Important Notice Regarding Bringing Medications into the Philippines
ㅇ When entering the Philippines, please be aware that even if you are carrying medication for personal medical treatment, it may be subject to restrictions if it contains substances classified as "Dangerous Drugs" or "Controlled Substances" in the Philippines. Korean citizens traveling with prescription medication must verify whether the ingredients of their medication are included in the Philippine list of controlled substances.
ㅇ The Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) publishes a list of controlled substances* as of July 20, 2026. This list includes not only narcotic painkillers but also certain sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications, ADHD treatments, anesthetics, and ingredients found in some cold medicines.
※ Please refer to the attached DDB document for the full list of restricted medication ingredients.
ㅇ If you are entering the Philippines with cold medicine, allergy medication, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, ADHD medication, or painkillers, it is crucial to check the generic name of the ingredients rather than just the brand name.
■ Procedures for Entering the Philippines with Restricted Medications
1. For a 30-day supply or less
ㅇ Under DDB regulations, travelers carrying "Dangerous Drugs" or "controlled chemicals" for medical treatment must prepare the following:
※ All documents must be in English.
- A medical certificate or doctor's note (explaining the medical purpose)
- A prescription stating the brand name and generic name of the medication
- The medication must be in its original packaging with proper labeling, and the quantity should be reasonable for personal medical use only.
2. For more than a 30-day supply
ㅇ In addition to the documents required for a "30-day supply or less," you must also prepare the following:
- Permit documents from the relevant authorities in your country of departure
- PDEA permit documents (Applications for PDEA permits must be submitted in writing at least 30 days prior to arrival)
※ This information is based on publicly available data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Bureau of Customs, and other relevant authorities. If you need to bring medication into the Philippines, please check the official websites of the relevant Philippine agencies in advance to confirm whether your medication is permitted to avoid any inconvenience or legal issues.
(Related Links)
ㅇ Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board - https://ddb.gov.ph/
ㅇ Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board Regulations - https://ddb.gov.ph//images/Board_Regulation/2014/BD.REG1.14.pdf
ㅇ Philippine Bureau of Customs - https://customs.gov.ph/restricted-and-prohibited-items
📎 Attachments: (Attachment 1) 2026_7-Updated-Lists-of-controlled-substances.pdf, (Attachment 2) Board Regulation No.1 Series of 2014(DDB).pdf — Available for download from the original source below.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, Overseas Safety Information · Posted on 2026-09-07 · Korea Open Government License Type 1 (Attribution Required)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346439
