New ZealandTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
OceaniaLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
New Zealand 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 New Zealand records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Same 1-month controlled-drug rule.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Class B1, the same top stimulant tier as morphine/fentanyl, unlike methylphenidate/lisdexamfetamine at B2.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; a normal prescription suffices.
- 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)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. 1 month's supply for controlled drugs (3 months for non-controlled prescription meds)
- Permit
- Not required. No permit for personal carry within the limit; declare on arrival. Cannot be imported by mail/courier.
- Documents
- prescription, doctor letter, original packaging, customs declaration
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days
- Permit
- Not required. Same controlled-drug rule.
- Documents
- prescription, doctor letter, original packaging, customs declaration
Connecting through New Zealand
New Zealand Customs' medicines guidance and its general travel page both use blanket language about travellers 'arriving into New Zealand' or bringing medicines 'into the country'. Neither page mentions international transit passengers, connecting flights, or an airside transit exemption. No official source states whether transit is exempt or treated as entry, so this is marked unclear rather than assumed either way. The silence on transit in New Zealand's traveller guidance suggests there is no published transit carve out for medicines.
If you clear immigration: If a traveller clears New Zealand Customs/Border for a landside connection or overnight layover (i.e., collects bags and passes through the border, rather than staying in a purely airside international transit facility), the same blanket entry guidance applies, per the officially confirmed pages above: carry a valid prescription, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, observe the 30-day-supply limit for psychotropic substances, and declare on arrival. These pages draw no distinction based on length of stay or transit intent, so a short landside connection appears to be treated identically to any other entry as far as published NZ Customs guidance goes.
Responsible authority
Medsafe / Medicines Control, Ministry of Health; NZ Customs
medicinescontrol@health.govt.nz
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.
- Importing Medicines into New Zealand for Personal UseGovernment, 2021-11-12
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)In the Trip Pack
Application forms and portals
1 form for New Zealand, 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 New Zealand embassy or consulate before travelling.