IndiaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AsiaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
India treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 3 need approval before you arrive, 1 has no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Carrying any NDPS-scheduled opioid or ADHD-stimulant medication into or out of India without first obtaining written permission from the Narcotics Commissioner (CBN) — even with a valid foreign prescription — risks the medicine being treated as a prohibited/trafficked good at the Red Channel under the NDPS Act, 1985.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything India records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Unclear
Not named in India's schedules either way, and the official consolidated list is a scanned image that cannot be searched. Apply to the Narcotics Commissioner for permission regardless: the instruction covers any psychotropic substance.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Permit required
Status as researched: legal_with_permit_required (methylphenidate, dexamfetamine confirmed scheduled); unclear (mixed-amphetamine-salts, lisdexamfetamine — scheduling not confirmed)
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Permit required
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled and are available in India; treat as ordinary prescription medicines. Carry prescription and original packaging.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Permit required
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)
Permit required- Quantity
- No quantity published on the official Narcotics Commissioner permission page; a separate CDSCO Rule-36 mechanism (100 average doses) exists for unregistered medicines generally, but is not the NDPS traveller allowance.
- Permit
- Required.
- Documents
- prescription
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Permit required- Quantity
- The source states a limit of 100, but in a unit this schema cannot express as a number, so it is stated here in words rather than rendered as a figure. Sourced to a 2005 government letter quoting NDPS Rule 66(2) — a general possession rule for psychotropic substances, not a purpose-built current traveller-import rule. Treat as dated, lower-confidence evidence.
- Permit
- Required.
- Documents
- prescription
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled and are available in India; treat as ordinary prescription medicines. Carry prescription and original packaging.
Responsible authority
Narcotics Commissioner, Central Bureau of Narcotics, Department of Revenue
Narcotics Commissioner, Central Bureau of Narcotics, 19 The Mall, Morar, Gwalior 474006, Madhya Pradesh; Tel +91 751 2368996.
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
India needs a permit before you fly. The pack works out your apply-by date from your travel date.
We have not found an application form or portal for travellers here, so the pack gives you Narcotics Commissioner, Central Bureau of Narcotics, Department of Revenueto contact, what to put in the request, and how long to allow. Plus a doctor's letter pre-filled with your medications and every stop, 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 India embassy or consulate before travelling.