Leaving Thailand with medication

The short version

• Narcotic medicines (Schedules II–III) need a Thai FDA permit to leave Thailand, as well as to enter. Up to 90 days’ supply.
• Psychotropic medicines: the Thai FDA guidance covers travel “into/out of” Thailand. Carry your prescription, and get a permit for more than 30 days’ supply.
• Ordinary medicines: no Thai permit. Your destination’s rules decide what you can bring in.

Thai rules on departure

The Thai FDA’s guidance is titled for travellers carrying controlled medicines “into/out of Thailand”. It says:

• Narcotics, Schedules II and III: travellers may carry up to 90 days’ supply as prescribed, and must get a permit “at least 15 days before traveling to or out of Thailand”.
• Psychotropics, Schedules II–IV: up to 30 days’ supply with a certificate or prescription from the prescribing doctor. For 31–90 days, a permit is needed. The guidance says to apply at least 15 days before your “arrival or departure date”.

The guidance doesn’t spell out every departure case for psychotropics. If you are leaving with more than 30 days’ supply of one, email the Thai FDA Narcotics Control Division at tnarcotics@fda.moph.go.th before you travel.

Check your medicine’s category on DrugsThailand or in the controlled drugs list.

Medicines you bought in Thailand

If a Thai doctor prescribed a controlled medicine, it counts the same as one you brought in: the permit rules apply to the quantity you carry out. For any medicine bought in Thailand:

• Keep the pharmacy label, receipt and prescription or a letter from the Thai doctor.
• Keep the medicine in its original packaging. Thai packs often show the generic name in English.
• Know the generic name. Thai brand names may mean nothing to customs officers at home.

Your destination’s rules

Many medicines that are legal in Thailand are restricted elsewhere, and the reverse. Before you fly:

• Check the destination’s embassy or health ministry website for personal-import limits. Many countries cap personal imports at around three months’ supply.
• Look up your medicine on the Thai FDA’s list of substances banned by other countries.
• Declare medicines if the destination asks you to. Undeclared controlled medicines can lead to confiscation or worse.

Transiting through another country

A layover can count as entering a country, especially if you collect bags or change terminals. Check the rules for every country you pass through, not just your final destination.

Departure checklist

• Is any medicine a Thai narcotic? Get a departure permit at least 15 days ahead.
• More than 30 days of a psychotropic? Check with the Thai FDA.
• Prescriptions, receipts and permits in your hand luggage.
• Destination and transit rules checked.

For arriving in Thailand, see bringing medication to Thailand.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to take medicine out of Thailand?

For narcotic medicines in Schedules II and III (such as codeine, oxycodone or lisdexamfetamine), yes. The Thai FDA requires a permit for travel to or out of Thailand, applied for at least 15 days before departure. Ordinary medicines don’t need a Thai permit.

Can I take medicine I bought in Thailand home?

Thai FDA traveller permits apply only to narcotic and psychotropic medicines. For any medicine, your home country’s import rules apply when you arrive. Many countries limit personal imports to a few months’ supply, and some ban medicines that are legal in Thailand.

Do I need a new permit to leave if I had one to enter?

The Thai FDA permit application asks for your arrival or departure date. Check that your permit covers your whole trip, or ask the Thai FDA Narcotics Control Division at tnarcotics@fda.moph.go.th.

Sources

• Thai FDA: guidance for travellers carrying narcotic or psychotropic medicines
• Thai FDA: Permit for Traveller
• Thai FDA: list of substances banned by other countries (PDF)

General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the Thai FDA before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.