NauruTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
OceaniaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Nauru treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 3 come in on paperwork with a supply cap, 1 has no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Importing an illicit drug (any Schedule 1 substance, including opioids and ADHD stimulants) without lawful authority is a criminal offence (Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, section 4 as substituted in 2024), and so is unlawful possession (section 6). The traveller exemption covers one month's prescribed supply, and there is no longer a Minister's permission for more. Failing to declare an exempt medicine to a Customs officer on arrival is also a criminal offence (section 13(3) and (4)).
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Nauru records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Nauru's law (Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, Schedule 1, pages 25 to 28), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Nauru does not run a separate legal regime for psychotropics; the same traveller exemption applies. Schedule 1 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 names amphetamine, dexamphetamine, levamphetamine and methylphenidate, and its opening words include their salts, isomers and preparations, so mixed amphetamine salts are covered. Only lisdexamfetamine is not named. You must declare the medicine to a Customs officer on arrival (section 13(2), in force 23 December 2024); failing to declare is an offence (section 13(3)).
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry with a valid prescription in original packaging. No Nauru-specific traveller guidance found.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta 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. Act states 'not more than one month'; excess quantity possible at Minister's discretion, process unpublished.
- Permit
- Not required.
- Documents
- prescription
- In force
- Since 3 November 2011.
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. Same s.13 exemption as narcotics; methylphenidate, amphetamine, methamphetamine and dexamphetamine are listed in Schedule 1.
- Permit
- Not required. No permit is needed within the one-month traveller exemption (section 13). The Minister's power to permit a larger quantity was removed in 2024, so there is no permission to apply for.
- Documents
- prescription, customs declaration
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry with a valid prescription in original packaging. No Nauru-specific traveller guidance found.
Connecting through Nauru
Section 13 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 covers travellers transiting Nauru: you may carry up to one month's lawfully prescribed supply, for yourself or a person in your care, and you must declare it to a Customs officer on arrival (section 13(2)). There is no longer a Minister's permission for a larger quantity.
Responsible authority
Republic of Nauru - Department of Health; Nauru Customs
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.
- Naoero RON HospitalGovernment
- Department of Justice and Border ControlGovernment
- Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 (as in force 2011, RONLAW): traveller exemption up to one month, s 13; methylphenidate and dexamfetamine in Schedule 1; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2011
- Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 (consolidated to Act 24 of 2024): traveller exemption up to one month and declaration on arrival, s 13, pages 150,802 to 150,803; amphetamine, dexamphetamine and methylphenidate in Schedule 1, page 151,602Government
- Illicit Drugs Control (Amendment) Act 2024, in force 23 December 2024: unlawful import, new s 4, page 3; declaration on arrival, new s 13(2), page 6Government
- Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 (as in force 2011): traveller exemption up to one month, s 13, page 5; methylphenidate and dexamfetamine in Schedule 1, page 27; lisdexamfetamine not listedSecondary
- Country Regulations for TravellersTreaty body
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for Nauru, 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 Nauru embassy or consulate before travelling.