https://ddb.gov.ph
ㅇ Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
(1) Website : https://www.foi.gov.ph/agencies/pdea
(2) License Application System : https://rcs.prod.pdea.gov.ph
ㅇ Bureau of Customs : https://customs.gov.ph
📎 Attachments: IRR-of-RA-9165.pdf, Updated-Lists-of-controlled-substances-as-of-July-2025.pdf, Revised-Guidelines-for-International-Travelers-Carrying-Dangerous-Drugs_13Jan2025.pdf — Available for download from the original source below.
Source: Overseas Safety Information, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines · Posted on 2026-09-08 · Korea Open Government License Type 1 (Attribution required)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346440
