NamibiaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Namibia treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 3 need only your prescription.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Namibia records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Carry a valid medical prescription plus a doctor's certificate endorsed by your home country's health authority. Psychotropic (stimulant ADHD) medicines are limited to a 30-day supply. Keep everything in original packaging and present it at customs if requested.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are not internationally scheduled; bring a normal prescription.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
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)
Prescription- Quantity
- 30 days. 30 days' supply for personal carry
- Permit
- Not required. No permit for personal carry within the limit; the commercial special import permit is for registered distributors only.
- Documents
- prescription, home authority certificate
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. 30 days supply for psychotropic substances
- Permit
- Not required. No Namibian authorisation. A valid prescription plus a doctor's certificate endorsed by your home health authority, covering 30 days. No certificate from Namibian health authorities is asked for. The published traveller table dates from July 2014.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are not internationally scheduled; bring a normal prescription.
If a country asks for a certificate from your own health authority
Australia does not issue export certificates for personal medication. There is no Australian office that endorses a traveller's certificate the way a Schengen country's health authority endorses an Article 75 certificate. The Office of Drug Control licenses commercial exporters, and the TGA regulates products rather than certifying individual travellers, so neither will stamp your paperwork.
What to do instead: ask your prescriber for a signed letter on practice letterhead giving your name and passport number, each medicine by generic and brand name, strength, daily dose, total quantity and the dates it covers, plus the prescriber's registration number and contact details. Have it dated close to departure, and carry the original dispensing labels.
Then contact the destination's authority in writing before you book, say plainly that Australia does not issue the certificate they ask for, and ask what they will accept in its place. Keep the reply. A written answer from the authority is the strongest document you can carry, and it is the only thing that closes this gap.
Responsible authority
Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council
P/BAG 13366, Windhoek, Namibia; Tel: +264 61 203 2403; Fax: +264 61 225 048; E-mail: regmeds@nmrc.com.na
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.
- INCB Travellers table — NamibiaTreaty body, 2014-07-03
- Medicines, narcotics and psychotropic substances — Namibia import licensingIn the Trip Pack
Application forms and portals
1 form for Namibia, 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 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 Namibia embassy or consulate before travelling.