New Zealand
Country · Oceania
New Zealand permits prescription medicines for personal use under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, administered by Medsafe and NZ Customs. Controlled drugs must be declared, and travelers may generally carry up to one month's supply of a controlled medicine with documentation.
Traveler warnings
Declare controlled medicines and carry no more than one month's supply. CBD requires a prescription. Recreational cannabis is illegal.
Legal status by substance category
8 categories documented for New Zealand.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in New Zealand with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs. ADHD stimulants are controlled drugs — declare them and carry no more than one month's supply with documentation.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in New Zealand with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in New Zealand with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs. CBD is a prescription medicine in New Zealand — carry your prescription.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Permitted in New Zealand only for registered medical patients with authorization — not for recreational or general use. Recreational cannabis is illegal; only a limited prescription-based medicinal cannabis scheme applies.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in New Zealand with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications (codeine, tramadol, oxycodone)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Restricted in New Zealand. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in New Zealand with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in New Zealand with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Prescription policy
Carry up to 3 months' supply of a prescription medicine, or up to 1 month's supply of a controlled drug, with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Declare controlled medicines to NZ Customs on arrival.
Controlled substances
Controlled drugs are classified A, B and C under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription. Recreational cannabis is illegal; a limited medicinal cannabis scheme exists.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines on arrival and carry documentation. Keep medicines in original packaging. CBD is a prescription medicine in New Zealand.
Penalties
Importing controlled drugs without authority, or exceeding personal-supply limits, can lead to seizure and prosecution. Trafficking carries lengthy imprisonment.
Live Alerts
New Zealand: Declare controlled drugs and carry no more than one month's supply
Documentation RequiredNew Zealand allows travelers to carry up to one month's supply of a controlled drug (such as ADHD stimulants) with the original prescription and a doctor's letter, declared to NZ Customs on arrival. CBD is a prescription medicine. Keep all medicines in original packaging and declare controlled drugs to avoid seizure.
Documentation required
Original prescription, doctor's letter, medicines in original packaging; declare controlled drugs to NZ Customs.
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.