El SalvadorTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
North AmericaLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
Every medication we track can come into El Salvador on your prescription, carried in original packaging.
Serious penalties: El Salvador prohibits oral ephedrine products and all forms of pseudoephedrine (common in decongestants) outright. ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines and zolpidem are permitted under the documented personal-import scheme.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything El Salvador records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Prescription
El Salvador allows ADHD stimulants (psychotropic substances) for personal use in the quantity prescribed for the duration of the stay. Travellers should preferably apply before arrival for written authorization from the Office of the Superintendent for Regulation in the Area of Health (SRS); if not obtained in advance, they may present a valid prescription, doctor's certificate and/or destination-country certificate at entry. Present the original prescription at customs.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Prescription
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Prescriptionmax 90 days' supply
El Salvador's stimulant category is controlled under the Ley Reguladora de las Actividades Relativas a las Drogas, but traveler reports and a 2026 travel guide indicate Adderall is generally accepted with a doctor's prescription in personal-use quantities (30-90 days); declare at customs and carry original packaging. (max 90 days' supply)
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; bring with prescription in original packaging. Note El Salvador bans oral ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products (not ADHD non-stimulants).
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Prescriptionmax 90 days' supply
The same rule as Dexamphetamine 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
- Treatment quantity for the number of days of stay, at physician-prescribed doses; no fixed numeric cap
- Permit
- Not required. An SRS written authorization is preferably applied for in advance, but if not obtained the traveller may present the accepted documents on entry.
- Documents
- prescription
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Prescription- Quantity
- Quantity as prescribed for the number of days of stay in the country (doses prescribed by the physician in country of origin are permitted)
- Permit
- Not required. Written authorisation from the SRS can be applied for before arrival and is preferred, but it is not compulsory. El Salvador states that if authorisation is not applied for before arrival, a traveller may on entry present any of the prescription, a doctor's certificate endorsed by the home health authority, an SRS certificate or the original prescription at customs, and bring the medicine in on that basis.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; bring with prescription in original packaging. Note El Salvador bans oral ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products (not ADHD non-stimulants).
Responsible authority
Office of the Superintendent for Regulation in the Area of Health (SRS)
Address: Blv. Merliot/Av. Jayaque, Urbanizacion Jardines del Volcan, Santa Tecla, La Libertad Sur, La Libertad; Tel: (503) 78607023 / (503) 25225017; Fax: (503) 25225075; email: jose.reyes@srs.gob.sv
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 El Salvador, 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 El Salvador embassy or consulate before travelling.