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CBD laws overseas: a country-by-country guide for Australian travellers

How 16 destinations Australians often visit or transit treat CBD, as of November 2026, with penalties, permits and official sources.

Facts checked 13 November 202612 min readHow we research

Every country decides for itself how it treats CBD (cannabidiol), and many treat it very differently from Australia. Some allow it only as a prescription medicine, some sell it in shops, and some treat any cannabis product, including CBD and prescribed medicinal cannabis, as a serious drug offence with penalties that can include long prison terms or death. The rules apply in airports and transit areas too. As of November 2026, the safest general approach is not to carry CBD overseas unless you have confirmed, from official sources, that every country on your route allows it.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Foreign law changes, and the summaries below are no substitute for checking the official source for each country before you travel.

In Australia, CBD is a scheduled medicine, and as of November 2026 every lawful CBD product needs a prescription (see can you buy CBD over the counter?).1 That status ends at the border. The country you enter applies its own drug law to what is in your bag, and so does any country you transit through. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns that “some countries have very strict rules regarding certain types of medications – especially narcotics and medicinal cannabis products”.2

Smartraveller lists “medical marijuana/cannabis” among commonly restricted medicines, and says: “If you’re taking medication with you, confirm it’s legal in your destination or if any rules or restrictions apply. Depending on your medication, you may need to apply for a permit”. It also warns: “Penalties for carrying or using controlled drugs can be severe.”3

Do the rules apply in transit?

Often, yes. Three examples from official sources:

  • Singapore: “prohibited medications are NOT allowed to be brought in, even if you are not clearing immigration.”4
  • Hong Kong: Customs said it would step up enforcement “to intercept the import and transit movements of CBD products”.5
  • United Arab Emirates: “UAE law applies to you even if you’re only transiting and don’t leave the airport.”6

Check the rules for every stopover, not just your final destination. A flight to Europe through Singapore, Dubai or Hong Kong puts you under those laws on the way.

Why does THC matter so much?

Many countries regulate THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound in cannabis that causes a high), not CBD. Full-spectrum CBD products contain THC by design, and broad-spectrum and isolate products can contain traces. Hong Kong’s Narcotics Division notes that CBD products most likely contain trace amounts of THC and that CBD can break down into THC during storage.7 Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau says CBD products “can contain controlled drugs such as THC despite the product labels indicating otherwise”.8

Some countries also punish drugs found in your body. Smartraveller warns that in Singapore, Vietnam, the UAE and Japan, drugs found in your blood or urine can lead to charges, in some cases even if you used them in another country.910611 See full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate and CBD and drug tests.

How do common destinations treat CBD?

The table summarises what we could confirm from official sources as of November 2026. “Could not confirm” means we could not find the answer in an official source; it does not mean the product is allowed. Penalties are maximums or ranges for cannabis unless stated.

