Peru Medication Import Rules: Prescription & OTC Drug Guidelines

Peru Medication Import Rules Overview

Peru is a South American member nation of the Andean Community (CAN), and its medication import regulations are among the strictest in Latin America. Even for personal use, certain active ingredients or quantities may be subject to confiscation or fines. This article provides essential information you should verify before traveling, from a pharmacist's perspective.

Pharmacist's note
Peru's medication regulations are managed by the Peruvian Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud - MINSA) and the General Directorate of Medications, Supplies, and Drugs (DIGEMID: Dirección General de Medicamentos, Insumos y Drogas). Since regulations are updated periodically, it is essential to verify the latest information from the Japanese Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.

Prescription Medication Import Basics

Permissible Quantities

In Peru, prescription medications are recognized for personal use under the following conditions:

• Supply for 30 days (or intended use period): For stays of 90 days or longer, consult the Peruvian Embassy in advance
• Original pharmaceutical container: Avoid transferring to pill organizers or other containers
• English-language physician prescription or letter: Must include physician's signature and issue date

Item	Requirement
Quantity	30-day supply
Container	Original pharmaceutical container
Physician documentation	English prescription or physician letter
Label	English patient name, dosage, directions

Preparing Required English-Language Documents

How to obtain an English-language prescription:

1. Request your prescribing physician to prepare an English-language prescription
2. Also bring the original Japanese prescription as backup
3. Obtain it as an official document from the hospital or clinic
4. Carry one photocopy as a spare

Pharmacist's note
Without English documentation, you will need to consult a physician after arriving in Peru, resulting in additional costs and time delays. The key is to explicitly inform your Japanese physician that the documents are "for import into Peru."

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Import Rules

OTC Medications Generally Acceptable in Peru

The following over-the-counter medications are relatively accepted under Peru's regulations:

Medication Category	Active Ingredient Examples	Import Feasibility	Notes
Cold remedies	Acetaminophen, ibuprofen	◎ Permitted	Up to 30-day supply
Gastrointestinal	Antacids, digestive enzymes	◎ Permitted	Loperamide use with caution
Topical/Skin	Mild to moderate steroid ointments	◎ Permitted	Non-prescription ointments
Vitamins	Multivitamins	◎ Permitted	Classified as supplements
Patches/External	Diclofenac	△ Use caution	Physician documentation recommended
Antibiotic-containing	—	✕ Prohibited	Prescription required

Prohibited and Restricted Medications in Peru

Strictly Prohibited: Risk of confiscation and fines

• Narcotic-related substances: Codeine-containing medications (cough suppressants), morphine-based analgesics
• Psychotropic medications: Sedatives (diazepam, triazolam, etc.), anti-anxiety drugs
• Prescription medications: Antibiotics, steroid injections
• Illegal drug-related items: Ephedrine-containing products

Medications requiring physician documentation for import:

• Immunosuppressants (for transplant patients, etc.)
• Anticancer agents
• Specific cardiac medications
• Injectable medications such as insulin

Pharmacist's note
Pay special attention to "codeine" commonly found in Japanese over-the-counter cold medicines. While available over-the-counter in Japan, codeine is a controlled substance in Peru and will not be recognized as medication without a prescription. Always consult with a physician and consider using alternative medications.

Common Import Procedures for Both Prescription and OTC Medications

Pre-Departure Preparation Checklist

☐ Obtain English-language prescription/physician letter (with signature and seal)
☐ Verify original medication containers and English labeling
☐ Summarize medication indications/effects and prepare English notes
☐ Consult with Peruvian Embassy if staying 90+ days
☐ Confirm travel insurance coverage (if applicable to medical medications)
☐ Consult pharmacist before departure (especially when requesting English documents from prescribing physician)

Documents Customs May Request

1. Passport: Personal identification
2. English physician's diagnosis/prescription: Must include physician's signature and issue date
3. Original medication boxes and labels: Items displaying ingredient information
4. Itinerary: To explain medication use duration
5. Travel insurance certificate (optional): As supporting documentation

Obtaining Medications After Arrival in Peru

Purchasing Medications Locally

If your medications are confiscated or you need additional supply:

Purchasing at pharmacies (Farmacia)

• In Lima: Large chains such as AQP (Botica Farmacia) and InkaFarma are reliable options
• Many medications require a physician prescription (receta)
• Pharmacists can provide consultation in Spanish

Consulting a local physician

• Private clinics can accommodate tourists
• English-speaking physician information is available on the Japanese Embassy website's medical facility list
• Typical costs: $50–150 for consultation plus prescription

Pharmacist's note
Peru's medication sales regulations are relatively lenient, and medications normally requiring prescriptions can sometimes be purchased directly at pharmacies. However, there is risk of quality issues and counterfeit products. We recommend purchasing from reliable chain pharmacies.

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I bring herbal or traditional Chinese medicines?
A. Non-pharmaceutical supplements can generally be imported; however, those approved as medications require physician documentation. Prescription herbal medicines such as Kakkon-to require a prescription.

Q2. I am pregnant and want to bring anti-nausea medication. Is this possible?
A. Prenatal medications must have English physician documentation. Consultation with a Peruvian physician is also recommended.

Q3. Are contact lens eye drops acceptable?
A. Non-medicated eye drops classified as medical devices are generally no problem. However, prescription eye drops with active pharmaceutical ingredients require physician documentation.

Q4. I want to bring insulin for diabetes. What should I do?
A. Insulin requires English physician diagnosis documentation. Since refrigeration is necessary, a cooling-function carrying case is recommended. Pre-declare the item as medical medication to customs.

Packing and Carrying Methods

1. Pack medications in carry-on luggage: Checked luggage experiences pressure and temperature fluctuations
2. Keep original containers: Prescription medications must remain in original pharmaceutical containers (bottles, blister packs)
3. Attach English labels: In addition to original labels, prepare English explanatory documentation
4. Make multiple copies of physician documents: Keep copies in carry-on, checked luggage, and separately stored
5. Temperature management: Adjust for Peru's climate and use cooling functions as needed

Summary

• A 30-day supply is the standard for medications imported into Peru. Original pharmaceutical containers and English physician documentation are essential.

• For prescription medications, obtain an English-language prescription or physician letter from your Japanese physician before departure.

• Common cold remedies and over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications are relatively easy to import; however, codeine-containing medications and sedatives are strictly prohibited.

• For stays of 90 days or longer, consult with the Peruvian Embassy in advance.

• If uncertain, consult a pharmacist or physician before departure and verify healthcare facility information for Peru.

• Always verify the latest information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the Japanese Embassy in Peru, and the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) official resources.