Travelling with Stimulant Medications in the Americas

Essential Guidelines for Travelling with Stimulant Medications to North and South America

North America

United States

Restricted Medications Include:

  • Schedule II-V controlled substances
  • Amphetamines
  • Methylphenidate
  • Other stimulants

Requirements:

  • Valid prescription
  • Maximum 90-day supply

Special Notes:

  • Some states have stricter requirements

Canada

Restricted Medications Include:

  • Controlled drugs and substances
  • ADHD medications
  • Stimulants

Requirements:

  • Maximum 90-day supply
  • Original prescription
  • Declaration at customs
  • No permit is needed for personal use

Application Process:

  • No pre-approval is required for personal use

Mexico

Restricted Medications Include:

  • Psychotropic medications
  • Controlled substances
  • Stimulants

Requirements:

  • Original prescription in Spanish
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • The doctor’s letter was translated into Spanish
  • A COFEPRIS permit may be required

Application Process:

  • Contact COFEPRIS for controlled substances

Central America

Costa Rica

Requirements:

  • Original prescription
  • Spanish translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Doctor’s letter recommended

Panama

Requirements:

  • Ministry of Health permit
  • Spanish documentation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

Guatemala

Requirements:

  • Original prescription in Spanish
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Doctor’s letter recommended
  • Declaration at customs

Caribbean Region

Bahamas

Requirements:

  • Original prescription
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Doctor’s letter
  • Declaration at customs

Dominican Republic

Requirements:

  • Spanish translation of prescription
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Doctor’s letter in Spanish
  • Customs declaration

South America

Brazil

Restricted Medications Include:

  • All psychotropic medications
  • Stimulants
  • Controlled substances

Requirements:

  • ANVISA approval required
  • Portuguese translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

Application Process:

  • Contact ANVISA before travel
  • Processing time: 10-15 working days

Argentina

Restricted Medications Include:

  • Psychotropic medications
  • Controlled substances

Requirements:

  • ANMAT approval
  • Spanish translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

Application Process:

  • Contact ANMAT

Chile

Requirements:

  • ISP approval recommended
  • Spanish translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

Application Process:

  • Contact Instituto de Salud Pública

Colombia

Requirements:

  • INVIMA regulations apply
  • Spanish translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

Peru

Requirements:

  • DIGEMID approval
  • Spanish translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

Venezuela

Requirements:

  • Health Ministry approval
  • Spanish translation
  • Maximum 30-day supply
  • Original prescription

General Requirements for the Americas

Documentation Needed

  1. Original Prescription must include:
  • Full name-matching passport
  • Complete medication details
  • Dosage information
  • Prescribing doctor’s details
  1. The doctor’s Letter should specify the following:
  • Medical condition
  • Treatment necessity
  • Travel dates
  • Contact information

Language Requirements

  • North America: English (US/Canada), Spanish (Mexico)
  • Central America: Spanish
  • South America: Spanish/Portuguese
  • Caribbean: English/Spanish, depending on location

Best Practices

  1. Carry medications in original packaging
  2. Keep all documentation easily accessible
  3. Make copies of all documents
  4. Register with your embassy
  5. Have travel insurance

Emergency Planning

  1. Research local healthcare facilities
  2. Identify English-speaking doctors
  3. Keep embassy contacts available
  4. Have backup prescriptions
  5. Know local emergency numbers

Special Considerations

Border Crossings

  • Declare medications at customs
  • Keep medications in carry-on luggage
  • Have documentation readily available
  • Be prepared for inspection

Long-Term Stay

  • Different rules may apply
  • A local prescription may be required
  • Registration with local health authorities
  • Insurance considerations

Remote Travel

  1. Extra supply considerations
  2. Emergency medical contacts
  3. Evacuation insurance
  4. Local pharmacy locations
  5. Backup medication plans

Important Regional Notes

North America

  • Relatively straightforward between the US/Canada
  • Stricter controls in Mexico
  • State/provincial variations

Central America

  • Generally requires Spanish documentation
  • Similar requirements across countries
  • Limited medication availability

South America

  • Stricter controls
  • Translation requirements
  • Variable enforcement
  • Limited medication availability

Caribbean

  • Variable requirements by island
  • Limited medication availability
  • Emergency services may be restricted

Resources

  • Embassy websites
  • National health authorities
  • International patient organizations
  • Travel medicine specialists
  • Local pharmacies associations

Emergency Contacts

  • US Embassy contacts in each country
  • Local emergency numbers
  • International insurance providers
  • Medical evacuation services
  • Local hospitals and clinics

Always verify requirements with official sources before travel.

Intake Form to request more information or to book an appointment

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