ADHD Medication in Egypt: Controls, Brands and Import Rules

Egypt bans travellers from carrying ADHD stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines. Atomoxetine and guanfacine are allowed with documents.

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulants (controlled narcotics under Egyptian law) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine)
Controlled substance: Stimulants: yes. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are Schedule 1 narcotics under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960 and cannot be carried by travellers. Lisdexamfetamine is a dexamfetamine prodrug and dexmethylphenidate a methylphenidate isomer, so treat both the same way. Atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine are not listed in Annex I of Egypt's 2018 traveller guidance, and not found in the 2026 schedules; you can confirm with the Egyptian Drug Authority (15301).
Prescription required: Yes for all active ingredients. Stimulants additionally require a special Egyptian psychiatrist's prescription to dispense locally; foreign prescriptions are not accepted at Egyptian pharmacies for controlled substances.
Available locally: Methylphenidate: limited availability under special prescription (Concerta). Atomoxetine: available (Strattera; also sold under local generic brand names). Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall): not approved and not available. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/Elvanse): not approved and not available. Dexmethylphenidate: not registered. Guanfacine: not clearly registered, verify before travel. Clonidine: available in Egypt for cardiovascular indications; ADHD prescribing is off-label.
Storage: All oral solid ADHD formulations: room temperature, below 25°C, away from humidity. Egypt's summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, keep medication in a cool bag or air-conditioned space, never in a hot car or sun-exposed bag.
Max supply to carry: Non-controlled medicines: up to 3 months, reduced to the length of stay. Stimulants: none.
Key document: Stimulants: none (cannot be carried). Atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine: a signed medical report plus a prescription with doses, naming the INN, brand, dose, quantity, and diagnosis.
Emergency alternative: If your stimulant is unavailable or confiscated, consult a local Egyptian psychiatrist, atomoxetine (Strattera or a local generic) is the most accessible Egypt-registered alternative, but any switch requires a local doctor's assessment, not a self-directed swap.

ADHD medication options in Egypt

Active ingredient	Available locally?	Local brand(s)	Controlled status	Prescription required?	Max supply
Methylphenidate	Limited	Concerta (verify stock ahead of travel)	Schedule 1, Law 182/1960: cannot be carried by travellers	Yes, Egyptian psychiatrist only	None: cannot be carried
Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine	No	Not registered in Egypt (Adderall not sold)	Schedule 1, Law 182/1960: cannot be carried by travellers	N/A, not available locally	None: cannot be carried
Lisdexamfetamine	No	Not registered in Egypt (Vyvanse/Elvanse not sold)	Treated as amphetamine narcotic under Law 182/1960	N/A, not available locally	None: cannot be carried
Dexmethylphenidate	No	Not registered in Egypt (Focalin not sold)	Shares methylphenidate scheduling under Law 182/1960	N/A, not available locally	None: cannot be carried
Atomoxetine	Yes	Strattera; local generics	Not listed in Annex I of Egypt's 2018 traveller guidance, and not found in the 2026 schedules; you can confirm with the Egyptian Drug Authority (15301)	Yes, Egyptian prescription required for local refill	Up to 3 months' supply (reduced to length of stay) with a signed medical report and prescription showing doses
Guanfacine	Not clearly registered, verify before travel	Intuniv not confirmed registered in Egypt	Not listed in Annex I of Egypt's 2018 traveller guidance, and not found in the 2026 schedules; you can confirm with the Egyptian Drug Authority (15301)	Yes	Up to 3 months' supply (reduced to length of stay) with a signed medical report and prescription showing doses; local refill not reliable
Clonidine	Yes (cardiovascular indication; ADHD use is off-label)	Catapres (available in Egypt)	Not listed in Annex I of Egypt's 2018 traveller guidance, and not found in the 2026 schedules; you can confirm with the Egyptian Drug Authority (15301)	Yes	Up to 3 months' supply (reduced to length of stay) with a signed medical report and prescription showing doses; confirm ADHD dosing with your prescriber

Taking ADHD medication to Egypt: what you need to know

Egypt regulates methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) as narcotic substances under Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960 and its amendments^[1]. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) is a dexamfetamine prodrug and should be treated the same way. Atomoxetine (including Strattera), guanfacine, and clonidine ^[2]are not listed in Annex I of Egypt's 2018 traveller guidance, and not found in the 2026 schedules. You can confirm this with the Egyptian Drug Authority (15301). They travel under the standard prescription rules. The regulatory gap between stimulants and non-stimulants in Egypt is wider than in almost any other country, so the active ingredient you take determines your entire planning pathway.^[2]

