PhilippinesTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AsiaLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
Philippines 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: Controlled substances are governed by RA 9165, under which trafficking is among the most serious criminal offences. Documentation must be carried in original.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Philippines records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Philippines's law (DDB Updated Lists of Scheduled Controlled Substances, 6 July 2025, pages 1 to 24, and RA 9165 Annex, pages 59 to 66), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Up to 30 days with a prescription and a physician's letter, unless the total methylphenidate you carry exceeds 2 g (base form), in which case PDEA and home-country Certificates of Authorization are needed even within 30 days. Over 30 days the certificates are always needed.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The Philippines treats all ADHD stimulants as dangerous drugs under one rule (Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1 of 2014, s 35, pages 49 to 50). For up to 30 days' supply you must carry the original prescription, showing the trade and generic names, the strength and the directions for use, and an original letter from your treating doctor describing your medical condition. Keep the medicine in its original, labelled container. Show the documents to Customs on arrival. For more than 30 days' supply you also need a certificate of authorization from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and one from your home country's drug control authority. Ask PDEA in writing at least 30 working days before you arrive.
- 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 Dexedrine 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 no permit; PDEA Certificate of Authorization required above 30 days
- Permit
- Not required up to 30 days' supply. Above that, it is. Apply at least 30 days ahead. Written request to PDEA, submitted 30 working days ahead; reply within 15 working days.
- Documents
- prescription, doctor letter, original packaging
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. 30 days' supply or less: carry the original prescription and your doctor's letter, with the medicine in its original labelled container. More than 30 days: a PDEA Certificate of Authorization and a home-country Certificate of Authorization are also required; request PDEA authorization in writing at least 30 working days before arrival (PDEA replies within 15 working days).
- Permit
- Not required up to 30 days' supply. Above that, it is. Apply at least 30 days ahead. No permit up to 30 days. Above that, a PDEA Certificate of Authorization plus a certificate from your own drug-control authority, applied for at least 30 working days before arrival.
- Documents
- prescription, doctor letter, original packaging
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; a normal prescription suffices.
Responsible authority
Compliance Service, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
Rm 213 PDEA Bldg, NIA Northside Rd, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City, Philippines; Telefax: +632-8920 8110; Tel: +632-8927 9702 loc. 197/198; E-mail: cs@pdea.gov.ph; Website: https://pdea.gov.ph/
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.
- DDB FAQs: travellers carrying controlled medicinesGovernment
- DDB Board Regulation No. 1 (2014) under RA 9165: international travellers entering, leaving or passing through, 30-day supply rule and PDEA authorization, s 35, pages 49 to 50Government, 2014-06-19
- Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, RA 9165 (2002): import, s 4, page 7; possession, s 11, page 11; amfetamine, dexamfetamine and methylphenidate in 1971 Schedule II, page 65; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2002-06-07
- DDB Updated Lists of Scheduled Controlled Substances (6 July 2025): amfetamine page 15, dexamfetamine page 16, methylphenidate page 18, all 1971 Schedule II; lisdexamfetamine not listedGovernment, 2025-07-06
- Revised Guidelines for International Travelers Carrying Dangerous DrugsTreaty body, 2025-01-13
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for Philippines, 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 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 Philippines embassy or consulate before travelling.