If you’re planning a holiday but aren’t feeling well, you may think you can simply take medication with you. But you need to check the rules on the country you’re visiting as this may not be allowed.
The Foreign Office said some medicines that are legal in the UK could be illegal abroad. According to GOV.UK, the classification and regulation of certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs can differ from country to country – with Japan being one of them.
They note: “It is illegal to carry some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines under Japan’s strictly enforced law on anti-stimulant drugs.”
This includes:
- Vicks inhalers
- medicines for allergies and sinus problems
- cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine
- some over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine
The government officials note: “Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for these offences. If you’re travelling with medication, check its status with the Japanese Embassy in the UK.” Around 437,000 Brits travelled to Japan in 2024, according to the Mirror.
When in the country, in the event of an emergency, dial 119 to request an ambulance. If you’re taken to a medical facility for treatment, make sure to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Before travelling to Japan, it’s also important to check their passport validity rules.
The rules at present are that your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is required and you will need to ensure your passport has a blank page for your visa stamp. They further warn: “You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.”
Currently, there are no urgent situations ongoing. The Foreign Office says that “civil disturbance and violent demonstrations are rare in Japan.” However, there are occasionally pro-nationalist demonstrations that display hostility toward foreign nations. If you encounter a protest, leave the area immediately is the official advice.