DR CongoTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Low confidence: check with the embassyHow we rate a record
DR Congo treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 have no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: No traveller carve-out is published for either opioids or ADHD stimulants, and general drug-control law criminalises unauthorised possession of controlled substances; the only import/commercialisation route published is a commercial authorisation issued to companies, which an individual traveller cannot obtain.
We could not find strong recent official guidance for this country. Contact the embassy or consulate directly before you travel.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything DR Congo records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Unclear
We could not confirm whether DR Congo's law names lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse): the tables annexed to its 2021 order on narcotics and psychotropic substances are missing from the only copy available. No rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Unclear
No DR Congo authority publishes a rule for a traveller carrying ADHD stimulant medication. None of methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, mixed amphetamine salts or lisdexamfetamine appear in ACOREP's market-authorisation registry, re-downloaded and extracted in full for this pass (355 pages, 9,174,119 characters, N° column running to 6304 at the last row, updated 2026-02-04), so none currently holds DRC marketing authorisation. Carry the original prescription, a doctor's letter, and contact ACOREP before travelling.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Unclear
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; no DRC-specific restriction found. Carry prescription and original packaging.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Unclear
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)
Unclear- Quantity
- No traveller quantity is published by any DRC authority found.
- Permit
- Not published. Only commercial commercialisation/import/export authorisations are published; no traveller permit route is described.
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Unclear- Quantity
- No traveller quantity for ADHD stimulant medication is published.
- Permit
- Not published. Only commercial authorisations are published; no traveller permit route is described.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; no DRC-specific restriction found. Carry prescription and original packaging.
Responsible authority
Autorité Congolaise de Réglementation Pharmaceutique (ACOREP), Direction de Psychotropes, Stupéfiants et Cannabis
66 Boulevard du 30 juin; +243 824 007 007; contact@acorep.gouv.cd
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.
- Direction de Psychotropes, Stupéfiants et CannabisGovernment
- Direction Import & ExportGovernment
- Mesures de prohibition et de restrictionsGovernment
- Vous voyagezGovernment
- Vous voyagez / Informations généralesGovernment
- Produits soumis à réglementation particulières & embargosGovernment
- Procédures (Bibliothèque Électronique)Government
- ACOREP register of marketing authorisations (355 pages): no methylphenidate, amfetamine, dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine product registeredGovernment, 2026-02-04
- Plate-forme Numérique (e-service Import-Export)Government
- Ministerial Order 1250 of 27 February 2021 on narcotics and psychotropics (unofficial scan): import authorisation, Art 42, page 12; prescription-only use, Art 75, page 20; Tables annexed but missingSecondary, 2021-02-27
- Country Regulations for International TravellersTreaty body
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for DR Congo, 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 DR Congo embassy or consulate before travelling.