GermanyTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
EuropeLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
Germany treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 3 need only your prescription.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Germany records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Same authenticated-certificate rule: a certificate covering up to 30 days, endorsed before you fly, rather than an application to Germany.
- 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 Germany 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)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. Up to 30 days; certificate valid max 30 days
- Permit
- Not required. No German permit exists. An authenticated Schengen or multilingual model certificate is required per drug, endorsed by the health authority of the country you travel from.
- Documents
- medical certificate, home authority certificate
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days
- Permit
- Not required. Same certificate regime, and no German permit to apply for. A route for stays over 30 days exists through the Federal Opium Agency, but BfArM says it is used only in very rare exceptional cases, so plan within the 30-day certificate if you can.
- Documents
- medical certificate
If a country asks for a certificate from your own health authority
Australia does not issue export certificates for personal medication. There is no Australian office that endorses a traveller's certificate the way a Schengen country's health authority endorses an Article 75 certificate. The Office of Drug Control licenses commercial exporters, and the TGA regulates products rather than certifying individual travellers, so neither will stamp your paperwork.
What to do instead: ask your prescriber for a signed letter on practice letterhead giving your name and passport number, each medicine by generic and brand name, strength, daily dose, total quantity and the dates it covers, plus the prescriber's registration number and contact details. Have it dated close to departure, and carry the original dispensing labels.
Then contact the destination's authority in writing before you book, say plainly that Australia does not issue the certificate they ask for, and ask what they will accept in its place. Keep the reply. A written answer from the authority is the strongest document you can carry, and it is the only thing that closes this gap.
Responsible authority
BfArM — Federal Opium Agency
poststelle@bfarm.de
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.
- Travelling with narcotic drugsGovernment
- Schengen certificate formIn the Trip Pack
That form is published on the same government site as the source linked above, so you can find it yourself from there. What the pack gives you is the direct link, matched to the medication you are actually carrying at this border, with your apply-by date counted back from your travel date.
Application forms and portals
1 form for Germany, found and organised with your apply-by date in the trip pack.
Plus a doctor's letter pre-filled with your medications and every stop, the deadline counted back from the day you fly, and a checklist in travel order.
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 Germany embassy or consulate before travelling.