CanadaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
North AmericaLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
Canada treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 3 need only your prescription.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Canada records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restricted
Canada requires that controlled substances be obtained under a prescription, kept in original packaging with the label intact, be for the traveller's own personal medical use (or that of someone in their care travelling with them), and be declared to a Canada Border Services Agency officer on entry. Canada's two published limits for the quantity (30 days on the INCB table, 90 days on travel.gc.ca) are not reconciled; carrying no more than 30 days satisfies both. Cannabis cannot be taken across the border in any form.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restricted
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Restricted
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; carry with a normal prescription in original packaging.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restricted
The same rule as Vyvanse 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)
Restricted- Quantity
- Two Government of Canada sources give different limits. Health Canada's INCB table (27 January 2025): the lesser of a single course of treatment or a 30-day supply, with 90 days only for benzodiazepines and other targeted substances. travel.gc.ca (modified 13 August 2026): a 90-day supply for medication containing a controlled substance, with no distinction. They are not reconciled; carrying no more than 30 days satisfies both.
- Permit
- Not required. No permit; a prescription is required and controlled substances must be declared to CBSA.
- Documents
- prescription, original packaging, customs declaration
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- Two Government of Canada sources give different limits. Health Canada's INCB table (27 January 2025): the lesser of a single course of treatment or a 30-day supply, with 90 days only for benzodiazepines and other targeted substances. travel.gc.ca (modified 13 August 2026): a 90-day supply for medication containing a controlled substance, with no distinction. They are not reconciled; carrying no more than 30 days satisfies both.
- Permit
- Not required. No permit or prior authorisation. The prescription is the authority. Obtain the medicine under a prescription, keep it in its original packaging with the label intact, carry it for your own use or for someone you are responsible for who is travelling with you, and declare it to a Canada Border Services Agency officer when you enter. Canada does not ask for a certificate from either your home or its own health authorities.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; carry with a normal prescription in original packaging.
Responsible authority
Health Canada (Controlled Substances) / Canada Border Services Agency
For controlled substances: compliance-conformite@hc-sc.gc.ca; For cannabis: cannabis-exemption@hc-sc.gc.ca
Sources
The source 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.
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for Canada, filled in with your medications and your stops, ready to sign.
The rules above are free and stay free. The pack is the paperwork that goes with them: a checklist for each stop in travel order, a printable PDF, and the letter to take to your GP.
Build your trip packCommon questions
This 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 Canada embassy or consulate before travelling.