Can I take Vyvanse to South Africa?
We could not find clear official guidance for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) in South Africa. Confirm with South Africa's authorities or the embassy before you fly.
Last checked 18 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
The rules for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Lisdexamfetamine is a Schedule 6 medicine in South Africa only when it is in a medicine registered in South Africa for ADHD. Otherwise it is Schedule 7 (Consolidated Schedules of 1 August 2025). A person entering South Africa may carry up to 30 days' supply of a Schedule 6 medicine with the original prescription, a certified copy of it, or a letter from the prescriber or pharmacist (General Regulations, regulation 8). A Schedule 7 substance has no traveller allowance and needs a permit from the Director-General of Health (Medicines Act, section 22A(9)). South Africa has not published whether a pack dispensed overseas counts as a medicine registered in South Africa, so no source says which rule applies to you. We suggest asking SAHPRA in writing before you travel, and not relying on the 30-day allowance until it answers.
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
South Africa has 1 further requirement that Vyvanse travellers do not need. See the full South Africa rules if you also carry other medication.
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 Vyvanse 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
Vyvanse in other countries
This page summarises publicly available government information (no clear official guidance found) 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.