IndiaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AsiaLast checked 15 Sep 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
India treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 3 need approval before you arrive, 3 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 1 has no published rule we could find.
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)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in India's law (NDPS Act 1985, Schedule of psychotropic substances, pages 46 to 54 of the 2022 consolidation; NDPS Rules Schedule I, pages 1 to 2), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Permit required
Amphetamine, dexamfetamine and methylphenidate are scheduled psychotropic substances under the NDPS Act (Schedule entries 16, 17 and 21). Mixed amphetamine salts are scheduled too, because the Act covers the salts and preparations of listed substances (s 2(xxiii) and Schedule entry 110). Lisdexamfetamine is not named. Bringing any of them into India needs the Narcotics Commissioner's permission.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Permit required
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Restricted
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)Restricted
The same rule as Strattera above.
- Qelbree (viloxazine)Restricted
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
- 100 units. Possession for personal medical use is capped at 100 dosage units at a time, or up to 300 dosage units for long-term use if specifically prescribed by a registered medical practitioner (NDPS Rules, rule 66(2)). This does not replace the Narcotics Commissioner's import permission.
- Permit
- Required.
- Documents
- import permit, prescription
Not internationally controlled
Restricted- Quantity
- 100 doses. Up to 100 average doses of each medicine in your baggage (Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, rule 36; CDSCO notice). A larger quantity in baggage needs the licensing authority's (CDSCO's) sanction, granted only in exceptional cases. Medicines sent separately, not in baggage, need a CDSCO permit (Form 12A application, Form 12B permit).
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 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.
- Export/Import: OverviewGovernment, 2026-08-30
- Arrival Passenger GuidelinesGovernment, 2026-08-06
- Procedure for permission to Import Small Quantities of Drugs For Personal UseGovernment, 2015-02-19
- International travellers requiring NDPS for medical useGovernment
- Guide for International TravellersGovernment
- NDPS Act 1985 (updated to 3 January 2022): ban except for medical use, s 8, pages 11 to 12; amphetamine, dexamfetamine and methylphenidate in the Schedule, page 46; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2022-01-03
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules 1985: import certificate needed, rule 53, page 85; transit, rule 57, page 88; personal possession up to 100 dosage units (300 if long-term), rule 66, pages 92 to 93Government
- Schedule I of the NDPS Rules 1985 (prohibited substances, to 2018): pages 1 to 2; methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment
- Schedule of psychotropic substances, NDPS Act 1985 (to April 2018): amphetamine entry 16, page 57; dexamfetamine entry 17 and methylphenidate entry 21, page 58; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment
- Letter to Secretary, INCB re: travellers carrying psychotropic substancesTreaty body, 2005-01-14
- INCB Country Regulations for Travellers (India has no current table)Treaty body
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 Revenue to 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.