ZambiaTravelling with ADHD medication: rules, permits and documents
AfricaLast checked 20 Jul 2026Medium confidenceHow we rate a record
Zambia treats these medications differently. Of the 7 we track, 4 have no published rule we could find and 3 need only your prescription.
By medication
Brand names first, generic in brackets. Each line resolves the drug class rule below, plus anything Zambia records specifically for that medication.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Unclear
The Third Schedule of controlled Psychotropic Substances under Zambia's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 2021 lists amphetamine, dexamphetamine and methylphenidate by name but does not list lisdexamfetamine, and the Schedule's catch-all covers only isomers, esters, ethers and salts of listed drugs; a lysine-conjugate prodrug is not clearly any of those. It is therefore unclear whether lisdexamfetamine is treated as a controlled substance in Zambia at all, or whether the traveller declaration exemption described for the other two groups applies to it. Confirm directly with the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) before travelling.
Checked Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 2021 (No. 35), Third Schedule: not listed there. Still unresolved.
Checked Controlled Substances Act, 2023 (Act No. 2 of 2023): not listed there. Still unresolved.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate)Unclear
Zambia's 2021 Act exempts a traveller's bona fide prescribed supply on declaration, but its 2023 Controlled Substances Act criminalises importing the same stimulants without a ZAMRA licence and has no traveller exemption. The two are not reconciled. Keep medication in original packaging, carry the prescription and written confirmation from the prescribing country's authority, declare on arrival, and ask ZAMRA before travel.
- Dexamphetamine (dexamfetamine)Unclear
The same rule as Ritalin, Concerta above.
- Strattera (atomoxetine)Prescription
Atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; bring them as personal-use medicine with a prescription in labelled original packaging and declare on arrival. Larger quantities may require a ZAMRA permit like other medicines.
- Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)Unclear
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)
Permit required- Quantity
- No official traveller quantity is published
- Permit
- Required. The fee is ZMW 100. A personal-use import permit (Form II → Form VI, ZMW 100 fee) applies, with additional narcotic/psychotropic compliance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. No numeric quantity or lead time is published.
- Documents
- prescription, import permit
Psychotropic (ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep)
Unclear- Quantity
- only the amount needed for the duration of the visit; larger quantities require a ZAMRA import permit
- Permit
- Not published. The fee is ZMW 100. Charged for the ZAMRA import permit, which a traveller carrying a personal-use quantity is exempt from. Written K100 on ZAMRA's own page. Three Zambian statutes are not reconciled. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 2021 s.47 exempts an arriving traveller's bona fide prescribed supply (declare on arrival), and the Medicines and Allied Substances Act 2013 s.35(2) exempts a traveller's own medicine from the import permit. The Controlled Substances Act 2023 s.6 makes importing a controlled substance without a ZAMRA licence an offence (two to twenty-five years) and contains no traveller exemption. Which governs a traveller carrying methylphenidate or dexamfetamine is not stated. Ask ZAMRA in writing before travel; the K100 personal-use import permit is the safe route.
Not internationally controlled
PrescriptionAtomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine are not internationally controlled; bring them as personal-use medicine with a prescription in labelled original packaging and declare on arrival. Larger quantities may require a ZAMRA permit like other medicines.
Responsible authority
Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA); Zambia Revenue Authority (Customs)
ZAMRA, www.zamra.co.zm; P.O. Box 30136, Lusaka
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.
- Controlled Substances Act, 2023 (Act No. 2 of 2023)Government, 2023-04-18
- Import Permit for Medicines (Personal Use)In the Trip Pack
Application forms and portals
1 form for Zambia, 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 packThis 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 Zambia embassy or consulate before travelling.