ColombiaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
South AmericaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Colombia treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 come in on paperwork with a supply cap, 1 has no published rule we could find and 2 need only your prescription.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Colombia records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Colombia allows travellers to bring ADHD stimulants (psychotropic substances) for personal use with a valid medical prescription presented at customs, in a maximum quantity sufficient for a 30-day treatment (Resolution No. 1478 of 2006, Art. 83). On the traveller's request, the competent authority can issue a certification/endorsement of the prescription if the destination country requires it.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine and guanfacine are not controlled in Colombia; bring them with a prescription in original packaging. Viloxazine is on Colombia's national control list (Resolution 116 of 2026, no. 461), and Colombia publishes no traveller rule for it: carry your prescription, keep within a 30-day supply as a precaution, and confirm with the Fondo Nacional de Estupefacientes.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Intuniv (guanfacine)Prescription
The same rule as Strattera above.
- Qelbree (viloxazine)Unclear
Viloxazine is nationally controlled in Colombia (Resolution 116 of 2026, Technical Annex 1, no. 461, Lista Nacional), but it is not on the special-control medicines list (Annex 3). Colombia's published traveller rule (30 days with a prescription, Resolution 1478 of 2006, art 83) covers only substances listed under the international conventions, so no traveller rule is published for viloxazine. Carry your prescription, keep within a 30-day supply as a precaution, and confirm with the Fondo Nacional de Estupefacientes before you travel.
Rules by drug class
Narcotic (opioids)
Prescription- Quantity
- 30 days. Enough for a standard 30-day treatment (Resolution 1478 of 2006)
- Permit
- Not required. No routine pre-authorization; the FNE may issue a certification/endorsement at the traveller's request when the destination country requires it.
- Documents
- prescription, customs declaration
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. Enough for a standard treatment of 30 days
- Permit
- Not required. No Colombian authorisation. A valid prescription, with the original presented at customs, covering enough for a standard 30-day treatment. No certificate from Colombian health authorities is asked for. The governing instrument is Resolution 1478 of 2006.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine and guanfacine are not controlled in Colombia; bring them with a prescription in original packaging. Viloxazine is on Colombia's national control list (Resolution 116 of 2026, no. 461), and Colombia publishes no traveller rule for it: carry your prescription, keep within a 30-day supply as a precaution, and confirm with the Fondo Nacional de Estupefacientes.
Responsible authority
Fondo Nacional de Estupefacientes, Ministerio de Salud y Proteccion Social (contact: Andres Lopez Velasco)
Address: Av. Caracas No.1-85 Sur, Bogota D.C., Colombia; Tel: (57 1) 3331088 Ext. 109; email: anlopez@minsalud.gov.co
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.
- DIAN: Modalidad de viajeros (traveller customs rules)Government
- Controlled Substances Resolution 1478 of 2006: travellers entering or leaving, up to 30 days with a prescription copy, art 83, page 37; methylphenidate a State monopoly, art 6, page 3 (its 2006 lists now replaced)Government
- Resolution 116 of 2026, national controlled substance lists: amphetamine, dexamfetamine, methylphenidate in Annex 1 List II; lisdexamfetamine on the national list, Annex 1 item 277; methylphenidate a State monopoly, Annex 2Government
- INCB Travellers table: ColombiaTreaty body, 2016-10-06
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for Colombia, 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 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 Colombia embassy or consulate before travelling.