India
Country · Asia
India permits prescription medicines for personal use but controls narcotics under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985. Enforcement varies by state. Cannabis is generally illegal (with narrow state exceptions), and opioids and benzodiazepines are tightly controlled.
Traveler warnings
Enforcement varies by state under the NDPS Act. Cannabis is generally illegal, and opioids/benzodiazepines are tightly controlled — carry full documentation.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for India.
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 India with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
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.
Restricted in India. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Restricted in India. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Illegal in India. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution. Cannabis is generally illegal under the NDPS Act 1985, with narrow, state-specific exceptions for regulated bhang; enforcement varies by state.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
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 India with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Verify permitted quantity with official authorities before travel.
Legal status in India is not clearly documented in official sources. Verify with official authorities before travel.
Penalty: Penalties are not clearly documented; assume strict enforcement and verify before travel.
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 India. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel. Opioids are tightly controlled under the NDPS Act and may require a permit — carry documentation and keep to personal-use quantities.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in India. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and 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 India with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in India. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and 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 India with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
Prescription policy
Carry a personal supply of prescription medicine with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Narcotic and psychotropic medicines should be limited to personal-use quantities and documented; some require permits.
Controlled substances
The NDPS Act 1985 controls narcotics and psychotropics with significant penalties. Cannabis is generally illegal, though some states permit regulated 'bhang'. Opioids and benzodiazepines are tightly controlled and may require permits.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines and carry documentation. Enforcement and interpretation of the NDPS Act vary by state, so verify rules for your specific destination within India.
Penalties
The NDPS Act imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties scale with quantity.
Live Alerts
India: Opioids and benzodiazepines are tightly controlled under the NDPS Act
RestrictedUnder the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, opioids and benzodiazepines are tightly controlled and may require a permit. Enforcement varies by state. Carry the original prescription, a doctor's letter, and keep medicines to personal-use quantities in original packaging. Penalties scale with quantity.
India: Cannabis is generally illegal under the NDPS Act — enforcement varies by state
RestrictedCannabis is generally illegal in India under the NDPS Act 1985, with narrow state-specific exceptions for regulated 'bhang'. Enforcement and interpretation vary by state. Do not carry cannabis across the border, and verify the rules for your specific destination within India.
India: Opioid painkillers require NDPS documentation — enforcement varies by airport
High RiskUnder the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, opioids such as tramadol, codeine and oxycodone are tightly controlled and may require a permit. Enforcement varies between airports and states. Carry the original prescription, a doctor's letter, and keep medicines to personal-use quantities in original labelled packaging.
Documentation required
Original prescription, doctor's letter, NDPS permit for restricted narcotics where required, medicines in original packaging.
Official source
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) / NDPS Act 1985Last reviewed: October 31, 2025
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.