Can I take Adderall to South Africa?
South Africa's official guidance indicates you need advance approval (a permit) before arriving with Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts). Review the requirements and apply in good time.
Last checked 18 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
The rules for Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)
Mixed amphetamine salts are amfetamine salts, which are Schedule 7 (page 192) and Schedule 8 (page 199) under the Medicines Act, with no ADHD exception, and an undesirable dependence-producing substance under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act (Schedule 2 Part III). The traveller allowance in regulation 8 covers only Schedules 3 to 6, so it does not apply. Importing any quantity needs a permit from the Director-General of Health through SAHPRA (Medicines Act, section 22A(11)(a)), which may be refused. Get written authorisation from SAHPRA before you travel, or do not carry it. No traveller application form or processing time is published.
What to do
- One of: the original prescription, a certified copy of it or a letter from the prescriber or pharmacist. The letter must confirm the medicine and quantity were prescribed for you, and give the prescriber's or pharmacist's name, physical address and email address (General Regulations, regulation 8(2)).
- South Africa's entry on the International Narcotics Control Board's travellers list also asks for a doctor's certificate endorsed by your home country's health authority, a certificate from South Africa's health authorities, the original prescription shown at customs, and a copy of your passport and itinerary
- for mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) only: written permit from the Director-General of Health through SAHPRA, obtained before travel
Travelling to more than one country?
Check your whole itinerary at once: every stop, every layover, and what to do by when. We'll carry Adderall and South Africa over, so you only add the rest.
Add my other stopsThe check is free. The trip pack that turns it into paperwork is A$59, once. It does not renew.
Other medications in South Africa
Adderall in other countries
This page summarises publicly available government information (permit or advance approval required) and is not legal or medical advice. Rules change and enforcement varies, so confirm with the official links on the South Africa page or the embassy before you travel.