Important Notice Regarding Bringing Medications into the Philippines
ㅇ When entering the Philippines, even if you are taking medication for medical treatment, there may be restrictions on bringing it in if it contains ingredients classified as dangerous drugs or controlled substances in the Philippines. Therefore, Korean citizens entering with prescription drugs must ensure whether the relevant medication ingredients are included in the Philippine controlled substances list.
ㅇ The Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board (hereinafter referred to as DDB) has published 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 cold medicine ingredients.
※ DDB publication materials containing the list of restricted medication ingredients are attached separately.
ㅇ When entering the Philippines with cold medicine, allergy medication, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, ADHD treatments, painkillers, etc., it is important to check the generic name rather than the brand name.
■ Procedures for entering the Philippines with restricted medications
1. 30-day supply or less
ㅇ According to DDB regulations, travelers entering with Dangerous Drugs or controlled chemicals for medical treatment must prepare the following:
※ All materials must be prepared in English.
- A medical certificate / referral letter from the attending physician (explaining the medical purpose)
- A medical prescription stating the brand name and generic name of the medication
- Medications must be in their original containers with proper labeling, and only in a reasonable quantity necessary for personal treatment.
2. Exceeding a 30-day supply
ㅇ In addition to the documents required for a "30-day supply or less," the following documents must be prepared:
- Permit documents from the competent authority of the country of departure
- PDEA permit documents (Applications for PDEA permits must be submitted in writing at least 30 days prior to entry)
※ As this reference material is compiled based on publicly available data from sources such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Customs, if you need to bring medications before entering the Philippines, please be sure to check the announcements on the official websites of the relevant Philippine agencies in advance and verify directly whether bringing the medications is permitted to avoid any disadvantages.
(Related Links)
ㅇ Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - 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
※ Refer to the attached file on the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines (https://www.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346439&page=1
)
#EmbassyOfTheRepublicOfKoreaInThePhilippines
Source: Korean Community Association Central Luzon Band · Posted on 2026-09-07
https://band.us/band/68401773/post/4414
