VanuatuTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents

Oceania

Last checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record

Every medication we track can come into Vanuatu on your prescription, carried in original packaging.

Serious penalties: Carrying a Dangerous-Drugs-Act-listed opioid or stimulant into Vanuatu without a reasonable quantity, a doctor's letter and correct labelling risks prosecution under the Dangerous Drugs Act [CAP 12] s.17 (fine up to VT 100,000,000 and/or up to 20 years' imprisonment).

By medication

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

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Prescription
Not named in the 2006-consolidated schedule and chemically distinct from dexamfetamine; status unclear.
Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Prescription
Methylphenidate and dexamfetamine are individually named prohibited substances (s.2(205), s.2(92)) subject to the same s.3 exemption as opioids.
Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Prescription
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry them with a prescription in original packaging. No Vanuatu-specific restriction found.
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Prescription
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta 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)

Prescription

Quantity: Only 'a reasonable amount' is required by Dangerous Drugs Act s.3; no number is published.
Permit: Not required.
Documents: doctor letter

Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)

Prescription

Quantity: Same 'reasonable amount' wording as narcotic class.
Permit: Not required.
Documents: doctor letter

Not internationally controlled

Prescription

Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; carry them with a prescription in original packaging. No Vanuatu-specific restriction found.

Responsible authority

Principal Pharmacist Unit (Corporate Services): Ministry of Health, Republic of Vanuatu (responsible for National Narcotics Control and narcotics/psychotropic reporting to the INCB, Vienna); general Ministry switchboard used as no direct unit line/email is separately published

Postal address: Ministry of Health, PMB 9005, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Phone (Ministry general office): +678 33081 / +678 22512 (VOIP 2037/2050). No dedicated public email or direct phone line for the Principal Pharmacist/narcotics-control unit was found published; the Ministry's official page states pharmaceutical/narcotics queries are handled by this unit 'via email or by phone or face to face' through the general Ministry contact channels above. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

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.

National Medicines Policy 2015–2020, Republic of VanuatuGovernment, 2015-09

Your trip pack

A doctor's letter for Vanuatu, filled in with your medications and your stops, ready to sign.

A$19

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 pack

Common 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 Vanuatu embassy or consulate before travelling.