Dominican Republic
Country · North America
The Dominican Republic permits prescription medicines for personal use but enforces strict anti-drug laws through the DNCD. Cannabis and other recreational drugs are illegal. Travelers carrying controlled medicines should carry documentation and only personal-use quantities.
Traveler warnings
Cannabis is illegal. CBD status is unclear — verify with the embassy before travel. Carry documentation for all prescription medicines.
Legal status by substance category
7 categories documented for Dominican Republic.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal supply
ADHD stimulants are controlled and require a prescription. Carry documentation and personal-use quantities only.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal supply
Benzodiazepines are controlled; carry a prescription.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
Unknown / Verify Before Travel — the legal status of imported CBD is not clearly published. Treat as potentially prohibited and consult the Dominican embassy before travel.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis is illegal. Possession can lead to arrest and prosecution. Do not travel with cannabis.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal supply
Opioid analgesics are controlled; carry the original prescription and a doctor's letter.
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 controlled medicine requiring a prescription.
Prescription policy
Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with your prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Controlled medicines should be limited to personal-use quantities.
Controlled substances
Narcotics and controlled medicines are regulated and enforced by the DNCD. Recreational drugs including cannabis are illegal. Penalties for possession and trafficking are severe.
Customs & border guidance
Declare medicines to customs if asked and carry documentation. Do not carry quantities suggesting distribution.
Penalties
Drug possession and trafficking carry heavy penalties including imprisonment. Resorts and airports have a visible anti-drug presence.
Live Alerts
Dominican Republic: Cannabis is illegal and anti-drug enforcement is strict
High RiskThe Dominican Republic enforces strict anti-drug laws through the DNCD, and cannabis is illegal. Airports and resorts maintain a visible anti-drug presence. Do not carry cannabis or CBD. Carry documentation for all prescription medicines and keep to personal-use quantities.
Documentation required
Original prescription, doctor's letter (Spanish translation recommended), medicines in original packaging.
Official source
DNCD (National Directorate for Drug Control) / Dirección General de AduanasLast reviewed: January 27, 2026
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.