Destination Can you possess CBD? THC limit Prescription or permit Penalties in brief Main official source
New Zealand Yes, as a prescription medicine only12 THC and similar substances no more than 2% of the cannabinoid content12 Prescription needed. Travellers may bring CBD “under certain conditions”; personal imports not allowed13 Possession of a controlled drug up to 3 months’ prison or NZ$500; importing Class C up to 8 years12 Medsafe; NZ legislation
Indonesia (including Bali) No. CBD, hemp and medicinal cannabis are illegal14 None. Cannabis plant, its products and THC are Category I narcotics15 No route. Prescriptions give no exemption14 Imprisonment, fines, deportation or the death penalty14 Smartraveller; Ministry of Health
Thailand Limited and changing. Flower only on a Thai prescription; extracts over 0.2% THC are narcotics16 0.2% THC for extracts16 Bringing in cannabis or hemp foods, cosmetics or herbal products not allowed17 Severe, including the death penalty; illegal to take cannabis out16 Thai FDA; Smartraveller
Japan Only if under strict THC residue limits; Smartraveller lists CBD oil as banned1811 10 ppm oils and powders, 0.1 ppm water-based, 1 ppm other18 Narcotics need prior permission; cannabis medicines listed as banned by Smartraveller1119 Use is an offence since December 2024, reported as up to 7 years’ prison;20 detention up to 23 days without charge11 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Singapore No. Hemp and CBD are Class A controlled drugs8 None (zero tolerance)8 Cannabis medicines prohibited, even in transit4 Possession up to 10 years; importing over 500 g can carry the death penalty21 Central Narcotics Bureau; Health Sciences Authority
United States Hemp-derived CBD is treated differently from marijuana federally; states vary22 0.3% delta-9 THC now; total-THC test and 0.4 mg per container cap due from 11 December 202623 Border agency treats marijuana as a controlled substance; carry prescriptions in English, up to 90 days’ supply24 Seizure, fines, arrest and possible refusal of entry24 Federal law (govinfo); CBP
United Kingdom Yes, if the product meets the “exempt product” rules; pure CBD is not controlled25 No component may contain more than 1 mg of a controlled cannabinoid such as THC25 Controlled-drug medicines: up to 3 months’ supply with a prescriber’s letter26 Cannabis (Class B) possession up to 5 years, an unlimited fine or both27 Home Office
Fiji Cannabis and cannabis oil are illegal. Hemp and extracts with no more than 1% THC were excluded in 2022, but the holder must prove it28 1% THC (hemp exclusion)28 Prescription needed, and check with Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services before bringing any medicine29 Jail for possessing any quantity of illegal drugs30 Parliament of Fiji; Fiji Customs
Vietnam No. “Marijuana in any form is illegal”.10 CBD is not named in the narcotics list, but cannabis mixtures containing THC are banned even in medicine31 None stated; any THC in a cannabis mixture is caught31 Could not confirm any route Death penalty or life in jail; drugs in your system can be charged10 Smartraveller
Philippines No, unless under a compassionate-use permit. Marijuana in any form, including extracts, is a dangerous drug32 Could not confirm a general limit Compassionate-use permits exist, reportedly via the Food and Drug Administration and drug enforcement agency33 Less than 300 g: 12 to 20 years’ prison; 500 g or more: life imprisonment32 RA 9165 (statute)
Malaysia No confirmed lawful route for travellers. Cannabis is a dangerous drug “irrespective of its quantity” of resin34 None found34 Could not confirm a traveller permit route Possession up to 5 years or RM20,000; trafficking can carry death or life imprisonment34 Dangerous Drugs Act 1952
Mainland China Could not confirm CBD’s status. CBD banned in cosmetics since 202135 Could not confirm Could not confirm Severe, including life imprisonment or death; positive drug tests can mean detention and deportation36 Smartraveller; NMPA
Hong Kong No. CBD has been a “dangerous drug” since 1 February 20237 None (CBD itself controlled)7 Travellers must not bring CBD in; transit intercepted537 Possession up to 7 years and HK$1 million; import up to life and HK$5 million7 Narcotics Division
United Arab Emirates (Dubai transit) No lawful route confirmed for travellers. Zero tolerance, including in transit6 Could not confirm for travellers Permit system for narcotic and psychotropic medicines; no CBD route confirmed38 Up to life or death; traces in blood, urine or luggage count as possession6 Smartraveller; Emirates Drug Establishment
India Could not confirm for CBD. Cannabis resin, flowering tops and mixtures are illegal; leaves and seeds are outside the legal definition39 Could not confirm New guidelines (October 2026) for travellers with narcotic or psychotropic medicines require a prescription, according to a secondary source; could not confirm whether cannabis medicines qualify40 Severe, including mandatory sentences and the death penalty41 NDPS Act; Smartraveller
Canada Yes inside Canada as cannabis, from authorised sellers; but CBD cannot be taken across the border42 None; CBD is regulated as cannabis42 Medical documents not valid at the border; Health Canada exemption needed43 Up to 5 years (Customs Act) and 14 years (Cannabis Act) for crossing the border with cannabis43 Canada Border Services Agency
European Union (note) Varies by country. The EU’s top court ruled in 2020 that CBD is not a narcotic drug, but member states may restrict it to protect health44 No single EU limit for products Article 75 Schengen certificates are for Schengen residents; others follow each country’s rules45 Set nationally; vary widely Court of Justice of the EU

What about the European Union?

There is no single EU law on possessing CBD. In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union held that CBD extracted from the whole hemp plant is not a “narcotic drug” and that one member state may not ban CBD lawfully produced in another, although a ban can be justified to protect public health if it is proportionate.44 Each country still sets its own rules, including on THC.

Residents of Schengen countries can carry prescribed narcotic or psychotropic medicines to other Schengen countries for up to 30 days with a certificate from their home authority. Germany’s medicines regulator notes that “the national regulations of the destination and transit countries must be observed”.45 Australians are not covered by that certificate, so check the rules of each European country you visit.

What is the safest way to travel?

