Can I take Ritalin to Ireland?

The rules for Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Ireland's Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 place methylphenidate on Schedule 2, so it is a controlled drug in Ireland. Ireland's Department of Health says visitors arriving from outside the Schengen area may bring their prescription medicines for their own personal use. Carry your prescription (the original if you can, as Ireland's entry with the International Narcotics Control Board asks for the original to be shown at customs) or a copy, and/or a letter from your doctor or dispensing pharmacist that states your condition and that the medicine is for your own use. Keep the paperwork in the same package as the medicine. The Department does not ask for an Irish permit. This allowance comes from the Department's published guidance and customs practice. Ireland's Misuse of Drugs Regulations ban importing these medicines without a licence and contain no written exemption for visitors from outside the Schengen area, so the customs officer must be satisfied by your paperwork, and Irish Customs has the final say. The Department's page says up to 3 months' supply. Ireland's 2025 entry with the International Narcotics Control Board says a 30-day supply. Carrying 30 days or less fits both. Irish Revenue lists medicines among the goods you must declare to a customs officer when you arrive from outside the EU. The Department recommends keeping the medicine in its original packaging with your name clearly shown.

Maximum supply: 30 days

What to do

1. 01valid prescription (copy)
2. 02letter from doctor/dispensing pharmacist outlining condition and confirming personal use
3. 03medicines in original packaging with patient's name labelled
4. 04Schengen Article 75 certificate (required for Schengen-area residents travelling with Schedule II/III controlled drugs)
5. 05presentation of original prescription at customs
6. 06declaration of the medicine to a customs officer when you arrive from outside the EU