Sierra LeoneTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents

Africa

Last checked 20 Jul 2026Low confidence: check with the embassyHow we rate a record

We could not find a published rule for these medications in Sierra Leone, and we would rather say so than infer one.

We could not find strong recent official guidance for this country. Contact the embassy or consulate directly before you travel.

ActionA written answer from Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) naming your medication, before you book

Work out my dates

By medication

Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Sierra Leone records specifically for that medication.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Sierra Leone's law (National Drugs Control Act 2008, First to Fourth Schedules, pages 68 to 70; Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001, First Schedule, pages 34 to 47), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.
Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Unclear
Sierra Leone's Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 lets only pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and licensed companies import Class A medicines, which include dexamfetamine and methylphenidate (section 45, page 25). The Act has no exception for a traveller's own medicine. Under the National Drugs Control Act 2008, possessing amphetamine, dexamfetamine or methylphenidate without lawful authority is an offence (section 8, page 16). The Act does not say whether a foreign prescription counts as lawful authority. Sierra Leone has published no rule for travellers. Get written confirmation from the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone or a Sierra Leonean embassy before you travel with this medicine. We suggest carrying your prescription and a doctor's letter.
Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Unclear
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
Strattera (atomoxetine)Unclear
Atomoxetine and guanfacine are not on Sierra Leone's controlled drug lists. Sierra Leone has published no rule for travellers carrying their own medicine. Its Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 bars importing any medicine that is not registered in Sierra Leone, apart from a sample of up to 50 grams, and has no stated exception for personal use (section 44, page 25). Confirm with the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone or a Sierra Leonean embassy before you travel. We suggest carrying your prescription and a doctor's letter.
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Unclear
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
Intuniv (guanfacine)Unclear
The same rule as Strattera above.
Qelbree (viloxazine)Unclear
Viloxazine is a Class A Part I medicine under Sierra Leone's Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 (First Schedule, page 42), the pharmacist-only prescription class. That is a general prescription class, not a psychotropic one. The Act lets only pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and licensed companies import Class A medicines (section 45, page 25) and has no exception for a traveller's own medicine. Viloxazine is not on the National Drugs Control Act 2008 lists. Sierra Leone has published no rule for travellers. Confirm with the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone or a Sierra Leonean embassy before you travel. We suggest carrying your prescription and a doctor's letter.
Permit
Required. The Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 allows a Class A medicine to be imported only by a pharmacist, pharmacy technician or licensed company that holds an import licence under the Act (section 45, page 25). The Act has no exception for a traveller's own medicine, and Sierra Leone publishes no way for a traveller to apply. Contact the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone or a Sierra Leonean embassy before you travel.

Rules by drug class

Narcotic (opioids)

Unclear

Quantity: No official traveller quantity is published
Permit: Not required. The Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 requires authorization to import medicines generally; no traveller-specific personal-carry permit or quantity is published.

Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)

Unclear

Quantity: no specific personal-use limit found
Permit: Required. The Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 allows a Class A medicine to be imported only by a pharmacist, pharmacy technician or licensed company that holds an import licence under the Act (section 45, page 25). The Act has no exception for a traveller's own medicine, and Sierra Leone publishes no way for a traveller to apply. Contact the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone or a Sierra Leonean embassy before you travel.

Not internationally controlled

Unclear

Atomoxetine and guanfacine are not on Sierra Leone's controlled drug lists. Sierra Leone has published no rule for travellers carrying their own medicine. Its Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001 bars importing any medicine that is not registered in Sierra Leone, apart from a sample of up to 50 grams, and has no stated exception for personal use (section 44, page 25). Confirm with the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone or a Sierra Leonean embassy before you travel. We suggest carrying your prescription and a doctor's letter.

Responsible authority

Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL)

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.

Your trip pack

Sierra Leone needs a permit before you fly. The pack works out your apply-by date from your travel date.

A$59

We have not found an application form or portal for travellers here, so the pack gives you Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) to contact, what to put in the request, and how long to allow. Plus a doctor's letter pre-filled with your medications and every stop, and a checklist in travel order.

Build your trip pack

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 Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before travelling.