AlgeriaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Algeria treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 3 need approval before you arrive, 1 has no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Prior authorization from the Direction Générale de la Pharmacie et des Équipements de Santé is required, in addition to a prescription and endorsed certificates.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Algeria records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Algeria's law (Health Ministry order of 28 February 2022, Tables I to IV, pages 18 to 28 of JO 31/2022, as amended by the order of 14 February 2024, Tables I, II and IV, pages 13 to 24 of JO 37/2024), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Permit required
Algeria's INCB submission requires a valid medical prescription, a doctor's certificate endorsed by the health authorities of the country of residence, a certificate from the health authorities of the destination, and an authorization from the competent authority (Direction Générale de la Pharmacie et des Equipements de Santé) for psychotropic substances. The quantity carried should match the prescription. Travellers should apply to the DGPES in advance for authorization to import ADHD stimulants.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Permit required
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; carry with a normal prescription in original packaging.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Permit required
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Intuniv (guanfacine)Prescription
The same rule as Strattera above.
- Qelbree (viloxazine)Prescription
The same rule as Strattera above.
Rules by drug class
Narcotic (opioids)
Permit required- Quantity
- Bounded by the prescription; no numeric cap stated
- Permit
- Required. Prior DGPES authorization + endorsed doctor's certificate; no form/lead time published. The only authorisation found on any Algerian government page is the institutional route under Décret exécutif n° 07-228, filed under Professionnels and granted for medical or scientific purposes, and Algeria's own traveller-facing customs page does not mention medicine at all, so the traveller permit claim rests on the 2017 INCB table alone.
- Documents
- prescription, medical certificate
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Permit required- Quantity
- Quantity and duration as mentioned in the prescription
- Permit
- Required. Algeria asks for authorisation from the Direction Generale de la Pharmacie et des Equipements de Sante, plus a certificate issued by Algerian health authorities and a doctor's certificate endorsed by your home health authority. The quantity allowed is whatever the prescription states. Executive Decree 07-228, article 2, makes the possession, transit and import of psychotropic substances subject to authorisation by the Minister of Health. No form, portal or processing time is published; the published application procedure is written for institutions, so contact the DGPES to confirm how a traveller applies.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; carry with a normal prescription in original packaging.
Connecting through Algeria
Algeria publishes no rule for passengers who are only connecting. Its law makes the transit of psychotropic substances, like their import, subject to authorisation by the Minister of Health, and states no exemption for a traveller's own medicine (Executive Decree 07-228, article 2). If your route connects through Algeria with one of these medicines, ask the Direction Générale de la Pharmacie et des Equipements de Santé before you travel.
Responsible authority
Direction Générale de la Pharmacie et des Equipements de Santé
125 Boulevard Abderahmane, Laala El Madania, Alger; Tel: +213 21 27 98 23; Fax: +213 21 27 92 23; E-mail: dgpharmacie@sante.dz
Sources
The sources behind everything above, so you can check it yourself rather than take our word for it. Always confirm the current rule with the source before you travel.
- Loi 23-05 amending Loi 04-18 (2023, JO 32): psychotropic substance redefined to include national listings, art 2, page 12; personal use or possession offence, art 12, page 15Government, 2023-05-09
- Executive Decree 07-228 on authorisation to use narcotic and psychotropic drugs (2007, JO 49): import, possession and transit need Health Minister authorisation, arts 2 and 3, page 3Government, 2007-08-05
- Loi 04-18 on narcotic and psychotropic drugs (2004, JO 83): authorisation only for medical use, arts 4 and 5, page 4; illicit possession, art 12, and illicit import, art 19, page 5Government, 2004-12-26
- Order amending the narcotic and psychotropic tables (2024, JO 37): amfetamine and dexamfetamine in Table II, page 20; methylphenidate in Table II, page 21; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2024-06-05
- Health Ministry order classifying narcotics and psychotropics (2022, JO 31): amfetamine and dexamfetamine in Table II, page 24; methylphenidate in Table II, page 25; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2022-05-07
- DGPES: authorization by direct application, no published formGovernment
- INCB Travellers table: AlgeriaTreaty body, 2017-02-09
Your trip pack
Algeria needs a permit before you fly. The pack works out your apply-by date from your travel date.
We have not found an application form or portal for travellers here, so the pack gives you Direction Générale de la Pharmacie et des Equipements de Santé to contact, what to put in the request, and how long to allow. Plus a doctor's letter pre-filled with your medications and every stop, and a checklist in travel order.
Build your trip packThis page organises publicly available government information and links. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules change and enforcement varies, so always confirm with the official sources above or the Algeria embassy or consulate before travelling.