South AfricaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
South Africa 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 South Africa records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Carry a valid prescription, a doctor's certificate endorsed by your home country's health authority and a destination-country certificate, plus a copy of your passport and itinerary, and present the original prescription at customs. Controlled medicines are limited to a 30-day supply.
- 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, 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. One month's supply (Schedules 3–6)
- Permit
- Not required. No permit for personal carry within one month; Section 21 applies only to ordering medicine from abroad.
- Documents
- prescription, medical certificate
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. 30 days supply
- Permit
- Not required. No SAHPRA authorisation is needed for a personal supply. SAHPRA points to Regulation 8(1) of the Medicines Act: a person entering South Africa may possess, for personal medicinal use, a quantity not exceeding one month's supply. Carry the prescription and a certificate recording that the medicine was prescribed for you, naming the prescriber and their address. What applies above one month is not published.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; a normal prescription suffices.
Responsible authority
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA): Ms Mokgadi Fafudi
Building A, Loftus Park, 402 Kirkness St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa; Tel: +27 12 501 0300; E-mail: Mokgadi.fafudi@sahpra.org.za
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.
Your trip pack
A doctor's letter for South Africa, 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 South Africa embassy or consulate before travelling.