Prescription medication

Question

Good day....

We are US Citizens and my spouse takes Clonazepam as prescribed by neurologist.

We are traveling through Asia for 2 months and our first leg of the trip brings us to Hong Kong as we will depart from there for a 12 night cruise. We intend to fly to Hong Kong and stay 4 nights.

We have a letter from the prescribing physician and will travel with the pills in the prescription bottle.

I am seeking clarification for Hong Kong.

I know for Singapore we need to declare it prior and carry the authorization from Singapore with us.

If 90 tablets are being traveled with...since we are traveling for 60 days....does this fall under the parameters of personal use by prescription? Can someone perhaps provide whom I should contact in HK government offices for clarification? I have searched the web but did not find anything definitive.

Thank you for your responses.

Answer

In Hong Kong, certain prescription medications, especially those containing controlled substances like Clonazepam (a benzodiazepine), are strictly regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Travelers carrying such medications need to comply with Hong Kong’s requirements to avoid legal issues at the border.

Key points regarding bringing Clonazepam into Hong Kong:

Clonazepam is classified as a controlled drug in Hong Kong. Importing it without proper authorization can be illegal, even for personal use.
For personal use, travelers are generally required to obtain a Special Authorization for Import/Export of Dangerous Drugs from the Hong Kong Department of Health before arrival.
Carrying a doctor’s prescription or a letter from your physician is necessary but not sufficient on its own. Hong Kong authorities require official approval for controlled substances, regardless of quantity for personal use.
The quantity you plan to bring (90 tablets for 60 days) could be considered reasonable for personal use, but it must still be declared and authorized.

Steps to ensure compliance:

Contact the Hong Kong Department of Health – Drug Office directly to request the special authorization. Their contact information is available on the official Hong Kong government website.
Provide details such as your personal information, travel dates, medication name, dosage, quantity, and a doctor’s letter or prescription.
Submit the application well in advance of your trip, as processing times can take a few weeks.
Carry the approved authorization along with the original prescription when traveling, and declare the medication at Hong Kong customs.

Additional tips:

Do not attempt to bring Clonazepam into Hong Kong without this authorization, even for a short stay; penalties can include fines or imprisonment.
If you plan to continue taking the medication during your cruise or elsewhere in Asia, research the regulations for each country you will visit, as requirements vary widely.
Keep medications in their original prescription bottles with clear labeling to facilitate inspection.

In summary, while 90 tablets for 60 days may be considered for personal use, you must obtain prior approval from Hong Kong’s Department of Health before arrival. Carrying a doctor’s letter alone is not enough. Contact the Drug Office directly for guidance and to apply for the necessary import authorization.

Prescription medication

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