Korea NorthTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AsiaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Low confidence: check with the embassyHow we rate a record
Korea North treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 have no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: No DPRK source states what happens to a traveller found with undeclared or unusual medication. The UK FCDO states in general terms that offences trivial elsewhere can carry very severe penalties in North Korea, and that foreign nationals have previously been detained for alleged legal violations without confirmed access to consular support. No specific drug or medicine penalty is published anywhere reached in this research; treat the absence of a permissive rule as a real risk, not a gap to assume away.
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 Korea North records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Unclear
No DPRK government source addressing a traveller's personal ADHD-stimulant supply could be reached. DPRK acceded to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 2007, so stimulants fall within a scheduling framework the country is bound by, but no traveller-facing rule has been published anywhere this research could reach. Confirm directly with the DPRK mission or tour sponsor before travel and do not assume leniency.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Unclear
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Unclear
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled substances, but no DPRK-specific import guidance was found. Arrange in advance through the authorised tour operator and carry a prescription and doctor's letter.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Unclear
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)
Unclear- Quantity
- No DPRK authority or INCB submission publishes any personal-supply quantity for opioids.
- Permit
- Not published. No DPRK authority publishes whether a permit is required or how to obtain one.
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Unclear- Quantity
- No DPRK authority or INCB submission publishes any personal-supply quantity for ADHD stimulants.
- Permit
- Not published. No DPRK authority publishes whether a permit is required or how to obtain one.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled substances, but no DPRK-specific import guidance was found. Arrange in advance through the authorised tour operator and carry a prescription and doctor's letter.
Responsible authority
See official source
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 Korea North, 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 Korea North embassy or consulate before travelling.