Bring Medicine
to China
What to pack, what documents to carry, and what first-time visitors should know before traveling with personal medicine.
Quick answer
Visitors may bring a reasonable amount of personal medicine for personal use, but rules can vary by medicine type and ingredient. Keep medicine in original packaging, carry prescriptions or a doctor’s note for prescription medicine, and check official guidance before bringing controlled or special medicine.
What to bring
Your regular medicine
Original packaging
Prescription or doctor's note
Basic medicine list in English
Rx
Prescription medicine
Bring a prescription or doctor’s note, especially for long-term conditions or medicine that may be restricted. For long-term or controlled medicine, check the ingredient name, not only the brand name.
Good practice
Carry only a reasonable amount for personal use.
Special or controlled medicine
Stronger pain medicine, sleeping pills, stimulants, or injectable medicine may require extra caution.
Important
Check official customs or embassy guidance before travel.
Packing tips
1
Keep medicine in carry-on luggage2
Keep labels readable3
Separate liquid medicine if needed4
Carry copies of key documentsCommon medicine categories travelers may prepare
Allergy medicine
Cold / fever medicine
Stomach medicine
Regular daily medicine
Inhaler
Rehydration salts
When to check before travel
Controlled medicine
Injectables / needles
Large quantities
Special medical devices
Medicine containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients
Do
Keep medicine in original packaging
Bring supporting documents
Pack enough for your trip
Avoid
Loose unlabelled pills
Very large quantities
Assuming all medicines are treated the same