MexicoTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
North AmericaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Mexico treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 2 need approval before you arrive, 2 have no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Several substances are prohibited outright; medicines containing narcotics/psychotropics require a COFEPRIS sanitary import permit obtained in advance.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Mexico records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Permit required
Not on Mexico's prohibited list. Carry the prescription and original packaging; see the class rule for the COFEPRIS permit. Local availability of Vyvanse is not covered by any registered source.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Permit required
Not on Mexico's prohibited list. Carry the prescription and original packaging; see the class rule for the COFEPRIS permit. Mexican domestic prescribing rules (special barcoded prescriptions) bind Mexican prescribers, not an arriving traveller.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Unclear
Dexamfetamine was recorded as banned in Mexico by the older data layer without a registered source. Mexico's 2016 INCB prohibited list names no amphetamine-type stimulant, and COFEPRIS's personal-import permit covers psychotropic medicines generally, but no registered source names dexamfetamine either way. Confirm with COFEPRIS before travelling with it.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are not internationally scheduled under the 1971 Convention, so they fall outside the INCB controlled-substance travel rules. Carry them with a normal prescription in original packaging; no import permit is required unless a specific national exception applies.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Unclear
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) was recorded as banned in Mexico by the older data layer without a registered source. Mexico's 2016 INCB prohibited list names no amphetamine-type stimulant, and COFEPRIS's personal-import permit covers psychotropic medicines generally, but no registered source names mixed amphetamine salts (adderall) either way. Confirm with COFEPRIS before travelling with it.
- 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
- Governed by the prescribed daily dose for the trip
- Permit
- Required. Apply at least 14 days ahead. Sanitary import permit (trámite COFEPRIS-01-010) via VUCEM; permit valid 180 days.
- Documents
- prescription, medical certificate, import permit
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Permit required- Quantity
- No specific day limit stated in the INCB doc; keep to a personal-use quantity matching the prescription. Larger amounts of controlled medicines require a COFEPRIS import permit.
- Permit
- Required. Apply at least 14 days ahead. COFEPRIS publishes a costed personal-import permit for medicines that are or contain narcotics or psychotropics, decided in up to 14 business days and valid 180 days. Mexico's 2016 INCB table asks for the prescription at customs and, where an authorisation was applied for, the original authorisation with it; it does not say the permit is mandatory for medicine carried in hand luggage. Apply through VUCEM before travel or, at minimum, carry the prescription and original packaging and confirm with COFEPRIS. No ADHD stimulant is on Mexico's prohibited list.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are not internationally scheduled under the 1971 Convention, so they fall outside the INCB controlled-substance travel rules. Carry them with a normal prescription in original packaging; no import permit is required unless a specific national exception applies.
Responsible authority
Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS)
Tel: (55) 50805200, 01 800 033 50 50; Web/e-mail: www.cofepris.gob.mx, renava@cofepris.gob.mx, dcortes@cofepris.gob.mx
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.
- Importación de medicamentos para consumo personalGovernment, 2022-09-15
- VUCEM (import permit platform)In the Trip Pack
Application forms and portals
1 form for Mexico, found and organised with your apply-by date in the trip pack.
Plus a doctor's letter pre-filled with your medications and every stop, the deadline counted back from the day you fly, 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 Mexico embassy or consulate before travelling.