SwitzerlandTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
EuropeLast checked 20 Jul 2026High confidenceHow we rate a record
Every medication we track comes into Switzerland on a doctor's certificate, and the certificate covers 30 days' supply.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Switzerland records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Switzerland allows travellers to carry up to a 30-day supply of psychotropic ADHD stimulants with a valid prescription. The Schengen Agreement applies, so travellers from Schengen countries need a Schengen certificate endorsed by their national authority. Swissmedic's Narcotics Division is the competent authority.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
Atomoxetine, guanfacine ER and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry a valid prescription. Swissmedic allows up to one month's supply for your own use.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Vyvanse above.
- Intuniv (guanfacine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Strattera above.
- Qelbree (viloxazine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply
The same rule as Strattera above.
Rules by drug class
Narcotic (opioids)
Prescription- Quantity
- 30 days. "The maximum quantity of narcotic-containing medicinal products that may be imported into Switzerland corresponds to a treatment duration of 30 days." (Swissmedic)
- Permit
- Not published. No declaration is required on entry (green channel). Swissmedic recommends carrying a certificate for each medicine, issued where the medicine was obtained: a Schengen resident uses their own state's Article 75 certificate; a traveller from a non-Schengen country whose home authority issues none can use Swissmedic's template for sick travellers (ch-form-nonschengen).
- Documents
- prescription, medical certificate
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. Psychotropic substances: up to 30 days' supply (narcotic drugs also 30 days)
- Permit
- Not published. No Swiss authorisation for a 30-day supply: a valid prescription is the document asked for. On arrival you can use the green channel; Swissmedic says these medicines do not need declaring specifically. Switzerland also names the Schengen Agreement route, which is for Schengen residents and is not open to an Australian traveller.
Not internationally controlled
Restricted- Quantity
- 30 days. Swissmedic's guidance: private individuals may import up to one month's supply of medicines that are not narcotics for their own use, measured by the prescribed dose. It is not possible to import more, and no exceptions are possible.
Leaving Switzerland
Switzerland publishes a different rule for taking these medicines out than for bringing them in. Only the differences are below. Anything not listed here is the same as the rule above.
- Swissmedic Schengen certificate templateIn the Trip Pack
Responsible authority
Swissmedic - Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Narcotics Division
Swissmedic, Narcotics Division, Hallerstrasse 7, 3000 Berne 9, Switzerland; Tel +41 58 466 78 50; e-mail narcotics@swissmedic.ch; www.swissmedic.ch/betm
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.
- Narcotics and drugs: carrying medicines across the Swiss borderGovernment
- Narcotics Act, BetmG (as at 1 Sep 2023): import and export need a Swissmedic permit, art 5(1), page 7; special rules for sick travellers left to the Federal Council, art 5(1bis), page 8Government, 2023-09-01
- Narcotics Control Ordinance, BetmKV (as at 23 Jan 2023): sick travellers may import 30 days' treatment without a permit, art 41(1), page 17; Schengen certificate route, art 41(1bis), page 17Government, 2023-01-23
- Narcotics Lists Ordinance, BetmVV-EDI (as at 13 Mar 2026): amphetamine page 29, dexamphetamine page 31, lisdexamphetamine and methylphenidate page 33, all in List a (full controls)Government, 2026-03-13
- Sick travellers (narcotic-containing medicines)Government, 2025-10-21
- INCB Travellers table: SwitzerlandTreaty body, 2024-06-20
- Template medical certificate for sick travellers entering Switzerland from a non-Schengen countryIn the Trip Pack
Application forms and portals
1 form for Switzerland, 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 Switzerland embassy or consulate before travelling.