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are listed in Schedule 1 of Law 182/1960^[2], and Egypt's Ministry of Health guidance says travellers cannot carry them into Egypt, even with a valid foreign prescription^[3]. Lisdexamfetamine is a dexamfetamine prodrug and should be treated the same way. No permission process for travellers has been published, so plan a non-scheduled alternative with your prescriber before you travel. Methylphenidate has limited local availability and needs an Egyptian psychiatrist's prescription.

Egypt reissued its narcotics schedules by Ministerial Decree No. 44 of 2026 (17 February 2026); they still list methylphenidate and amphetamines^[9]. Egypt's traveller guidance dates from 2018 and refers to the earlier schedules; no updated version has been published. Check with the Egyptian Drug Authority (hotline 15301)^[8] before you travel.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation. Drug laws change; verify all rules with the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate and the Egyptian Ministry of Health before you travel.

Documentation for travelling to Egypt with ADHD medication

If you take methylphenidate, Egypt's Ministry of Health guidance says it cannot be carried into Egypt, even with a prescription and doctor's letter^[3]. No permission process for travellers has been published. The UK government says some medicines need Ministry of Health permission before arrival, but Egypt's own guidance lists methylphenidate among medicines that cannot be carried. If you cannot travel without it, ask the Egyptian Drug Authority (hotline 15301) or an Egyptian embassy before you book, and plan an alternative with your prescriber.^[8]

If you take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine, no document or clearance makes them lawful to bring into Egypt. Amphetamine is listed in Schedule 1, and lisdexamfetamine is a dexamfetamine prodrug that should be treated the same way.^[3]

What your doctor's letter must include

Full legal name. Medication name (INN and brand). Dose and frequency. Quantity carried. Diagnosis (one word: ADHD). Doctor's signature and professional registration number. Clinic letterhead with contact details. If you take multiple ADHD medications, each must be listed separately. Egypt also asks for a prescription stating doses. This applies to non-scheduled medicines such as atomoxetine and guanfacine; it does not make stimulants lawful to carry.

If you take only atomoxetine, guanfacine, or clonidine, Egypt's Ministry of Health guidance allows you to carry them with a signed medical report and a prescription stating doses.^[3] Medicine imports into Egypt are inspected by Ministry of Health officers at the port of entry^[4], so carry your letter in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Bring this list to your appointment at least 6 weeks before departure.

Since stimulants cannot be carried into Egypt, which non-stimulant medication could I switch to under your supervision before travel, and can you write a supporting letter for it?
Given that amphetamine-based medications are not permitted in Egypt, should we plan a supervised temporary switch to atomoxetine or another non-stimulant before I travel, and how long would that transition take?
Can you write my letter with both the INN and brand name, your full professional registration number, and clinic letterhead, and add a prescription stating doses for any non-scheduled medication?
If my trip exceeds one month, can you provide documentation covering the full duration, within Egypt's 3-month limit?
If I am unable to reach you from Egypt, which colleague at your practice should I contact, and is there an emergency contact pathway that works across international time zones?

How much ADHD medication to bring

For non-controlled ADHD medications (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine), Egypt allows up to 3 months' supply, reduced to the length of your stay, with a signed medical report and a prescription stating doses^[3]. Do not bring methylphenidate, amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine, regardless of quantity. Keep medicines in original packaging.

Split your supply

For non-controlled medications only, carry your main supply in hand luggage and a backup in checked luggage. Keep both in original packaging with pharmacy labels intact, within the 3-month limit.

Packing and storing ADHD medication for travel

All oral solid ADHD medications in this class should be stored below 25°C, away from direct light and humidity. Egypt's summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C in Cairo and 40°C inland, so a small insulated cool bag is worth packing for day trips. Keep medications in an air-conditioned environment overnight. Never store them in a car glove compartment or in luggage left in direct sunlight.

Airport security with ADHD medication

All ADHD medications in this class are oral solids (capsules or tablets) and raise no airport liquid restrictions at security screening. Keep them in original blister packs or bottles with the pharmacy label visible. Place them in a clear bag at the security tray if you are asked. At Cairo International Airport, Ministry of Health officers conduct a separate medication inspection at the port of entry, independent of the standard security screening you pass before boarding your outbound flight.