  1. Assume CBD is not allowed until you confirm otherwise. Check the law of every country on your route, including stopovers.
  2. Use official sources. Smartraveller’s page for each destination, the destination’s embassy or consulate in Australia, and its health ministry or customs website. Smartraveller advises contacting the destination’s consulate or embassy and asking their advice.3
  3. Carry paperwork for any medicine. Smartraveller advises a doctor’s letter stating what the medicine is, how much you take and that it is for personal use, and carrying medication in its original packaging.3 See travelling with CBD for the documents to bring.
  4. Talk to your prescriber early. If your medicine is not allowed where you are going, ask whether there is an alternative or how to manage the trip. Smartraveller recommends seeing your doctor at least eight weeks before you leave.3
  5. Do not buy CBD overseas to bring home. CBD bought over the counter abroad does not meet Australia’s traveller’s exemption, which requires a prescription from a medical practitioner and pharmacy dispensing.46 See can you bring CBD into Australia?

Footnotes

  1. Australian Government. Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard, October 2026) Instrument 2026. https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01327/asmade/2026-09-30/text/original/pdf ↩

  2. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Leaving Australia: travelling with medicines and medical devices (read from an archived copy). https://www.tga.gov.au/products/travelling-medicines-and-medical-devices/leaving-australia ↩

  3. Smartraveller (DFAT). Taking medicine and medical devices overseas, updated 18 August 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/medications ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  4. Health Sciences Authority (Singapore). Personal medications, last updated 23 October 2026. https://www.hsa.gov.sg/travelling-with-medication-and-medical-devices/personal-medications/ ↩ ↩2

  5. Hong Kong Government (news.gov.hk). CBD to be listed as a dangerous drug, 27 January 2023. https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2023/01/20230127/20230127_114147_883.html ↩ ↩2

  6. Smartraveller (DFAT). United Arab Emirates travel advice, updated 8 October 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  7. Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, Hong Kong Government. Cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/CBD.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  8. Central Narcotics Bureau (Singapore). FAQs about hemp and CBD oil products, last updated 20 November 2025. https://www.cnb.gov.sg/educational-resources/myths-and-facts-about-drugs/cannabis/faqs-about-hemp-and-cbd-oil-products ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  9. Smartraveller (DFAT). Singapore travel advice, updated 3 November 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/singapore ↩

  10. Smartraveller (DFAT). Vietnam travel advice, updated 24 September 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  11. Smartraveller (DFAT). Japan travel advice, updated 25 August 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  12. New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office. Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, version as at 10 July 2026. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/latest/DLM436120.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  13. Medsafe. Importing medicines into New Zealand, revised 12 November 2021. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/miet/importmedicines.asp ↩

  14. Smartraveller (DFAT). Indonesia travel advice, updated 21 October 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  15. Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia. Minister of Health Regulation No. 15 of 2025 on changes to the classification of narcotics (Indonesian). https://jdih.kemkes.go.id/storage/documents/pdfs/2025permenkes015.pdf ↩

  16. Smartraveller (DFAT). Thailand travel advice, updated 26 October 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/thailand ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  17. Thai Food and Drug Administration. Bringing of health products into Thailand, last updated 4 October 2024. https://en.fda.moph.go.th/import-inspection-service/bringing-of-health-products-02 ↩

  18. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan). Amendments to the Cannabis Control Act and the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act (Japanese). https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_43079.html ↩ ↩2

  19. Narcotics Control Department, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan). Application for bringing medicines into or out of Japan. https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html ↩

  20. The Star, republishing Kyodo News via Bernama (secondary source). Japan criminalises cannabis use as revised laws come into effect, 12 December 2024. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/12/12/japan-criminalises-cannabis-use-as-revised-laws-come-into-effect ↩

  21. Central Narcotics Bureau (Singapore). Cannabis, last updated 2 July 2026. https://www.cnb.gov.sg/singapore-drug-situation/drugs--psychoactive-substances--and-inhalants/cannabis/ ↩

  22. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD), content current as of 16 July 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd ↩

  23. US Government Publishing Office. Public Law 119-103, section 2019, 2 September 2026. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ103/html/PLAW-119publ103.htm ↩

  24. US Customs and Border Protection. Prohibited and restricted items, last modified 14 March 2025. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items ↩ ↩2

  25. UK Home Office. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids, updated 3 October 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cannabis-cbd-and-other-cannabinoids-drug-licensing-factsheet/drug-licensing-factsheet-cannabis-cbd-and-other-cannabinoids ↩ ↩2

  26. GOV.UK. Travelling with controlled drugs. https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs ↩

  27. GOV.UK. Drugs penalties. https://www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing ↩

  28. Parliament of Fiji. Illicit Drugs Control (Budget Amendment) Bill 2022 (Bill No. 41 of 2022). https://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Bill-No.-41-Illicit-Drugs-Budget-Amendment.pdf ↩ ↩2

