EgyptTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Egypt treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 3 are not allowed in at all, 3 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 1 has no published rule we could find.
Serious penalties: Egypt's Ministry of Health says a medicine containing a Schedule 1 substance under Law 182 of 1960 cannot be carried by travellers, even if it is legal where you come from and you hold a valid prescription. Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and amfetamine are named on Schedule 1. Bringing in a narcotic substance without a licence is an offence and the medicine is confiscated (Law 182 of 1960, articles 3, 33 and 42). The guideline applies the same rule to Schedule 3 (a, b and d) substances, and between them the two lists cover all nine opioids.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Egypt records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Egypt's law (Schedules 1 to 4 to Law No. 182 of 1960 as replaced by Decision 44 of 2026, gazette pages 4 to 35, and amended by Decision 242 of 2026), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Banned
The Ministry of Health's traveller guideline lists methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and amfetamine on Schedule 1 and says they cannot be carried into Egypt, even with a foreign prescription. Under the current schedules to Law 182 of 1960 (Decision 44 of 2026, restated by Decision 242 of 2026), amphetamine and dexamfetamine are in Schedule 1, Part 1(B), group 12 'Phenethylamine', which also covers any preparation containing them, so mixed amphetamine salts are included.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Banned
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Restrictedmax 90 days' supply
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not controlled in Egypt. The Ministry of Health's traveller guideline allows up to 3 months' supply of a prescription medicine if you carry a signed medical report and a prescription showing the doses, and it asks you to keep the medicine in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact. Medicines are inspected on arrival.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Banned
Covered as a preparation containing amphetamine, which is in Schedule 1, Part 1(B), group 12 'Phenethylamine' (Decision 44 of 2026, gazette page 7, restated by Decision 242 of 2026, page 10).
- Intuniv (guanfacine)Restrictedmax 90 days' supply
The same rule as Strattera above.
- Qelbree (viloxazine)Restrictedmax 90 days' supply
The same rule as Strattera above.
Rules by drug class
Narcotic (opioids)
Banned- Quantity
- Not applicable: substances are barred outright, not quantity-limited.
- In force
- Since January 2018.
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Banned- Quantity
- Not applicable for the three banned substances; not published for lisdexamfetamine.
- In force
- Since January 2018.
Not internationally controlled
Restricted- Quantity
- 90 days. Guidance: up to 3 months' supply, with a signed medical report and a prescription showing the doses, reduced to the length of your stay (Ministry of Health traveller guideline, 2018).
- Documents
- medical certificate, prescription
Responsible authority
Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population / Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)
Via Egyptian Consulate General / Egyptian Embassy in your home country
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.
- EDA - Egyptian Drug Authority Issues Alert for Travelers Regarding Controlled Medications Before Heading AbroadGovernment, 2026-01-13
- Guidelines for carrying medicines with travelers to Egypt for personal useGovernment
- Traveling to Egypt With Medications (EDA guideline, hosted by the Egyptian Consulate Sydney)Government
- Egyptian Customs Authority - Travel and Tourism - PassengersGovernment
- Law No. 182 of 1960 on narcotics (Official Gazette, 1960 text): import only by written licence, art 3, page 962; possession on a medical prescription, art 37, page 966; schedules amended by the minister, art 32, page 966Government, 1960-06-13
- Amendment to the 2026 schedules (Decision 242 of 2026): phenethylamine group incl. amphetamine and dexamfetamine restated in Schedule 1 Part 1(B), page 10; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2026-08-17
- Schedules to Law No. 182 of 1960 (Decision 44 of 2026): amphetamine and dexamfetamine in Schedule 1 Part 1(B), page 7; methylphenidate in Part 2, page 18; prescription caps, Schedule 4, page 33; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2026-02-17
- Law No. 182 of 1960, unofficial copy on a pharmacists' legal-advice site (base articles only, no schedules); see the official gazette scan and 2026 schedules insteadSecondary
- Information not yet provided by country.Treaty body
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for Egypt, 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 Egypt embassy or consulate before travelling.