Customs and import rules for ADHD medication in Egypt

Egypt's Pharmacy Law No. 127 of 1955 and Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960^[1] jointly govern all medication imports. Amphetamine and its salts (Adderall, Mydayis), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and dexamfetamine are listed in Schedule 1 of that law. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) is a dexamfetamine prodrug and dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is a methylphenidate stereoisomer, so both should be treated the same way.

Egypt's Ministry of Health guidance says medicines containing amphetamine, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate cannot be carried into Egypt, even with a prescription and doctor's letter^[3]. No permission process for travellers has been published. Ministry of Health inspectors examine passenger medication at the point of entry.

ADHD stimulants: do not attempt to bring them into Egypt

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate cannot be carried into Egypt. Travellers found carrying Adderall, Mydayis, Vyvanse, Elvanse, Ritalin or Concerta risk confiscation, detention, and prosecution, regardless of the quantity or whether they hold a valid foreign prescription. If these are your current medications, speak to your prescriber well before travel about a non-scheduled alternative for the trip, and ask the Egyptian Drug Authority (hotline 15301) or an Egyptian embassy.

ADHD medication availability in Egypt

Atomoxetine is the most reliably accessible ADHD medication in Egypt. It is sold as Strattera and under the local generic brand names^[5]; a local Egyptian prescription is required to purchase it at a pharmacy. Methylphenidate is listed in Egypt's market as Concerta, but availability is tightly restricted, stock is not reliable at most community pharmacies^[6] and a special prescription from an Egyptian psychiatrist is required to dispense it.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/Elvanse) are not registered in Egypt and cannot be purchased at any pharmacy. Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is likewise not registered. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is not clearly registered, do not assume it will be available locally; bring a supply within the 3-month limit (reduced to the length of your stay). Clonidine (Catapres) is available in Egypt for cardiovascular indications and can sometimes be obtained with a prescription, though ADHD dosing is off-label and requires an Egyptian doctor's assessment.

Medication costs in Egypt are low by international standards. A box of Concerta has been reported at approximately EGP 1,500 (~$30 / ~€27)^[7] for a limited supply, though prices change with currency fluctuations. Atomoxetine (Strattera or a local generic) is typically less expensive than Concerta. In all cases, a local prescription from an Egyptian psychiatrist is required before any ADHD medication is dispensed.

Pharmacy phrases in Arabic

Use these phrases at the pharmacy counter when asking about ADHD medication options in Egypt.

“أنا آخذ دواءً لاضطراب نقص الانتباه, ما هي الخيارات المتوفرة لديكم؟”

I take medication for ADHD, what options do you have available?

“هل يتوفر لديكم أتوموكسيتين أو ستراتيرا؟”

Do you carry atomoxetine or Strattera?

“هل يتوفر بديل جنيس لهذا الدواء؟”

Is there a generic equivalent for this medication?

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Finding a doctor who can prescribe ADHD medication in Egypt

ADHD is diagnosed and managed by psychiatrists in Egypt, not by GPs. A GP cannot issue the special prescription required for methylphenidate, and a psychiatrist is the safest route to atomoxetine as well. Private psychiatrists in Cairo and Alexandria charge approximately EGP 500 to EGP 1,500 (~$10 to ~$30 / ~€9 to ~€27) per consultation.

English-speaking psychiatrists are available at private hospitals in Cairo, see Nomedic's Cairo healthcare guide for hospital and clinic contacts. Telemedicine platforms operating in Egypt can sometimes facilitate consultations, though prescriptions for controlled substances must be issued in person.

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Storing ADHD medication while in Egypt

Store all oral ADHD medications in a cool, dry location below 25°C. Most Cairo hotels and Nile cruise vessels have air-conditioned cabins where this is achievable, but temperatures in rooms without air conditioning can exceed 35°C from May through September. If you are moving between locations, keep your medication in an insulated pouch.

Avoid placing tablets or capsules in a checked bag that spends time in an unventilated baggage hold in peak summer heat. Power cuts in some areas of Egypt can briefly interrupt air conditioning; if your room loses power for more than 2 to 3 hours in high summer, move your medication to a cool-boxed bag.

