Sri LankaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AsiaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Sri Lanka treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 come in on paperwork with a supply cap and 3 need only your prescription.
Serious penalties: Assuming a prescription and reasonable quantity are sufficient for a Schedule III narcotic (any opioid in scope other than oral morphine tablets): NMRA's own traveller instruction excludes Schedule III medicine from that allowance outright.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Sri Lanka records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 90 days' supply
Interpreted: psychotropic substances are Schedule IIB (not Schedule III), so NMRA's standard traveller allowance appears to apply, but no NMRA text names ADHD stimulants specifically.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 90 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 90 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; bring with a valid English prescription in original packaging.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restrictedmax 90 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)
Banned- Quantity
- The 90-day traveller allowance does not extend to this class. Applies only to non-Schedule III narcotics (in practice, oral morphine tablets); other opioids in scope are excluded from this allowance.
- Permit
- Not published. This is a prohibition, not a permit. NMRA's own traveller instruction says of the narcotics schedule: "The medicine specified in Schedule III is not permitted." Oral morphine tablets sit in Schedule IIB and are the stated exception. NMRA publishes no route by which a traveller may obtain permission to carry a Schedule III narcotic; its Personal User Licence (form F-MR-017) is for medicines not registered or not available in Sri Lanka, which is a different situation.
- Documents
- prescription
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 90 days
- Permit
- Not required.
- Documents
- prescription
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally scheduled; bring with a valid English prescription in original packaging.
Responsible authority
National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB)
Mr. K. Gamage, Executive Director, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, 383 Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka; Tel +94 11 2868794-6; Fax +94 11 2869805; e-mail mail@nddcb.gov.lk
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 Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka embassy or consulate before travelling.