Philippines
Country · Asia
The Philippines enforces strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties. Cannabis and recreational drugs are illegal. Most prescription medicines are permitted for personal use, but controlled medicines require documentation and, in some cases, prior clearance.
Traveler warnings
Anti-drug enforcement is severe. Do not bring cannabis or CBD. Carry full documentation for all controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Philippines.
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Philippines. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Philippines. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Philippines, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Philippines with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Philippines. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Philippines. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Philippines. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Philippines with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Philippines. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Philippines, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Philippines with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Prescription policy
Carry a personal supply with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Controlled medicines must be limited to personal-use quantities and declared; some require a permit.
Controlled substances
Narcotics and psychotropics are strictly controlled under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Cannabis and CBD are illegal. Opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants require a prescription and are tightly restricted.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all controlled medicines and carry documentation. Do not carry any cannabis, THC or CBD product.
Penalties
Drug offences carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment for trafficking. Enforcement is rigorous.
Live Alerts
Philippines: Anti-drug enforcement is severe — do not carry cannabis or unauthorized controlled drugs
CriticalThe Philippines enforces strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties, including life imprisonment for trafficking. Cannabis and CBD are illegal. Carry the original prescription and a doctor's letter for all controlled medicines, keep them in original packaging, and declare them on arrival.
Documentation required
Original prescription and a doctor's letter (translated where possible), medicines in original labelled packaging, plus any import permit or prior approval required by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines for controlled medicines.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.