Can You Bring Prescription Medication to Bali? 2026 Rules

Yes, as long as the medicine is not classed as a narcotic. Ordinary prescription drugs may be brought in for up to 90 days of use, psychotropics (such as benzodiazepine sleeping pills) only by foreign nationals with a prescription, and every narcotic, including amphetamine-based ADHD drugs and codeine products, is banned even with a prescription. The rules come from BPOM (Indonesia's food and drug agency) Regulation No. 27 of 2022 as amended by Regulation No. 28 of 2023 (checked September 2026).

How much can I bring without a prescription?

According to the FAQ of BPOM's drug distribution directorate, limits apply per product type:

• Tablets, capsules, pills: up to 30 per product.
• Creams, ointments, gels: up to 3 packs per product.
• Syrups, drops, suspensions: up to 3 packs per product.
• Aerosols/inhalers: up to 3 units per product.

Above those amounts you need a doctor's prescription, and the quantity is still capped at 90 days of treatment.

What about psychotropic medication?

Psychotropics such as diazepam, alprazolam or zolpidem are allowed for foreign nationals only, with a prescription, and only in passenger baggage (not by post or courier). BPOM sources differ on quantity: the BPOM FAQ says a maximum of 60 days, while BPOM's summary of Regulation 28/2023 quoted in Indonesian media says 90 days. Sixty days is the safe limit.

Which medicines are definitely banned?

• Amphetamine-based ADHD drugs (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Amphetamine is a Class I narcotic in Indonesia. Smartraveller, the Australian government's travel site, states plainly that a prescription does not make them legal.
• Codeine products (some cough syrups and combination painkillers). Codeine is a Class III narcotic under the annex of Law No. 35 of 2009, and BPOM bans all narcotics from being brought in from abroad.
• Strong opioids such as morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl.
• CBD, cannabis oil, hemp and THC products in any form, even if legal at home. Cannabis is a Class I narcotic.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is a different case: Health Ministry Regulation No. 23 of 2020 lists it as a Class II psychotropic, so on paper it falls under the psychotropic rules. Because Smartraveller warns about ADHD medication in general, check with the Indonesian embassy in your country before you pack it.

What about pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine (found in cold medicines like Sudafed) is a tightly controlled pharmaceutical precursor in Indonesia. BPOM's passenger rules do not mention it specifically. The safest options: carry only a modest amount in the original packaging, or buy cold medicine at a local pharmacy after you land.

Which documents should I carry?

• An original prescription or doctor's letter showing your name, the active ingredient (not just the brand), dose and diagnosis. English is not a written BPOM requirement, but it helps officers and Bali clinics recommend it.
• Medicine in its original pharmacy-labelled packaging, not loose in an unlabelled pill box.
• A quantity that matches your stay. Six months of psychotropics for a two-week holiday invites questions.

Do I need to declare it on arrival?

Yes, for psychotropics and large quantities. Since 1 October 2025 the electronic customs declaration (e-CD) has been merged into the All Indonesia arrival card at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id or its app, which you can fill in up to 3 days before arrival. Answer the question on medicines and restricted goods truthfully and have your prescription ready if a customs officer asks. Amounts above the limits are processed with a special BPOM form at the airport. The arrival process at Ngurah Rai is covered in our Ngurah Rai airport guide.

What happens if I'm caught with a banned drug?

Medicine over the limit or without a prescription is usually held and may be destroyed. Narcotics are a criminal matter. Smartraveller warns that drug offences in Indonesia can lead to arrest, prison, fines, deportation or the death penalty, and "it's for medical use" is not accepted without official permission. Never carry medicine for someone else.

What if I run out in Bali?

International clinics in Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud can prescribe a substitute that is legal in Indonesia, for example methylphenidate for ADHD. Bring your old doctor's letter as a reference. Clinics and hospitals are listed in our Bali health and emergency guide. If you extend a visa on arrival, recalculate your supply too; see the VOA extension rules.

Sources: BPOM drug distribution directorate FAQ, BPOM Regulations 27/2022 and 28/2023, Health Ministry Regulation 23/2020, Law 35/2009, and Smartraveller (Australian Government). Drug schedules can change through new ministry regulations, so if in doubt send the active ingredient name to BPOM (WhatsApp +62 812-1298-7545).