  29. Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. Customs FAQs, last updated 21 April 2026. https://frcs.org.fj/?p=9584 ↩

  30. Smartraveller (DFAT). Fiji travel advice, updated 19 October 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/fiji ↩

  31. Government of Vietnam. Decree 28/2026/ND-CP on lists of narcotic substances and precursors, in force 19 January 2026 (Vietnamese; text from a legal database, secondary host). https://hethongphapluat.com/nghi-dinh-28-2026-nd-cp-quy-dinh-cac-danh-muc-chat-ma-tuy-va-tien-chat.html ↩ ↩2

  32. Republic of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 9165, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, sections 3 and 11 (text hosted by the Asian Development Bank). https://lpr.adb.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/philippines-comprehensive-dangerous-drugs-act-of-2002-republi-act-no-9165.pdf ↩ ↩2

  33. GMA News (secondary source). Medical marijuana still illegal, only compassionate use is allowed: DDB, 17 February 2020. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/726236/medical-marijuana-still-illegal-only-compassionate-use-is-allowed-ddb/story/ ↩

  34. Malaysia. Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234), reprint incorporating Act 846 (hosted by the Ministry of Health Pharmaceutical Services Programme). https://pharmacy.moh.gov.my/sites/default/files/document-upload/dangerous-drugs-act-1952-act-234.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  35. National Medical Products Administration (China). Announcement 2021 No. 74 on updating the catalogue of prohibited cosmetic ingredients, 26 May 2021, as reproduced by the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. https://www.tid.gov.hk/en/tradecircular/files/2021/ci2021371a.pdf ↩

  36. Smartraveller (DFAT). China travel advice, updated 12 November 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china ↩

  37. Hong Kong Government. Press release on CBD becoming a dangerous drug, 31 January 2023. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/31/P2023013100299.htm ↩

  38. Emirates Drug Establishment (UAE). Issue of permit to import medicines for personal use. https://www.ede.gov.ae/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use ↩

  39. Government of India. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, section 2(iii) (copy hosted by Uttar Pradesh Police). https://www.uppolice.gov.in/Site-Content/uploaded-content/pdf/act16.pdf ↩

  40. TeamLease RegTech (secondary source). Central Bureau of Narcotics notifies guidelines for international travellers carrying narcotic medicines, 19 October 2026. https://teamleaseregtech.com/updates/article/60511/cbn-notified-the-guidelines-for-international-travellers-carrying-narc/ ↩

  41. Smartraveller (DFAT). India travel advice, updated 29 October 2026. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india ↩

  42. Health Canada. Cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/about/cannabidiol.html ↩ ↩2

  43. Canada Border Services Agency. Cannabis and the border, modified 12 November 2026. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/cannabis-eng.html ↩ ↩2

  44. Court of Justice of the European Union. Press release No 141/20 on case C-663/18 (Kanavape), 19 November 2020. https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2020-11/cp200141en.pdf ↩ ↩2

  45. Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM, Germany). Travelling with narcotic drugs. https://www.bfarm.de/EN/Federal-Opium-Agency/Narcotic-drugs/Travelling-with-narcotic-drugs/_node.html ↩ ↩2

  46. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Medicinal cannabis: importation and the traveller’s exemption (read from a copy captured 6 June 2026). https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/explore-topic/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-information-patients/medicinal-cannabis-importation-and-travellers-exemption ↩

Common questions

Can I travel overseas with CBD oil?

It depends entirely on the law of every country you enter or pass through. Some countries allow prescribed CBD under conditions, while others treat any cannabis product, including CBD, as a serious drug offence. Check Smartraveller and the destination's embassy or official health or customs website before you go.

Does a prescription from my Australian doctor protect me overseas?

Not on its own. An Australian prescription has no legal force in another country. Some countries, including Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong, do not allow cannabis medicines at all, prescribed or not. Others have their own permit systems that must be followed before you arrive.

Do the rules apply if I am only transiting?

Yes, in many places. Singapore's health regulator says prohibited medicines cannot be brought in even if you do not clear immigration, Hong Kong Customs says it intercepts CBD products in transit, and Smartraveller says UAE law applies even if you do not leave the airport.

Which countries are strictest about CBD?

Among the destinations in this guide, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, mainland China, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have severe drug penalties that can include long prison terms or the death penalty. Japan treats products over tiny THC limits as narcotics. Check current official advice for each country.

This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws and evidence change; we show the date we last checked the facts at the top of every page. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.

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