KiribatiTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
OceaniaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Low confidence: check with the embassyHow we rate a record
We could not find a published rule for these medications in Kiribati, and we would rather say so than infer one.
Serious penalties: Importing or possessing a Schedule 2 dangerous drug (e.g. fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, pethidine) without a Secretary-issued import/export authorisation, or without being able to prove a lawful prescription, risks prosecution under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance [Cap 23] independently of and in addition to Medicines Act 2018 registration/licensing requirements.
We could not find strong recent official guidance for this country. Contact the embassy or consulate directly before you travel.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Kiribati records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Kiribati's law (Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 23, Schedule 2, pages 25 to 27; the Medicines Act 2018 has no substance list), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Unclear
Kiribati's Medicines Act 2018 (section 20(1)(a), page 12) lets a medicine that is not on Kiribati's Register of Medicines be imported without a licence for personal use, shown by a letter or certificate from your own doctor registered outside Kiribati. The Register is not published, so whether your ADHD medicine is on it, and so whether this route applies, cannot be confirmed. The Act's commencement notice was not found. The Act also names a 'Level 4: Narcotic and psychotropic medicines' category tied to an unpublished Controlled Drugs Prescribing Policy, and has no substance list. The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance does not list ADHD stimulants. Carry a letter from your doctor.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Unclear
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Unclear
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled. Kiribati's Medicines Act 2018 (section 20(1)(a), page 12) lets a medicine that is not on Kiribati's Register of Medicines be imported without a licence for personal use, shown by a letter or certificate from your own doctor registered outside Kiribati. The Register is not published, so whether this route applies to your medicine cannot be confirmed. Carry a letter from your doctor, with your prescription and the medicine in its original packaging.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Unclear
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Intuniv (guanfacine)Unclear
The same rule as Strattera above.
- Qelbree (viloxazine)Unclear
The same rule as Strattera above.
Rules by drug class
Narcotic (opioids)
Unclear- Quantity
- No quantity is published for personal/traveller supply.
- Permit
- Not published.
- Documents
- doctor letter
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Unclear- Quantity
- Not addressed.
- Permit
- Not required. No licence is needed only if your medicine is not on Kiribati's Register of Medicines: the Medicines Act 2018, section 20(1)(a), then lets you import it for personal use with a letter or certificate from your own doctor registered outside Kiribati. The Register is not published, so whether this applies to your medicine cannot be confirmed, and the Act's commencement notice was not found.
- Documents
- doctor letter
Not internationally controlled
Unclear- Permit
- Not published. No licence is needed only if your medicine is not on Kiribati's Register of Medicines: the Medicines Act 2018, section 20(1)(a), then lets you import it for personal use with a letter or certificate from your own doctor registered outside Kiribati. The Register is not published, so whether this applies to your medicine cannot be confirmed, and the Act's commencement notice was not found.
- Documents
- doctor letter
Responsible authority
See official source
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.
- Kiribati Customs Administration and EnforcementGovernment
- *Medicines Act 2018* (No. 1 of 2018)Secondary, 2018
- Dangerous Drugs Regulations (1980): possession only if authorised, prescription patients authorised, reg 6, page 2; prescription form reg 11, pages 4 to 5Secondary, 1980-02-21
- Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 23 (1977 edition): prescription defence s 20, page 10; import authorisation s 27, page 12; transit pages 12 to 13; Schedule 2 is opioids, cocaine and cannabis only, pages 25 to 27; ADHD medicines not listedSecondary, 1977
- Country Regulations for TravellersTreaty body
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for Kiribati, 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 Kiribati embassy or consulate before travelling.