Guest guest Posted July 26, 2012 Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 If you transit through Hong Kong your carry-on luggage will be x-rayed using a high-resolution color x-ray scanner. The only thing that the officials have been interested in is my set of diabetic supplies. Specifically, this means insulin in a special cold pack and syringes. If you carry these, the authorities will enter this information into a data base and also alert your onward airline. In my case a United Airlines cabin attendant privately informed me that they had sharps containers (secure needle storage containers) on board if I needed that. My experience was one of being supported, not challenged. It helped that I had a letter in English and Chinese on my HMO letterhead and signed by my PCP indicating that I was an insulin-dependent diabetic and had to carry these materials with me. I had one of my Chinese friends prepare a translation from English to Chinese and email it to me so I could embed it in the letter. It's possible that you could do the same with Google these days. I haven't been in Japan in a long time (except for Narita Airport) so I don't know what the procedures would be there regarding meds. I had no problems transiting through Narita. I suspect that they don't care as long as the meds are legal. A doctor's letter and copy of the prescriptions could be useful and certainly wouldn't hurt. Especially for legal but restricted meds including codeine cough medicines. Please let us know your experience when you return from your trip. Be prepared for sticker shock in Japan. Jerome In a message dated 7/26/2012 12:18:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, eldd59a@... writes: Was wondering if anyone who travels to Japan can tell me if they check your meds when entering the country. I normally just throw all my pills in one container when I travel but this is my first trip to Asia. I have travel to many other countries with no problems. Also should I have a Doctors letter and written prescription for each med. Thanks gw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2012 Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 I travel to Japan every year some time twice a year and I have never had any problem, never been checked.Question what do you mean Be prepared for sticker shock in Japan. ? Mark B From: "solarjerom@..." <solarjerom@...> eldd59a@...; Cc: solarjerom@... Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2012 2:27 PM Subject: Re: Travel to Japan If you transit through Hong Kong your carry-on luggage will be x-rayed using a high-resolution color x-ray scanner. The only thing that the officials have been interested in is my set of diabetic supplies. Specifically, this means insulin in a special cold pack and syringes. If you carry these, the authorities will enter this information into a data base and also alert your onward airline. In my case a United Airlines cabin attendant privately informed me that they had sharps containers (secure needle storage containers) on board if I needed that. My experience was one of being supported, not challenged. It helped that I had a letter in English and Chinese on my HMO letterhead and signed by my PCP indicating that I was an insulin-dependent diabetic and had to carry these materials with me. I had one of my Chinese friends prepare a translation from English to Chinese and email it to me so I could embed it in the letter. It's possible that you could do the same with Google these days. I haven't been in Japan in a long time (except for Narita Airport) so I don't know what the procedures would be there regarding meds. I had no problems transiting through Narita. I suspect that they don't care as long as the meds are legal. A doctor's letter and copy of the prescriptions could be useful and certainly wouldn't hurt. Especially for legal but restricted meds including codeine cough medicines. Please let us know your experience when you return from your trip. Be prepared for sticker shock in Japan. Jerome In a message dated 7/26/2012 12:18:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, eldd59a@... writes: Was wondering if anyone who travels to Japan can tell me if they check your meds when entering the country. I normally just throw all my pills in one container when I travel but this is my first trip to Asia. I have travel to many other countries with no problems. Also should I have a Doctors letter and written prescription for each med. Thanks gw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 I have traveled through the international airport in Tokyo multiple times up until 1.5 years ago. I carry my meds in the plastic containers with the label on the outside in my backpack. The only time I had any problems was with liquids; e.g., nasal spray or cough syrup, and I told them what it was and there was no further issue. This was as a in transit traveler and staying over in Tokyo. Philip --- Re: Travel to Japan Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:27:28 -0400 (EDT) From: solarjerom@... eldd59a@..., CC: solarjerom@... If you transit through Hong Kong your carry-on luggage will be x-rayed using a high-resolution color x-ray scanner. The only thing that the officials have been interested in is my set of diabetic supplies. Specifically, this means insulin in a special cold pack and syringes. If you carry these, the authorities will enter this information into a data base and also alert your onward airline. In my case a United Airlines cabin attendant privately informed me that they had sharps containers (secure needle storage containers) on board if I needed that. My experience was one of being supported, not challenged.  It helped that I had a letter in English and Chinese on my HMO letterhead and signed by my PCP indicating that I was an insulin-dependent diabetic and had to carry these materials with me. I had one of my Chinese friends prepare a translation from English to Chinese and email it to me so I could embed it in the letter. It's possible that you could do the same with Google these days.  I haven't been in Japan in a long time (except for Narita Airport) so I don't know what the procedures would be there regarding meds. I had no problems transiting through Narita. I suspect that they don't care as long as the meds are legal. A doctor's letter and copy of the prescriptions could be useful and certainly wouldn't hurt. Especially for legal but restricted meds including codeine cough medicines.  Please let us know your experience when you return from your trip. Be prepared for sticker shock in Japan.  Jerome  In a message dated 7/26/2012 12:18:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, eldd59a@... writes:  Was wondering if anyone who travels to Japan can tell me if they check your meds when entering the country. I normally just throw all my pills in one container when I travel but this is my first trip to Asia. I have travel to many other countries with no problems. Also should I have a Doctors letter and written prescription for each med. Thanks  gw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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