What to do if something goes wrong with your ADHD medication in Egypt

If your medication is confiscated at the border or you are detained, ask for a written record and contact your country's embassy in Egypt straight away. Your embassy can assist with documentation and may facilitate contact with the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Contact your prescriber as soon as you can.

If your non-controlled medication (atomoxetine, clonidine) is damaged or lost, proceed to a private pharmacy in a major city and present your doctor's letter; you may be able to obtain a local brand with an Egyptian prescription from a private psychiatrist.

If your stimulant is unavailable and you need an alternative, do not attempt a self-directed switch between active ingredients. See a local Egyptian psychiatrist who can assess your situation and, if appropriate, prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera or a local generic) as the most accessible Egypt-registered ADHD option. Bring a printed copy of your current medication details from your Nomedic medical record to share with any treating clinician.

Key phrases in Arabic for emergencies

I take medication for ADHD: أنا آخذ دواءً لاضطراب نقص الانتباه (Ana aakhudhu dawa'an li-idtirab naqs al-intibah). I need to see a doctor: أحتاج إلى طبيب (Ahtaju ila tabib). Where is the nearest pharmacy?: أين أقرب صيدلية؟ (Ayna aqrab saydaliyyah?). Please call a doctor: من فضلك اتصل بطبيب (Min fadlak ittasil bi-tabib).

Egypt's emergency ambulance number is 123. The police emergency line is 122. For urgent psychiatric care in Cairo, private hospitals such as Dar Al Fouad and As-Salam International have English-speaking staff and psychiatry departments.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bring ADHD medication into Egypt?

It depends on which active ingredient you take. Egypt's Ministry of Health guidance says amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) cannot be carried into Egypt, even with a valid foreign prescription^[3] (Schedule 1 of Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960).^[1] Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a dexamfetamine prodrug and should be treated the same way. Atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine are not listed in Annex I of Egypt's 2018 traveller guidance, and not found in the 2026 schedules; you can confirm with the Egyptian Drug Authority (15301); they can travel with a signed medical report and a prescription stating doses.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with ADHD medication to Egypt?

Yes, for non-scheduled ADHD medications. For atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine, carry a signed medical report specifying the INN, brand, dose, quantity, and diagnosis, together with a prescription stating doses^[3]. Stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine) cannot be carried at all, so no letter helps.

Is Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) allowed in Egypt?

No. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) is not registered in Egypt. It converts to dextroamphetamine in the body, and Egypt's Ministry of Health guidance says dexamfetamine cannot be carried into Egypt^[3], so treat lisdexamfetamine the same way. Do not pack it in hand luggage or checked bags. Plan a physician-supervised switch to a non-scheduled medication before you travel.

Is Adderall available in Egypt?

No. Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is not registered for sale in Egypt and amphetamine is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic under Egyptian law^[2]. Import is prohibited even with a valid prescription. There is no locally registered equivalent with the same active ingredient. If you take Adderall, speak with your prescriber about a supervised transition to an Egypt-registered medication well before your departure date.

Which ADHD medications are available in Egypt?

Atomoxetine is the most accessible option, sold as Strattera and under the local generic brand names^[5]; a local Egyptian prescription is required. Methylphenidate is available in limited supply as Concerta with a special psychiatrist's prescription. Adderall, Vyvanse, Elvanse, and Focalin are not registered in Egypt and cannot be purchased locally. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is not clearly registered; clonidine (Catapres) is available but used off-label for ADHD.

What if I run out of ADHD medication in Egypt?

If you run out of atomoxetine, visit a private psychiatrist in Cairo or Alexandria; they can assess you and write a local prescription for Strattera or a local generic. Methylphenidate cannot be carried in; if you need it in Egypt, see a private psychiatrist, and supply is not guaranteed. If you run out of an amphetamine-based medication, there is no local equivalent; see a psychiatrist for an assessment of available alternatives.

What if my specific ADHD medication brand isn't available in Egypt?

Do not attempt to switch between active ingredients without medical supervision. See a local Egyptian psychiatrist, who can assess your current treatment and prescribe an appropriate locally available alternative if needed. Atomoxetine (Strattera or a local generic) is the most likely option an Egyptian psychiatrist would consider for someone whose stimulant is unavailable, but that decision belongs to the clinician, not to you.

Related practical guide

10 Things You Must Do Before Travelling Abroad with ADHD Medication

Some ADHD stimulants are banned outright in certain countries and tightly controlled in many others. Here is the practical checklist every traveller needs before setting off.