TongaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents

By medication

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

• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Not named: Unclear

  Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is not named in Tonga's law (Illicit Drugs Control Act [CAP 4.06], Schedule 1, pages 21 to 23), so no rule for it is published. Ask the authority listed here before you travel.

• Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply

  Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act lists methylphenidate as a Class A illicit drug (Schedule 1, page 22). Section 6 of the Act lets a person under medical treatment who is entering, leaving or transiting through Tonga carry what has been lawfully prescribed to them for no more than one month of treatment, as long as they have written authority from the doctor treating them. No permit is needed. Tonga's 2021 customs fact sheet also asks every arriving passenger to declare medicines to a Customs officer, carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter, and keep medicines in their original container. That fact sheet mentions a maximum of three to six months' supply for medicines in general, but it does not refer to the Illicit Drugs Control Act, so for this medicine keep to one month. The Ministry of Health Pharmaceuticals Section (tongadrugregulatory@gmail.com, +676 23200 ext 1368) is the authority to ask.

• Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply

  Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act lists amphetamine and dexamphetamine as Class A illicit drugs (Schedule 1, page 22), and Schedule 1 covers their salts. Section 6 of the Act lets a person under medical treatment who is entering, leaving or transiting through Tonga carry what has been lawfully prescribed to them for no more than one month of treatment, as long as they have written authority from the doctor treating them. No permit is needed. Tonga's 2021 customs fact sheet also asks every arriving passenger to declare medicines to a Customs officer, carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter, and keep medicines in their original container. That fact sheet mentions a maximum of three to six months' supply for medicines in general, but it does not refer to the Illicit Drugs Control Act, so for this medicine keep to one month. The Ministry of Health Pharmaceuticals Section (tongadrugregulatory@gmail.com, +676 23200 ext 1368) is the authority to ask.

• Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription

  Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry them with a prescription in original packaging and declare on arrival, following the same personal-import rules (3-6 months supply).

• Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Restrictedmax 30 days' supply

  Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act lists amphetamine and dexamphetamine as Class A illicit drugs (Schedule 1, page 22), and Schedule 1 covers their salts, so mixed amphetamine salts are caught too. Section 6 of the Act lets a person under medical treatment who is entering, leaving or transiting through Tonga carry what has been lawfully prescribed to them for no more than one month of treatment, as long as they have written authority from the doctor treating them. No permit is needed. Tonga's 2021 customs fact sheet also asks every arriving passenger to declare medicines to a Customs officer, carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter, and keep medicines in their original container. That fact sheet mentions a maximum of three to six months' supply for medicines in general, but it does not refer to the Illicit Drugs Control Act, so for this medicine keep to one month. The Ministry of Health Pharmaceuticals Section (tongadrugregulatory@gmail.com, +676 23200 ext 1368) is the authority to ask.

• Intuniv (guanfacine)Prescription

  The same rule as Strattera above.

• Qelbree (viloxazine)Prescription

  The same rule as Strattera above.

Rules by drug class