Costa RicaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
North AmericaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Costa Rica treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Costa Rica prohibits Schedule IV (1961) narcotics and fentanyl ampoules outright, caps supply at one month, and requires all documents to be translated into Spanish. Courses over one month need prior assessment by the Narcotics Surveillance Board.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Costa Rica records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Costa Rica permits ADHD stimulants (psychotropic substances) for personal use with a valid prescription and the original prescription presented at customs, plus an ID, a recent medical report (under three months old) and, where applicable, a purchase receipt, all translated into Spanish. The default limit is a one-month supply; treatments needing more than one month must be assessed by the Narcotics Surveillance Board.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; bring with prescription in original packaging. No specific Costa Rica ban found.
- 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)Prescription
The same rule as Strattera above.
Rules by drug class
Narcotic (opioids)
Prescription- Quantity
- 30 days. 1 month; courses over one month need prior assessment by the Narcotics Surveillance Board
- Permit
- Not required up to 30 days' supply. Above that, it is. No permit for up to one month, but a course over one month needs prior Board assessment. All documents must be translated into Spanish.
- Documents
- prescription, customs declaration, medical certificate
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. 1 month supply (courses of treatment longer than one month must be assessed by the Narcotics Surveillance Board)
- Permit
- Not required. No Costa Rican authorisation. A valid prescription, with the original presented at customs. No certificate from Costa Rican health authorities is asked for. The published traveller table dates from July 2014.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; bring with prescription in original packaging. No specific Costa Rica ban found.
Responsible authority
Narcotics Surveillance Board, Ministry of Health
Address: Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 10123-1000, San Jose; Tel: (506) 2223-0333 ext. 224; Fax: (506) 2257-7827; email: fsaborio@ministeriodesalud.go.cr
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 Costa Rica, 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 Costa Rica embassy or consulate before travelling.