For a temporary visit to the Philippines, it is advisable to carry a doctor's certificate or medical letter in English indicating the necessity for the use of specific medicines. The letter should confirm your diagnosis, specify the medication being prescribed, including the strength and dosage, indicate the duration of treatment, and state the total quantity of medication being carried. It should also include the prescribing physician's name, contact details, professional registration or licence number, signature, and date.
If your medication has ingredients that are considered a controlled substance under Dutch law and the Philippines’ regulations, your physician should prepare the required English-language medical certificate for travel. This certificate should be submitted to CAK (Centraal Administratiekantoor) for approval in accordance with Dutch requirements for travelling internationally with controlled medicines.
The medication should be transported in its original packaging with labels clearly indicating the patient’s details and prescription information. Travelers are further advised to carry only a quantity consistent with personal use for the duration of their stay.
If you intend to bring a larger quantity of medication than would normally be considered necessary for the duration of the trip (more than a 30-day supply), it is advisable to contact the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) before travel to determine whether any prior authorisation or additional documentation may be required.
PDEA may be contacted through its website at https://pdea.gov.ph/ or by email at
You may also wish to refer to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) on the Country Regulations for Travelers Carrying Medicines Containing Controlled Substances.
For most short-term visits, carrying the physician's letter, the CAK-approved medical certificate, and the medication in its original pharmacy packaging will generally provide the documentation most commonly requested to demonstrate legitimate personal medical use