MaliTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Mali treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 are not allowed in at all and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Mali's customs regulator lists 'stupéfiants et psychotropes' (narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, defined by reference to the 1961 and 1971 UN conventions) as an absolute import prohibition on the same page its own traveller arrival-declaration guidance points to, and no government source publishes any exemption, permit or threshold for a traveller's own prescribed opioid or ADHD stimulant medication.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Mali records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Banned
The same Customs Code defines 'Substance psychotrope' as a drug listed on the schedules annexed to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which covers methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, mixed amphetamine salts and lisdexamfetamine (Schedule II). The same DGD prohibition list bans 'Stupéfiants et psychotropes' import absolutely, in the same sentence as the narcotic finding. No INCB submission exists for Mali and no DPM or Ministry of Health page publishes a personal-use exemption, permit or quantity threshold for ADHD stimulant medication.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Banned
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Banned
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry with a valid prescription in original packaging. Prescription medications may require a health certificate.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Banned
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)
Banned- Quantity
- Import is stated as an absolute prohibition; no quantity threshold is published because none would create a lawful allowance. The basis is recorded only to say which kind of number is absent — there is no traveller allowance to state.
- Permit
- Not published. The prohibition is absolute ('prohibition à titre absolu'), not conditional on authorisation, so no permit exists that could cure it. `required` is null, not false: no Malian source positively says a traveller needs no permission, and `false` renders as 'no permit required', which alongside a ban reads as an invitation. Nothing here is a route to compliance.
- In force
- Since 5 June 2015.
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Banned- Quantity
- Import is stated as an absolute prohibition; no quantity threshold is published because none would create a lawful allowance. The basis is recorded only to say which kind of number is absent.
- Permit
- Not published. The prohibition is absolute, not conditional on authorisation, so no permit exists that could cure it. `required` is null, not false: no Malian source positively says a traveller needs no permission, and `false` alongside a ban would read as an invitation.
- In force
- Since 5 June 2015.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry with a valid prescription in original packaging. Prescription medications may require a health certificate.
Responsible authority
Direction Generale des Douanes du Mali (customs); Ministere de la Sante
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 Mali, 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 Mali embassy or consulate before travelling.