Medications — Hong Kong
What travelers need to know about medications in Hong Kong. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Medications in Hong Kong: allowed only under specific conditions.
Ordinary medicines are fine in your hand baggage in a reasonable quantity for your own use. But if your medicine is a controlled dangerous drug - strong opioids, higher-strength codeine, ADHD stimulants - you must obtain written approval from the Department of Health Drug Office BEFORE you fly, backed by a signed letter from your prescribing doctor. Allow 10 working days. This applies even if you are only transiting. Carry both documents throughout your stay.
Customs states that passengers are liable to prosecution if prohibited or controlled items are brought into or out of Hong Kong without a valid licence, permit, health certificate or written permission, and that such items are seized and confiscated; the penalty depends on the legislation governing the specific item.
§ Department of Health Drug Office - Frequently Asked Questions; Hong Kong Customs - Controlled ImportsVerified Sep 3, 2026