France
Country · Europe
France permits most prescription medicines for personal use but tightly controls narcotics and psychotropics through the ANSM. As a Schengen country, travelers carrying controlled medicines should obtain a Schengen certificate for trips under 30 days. Recreational cannabis is illegal.
Traveler warnings
Adderall and other amphetamine ADHD drugs are not authorized in France. Recreational cannabis is illegal. Obtain a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
7 categories documented for France.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: ≤30 days (Schengen certificate)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) is available by prescription, but amphetamine-based products such as Adderall and Vyvanse are NOT authorized in France. Carry a Schengen certificate for permitted controlled stimulants.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: ≤30 days (Schengen certificate)
Benzodiazepines are controlled. Permitted with a prescription; obtain a Schengen certificate for travel.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
CBD products are legal to sell and possess provided they are derived from authorized hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Recreational cannabis is illegal. A limited medical cannabis framework exists. Tourists should not carry cannabis.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: ≤30 days (Schengen certificate)
Opioid analgesics are classed as stupéfiants. Carry a Schengen certificate and prescription.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal supply
Antidepressants and antipsychotics are permitted with a prescription.
Testosterone / TRT (Schedule III)
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal supply
Testosterone is a prescription medicine; carry your prescription.
Prescription policy
Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with your prescription. For controlled (stupéfiants) medicines within the Schengen area, obtain a Schengen certificate from your home authority for stays up to 30 days; longer stays may need additional authorization.
Controlled substances
Narcotics and psychotropics are controlled by the ANSM. Opioids, amphetamine-type stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription. Note that amphetamine ADHD products such as Adderall are not authorized in France; methylphenidate is.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines to French customs (Douane) if required. Carry the Schengen certificate and original prescription. Personal-use quantities only.
Penalties
Possession of illegal drugs can carry fines and imprisonment. Carrying controlled medicines without proper documentation can lead to seizure and detention.
Live Alerts
France: ADHD amphetamine stimulants like Adderall require documentation and may be refused
RestrictedAmphetamine-based ADHD medicines such as Adderall are not authorized in France, and other controlled stimulants (e.g. methylphenidate/Ritalin) require a Schengen certificate for stays up to 30 days. Travelers should carry the original prescription, a doctor's letter, and a Schengen certificate obtained from their home health authority before departure. Without proper documentation, controlled stimulants can be seized at the border.
France: Adderall is not authorized — controlled stimulants need a Schengen certificate
RestrictedAmphetamine-based ADHD medicines such as Adderall are not authorized in France, and other controlled stimulants (e.g. methylphenidate/Ritalin) require a Schengen certificate for stays up to 30 days. Carry the original prescription, a doctor's letter, and a Schengen certificate from your home health authority. Without documentation, controlled stimulants can be seized at the border.
Documentation required
Schengen certificate for controlled medicines (stays ≤90 days), original prescription, doctor's letter; medicines in original packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.