💊 Bringing medication into Indonesia
Which medicines Indonesia controls strictly, packaging, prescriptions, quantities and how to get a local prescription.
Indonesia treats some medicines far more strictly than most visitors expect.
Treated strictly here
Common Western prescriptions that are controlled or prohibited in Indonesia:
- Strong painkillers: codeine, tramadol, opioids
- ADHD medication: methylphenidate, amphetamine-based
- Some sleep and anxiety medication: certain benzodiazepines
- Anything cannabis-derived, including CBD
The rules
- Keep it in the original labelled packaging. Loose pills in a travel organiser are what cause questions at the border.
- Carry a doctor's letter or prescription in English naming you, the medicine and the dose.
- Bring a personal quantity for your stay only. Large quantities look like importing.
- Check before you fly, not at the border: a substitute prescribed at home is far easier than a problem at Ngurah Rai.
Penalties for controlled substances in Indonesia are severe, and not knowing the classification is no defence. Unsure about a specific medicine? Ask Visio before flying.
Once you are here
- An apotek (pharmacy) fills most everyday needs without a prescription. Kimia Farma and Guardian are the chains you will see everywhere.
- Anything controlled needs a doctor in Indonesia. The fastest route to a local prescription is a private hospital outpatient appointment, e.g. BIMC Hospital Kuta: +62 361 761263.
Verified 17 Aug 2026. Rules change — Visio can check your case on WhatsApp: +62 821 4222 200.