Can I bring Xelstrym to Korea?

Q: Can I bring Xelstrym to Korea?

Xelstrym requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel. Korea lists dexamphetamine in annex 4 of the Narcotics Control Act enforcement decree, its amphetamine schedule. Australian travelers should note this covers the dexamfetamine tablets commonly prescribed there for ADHD. Written MFDS approval is required before entry, reviews are strict, and no amphetamine product is sold in Korea. Source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Self Treatment Narcotics) (last verified 2026-08-23).

Dexamphetamine (Dexamfetamine) · Zenzedi · Xelstrym · ProCentra

Approval
Required사전 승인 필요

MFDS permit

Required, 3-4 wks ahead

Max quantity

Approved amount, max 90-day supply

Declare at customs

Yes, goods-to-declare channel

How many can I bring? Enter your daily dose:

tablets/capsules per day

Xelstrym (active ingredient: Dexamphetamine (Dexamfetamine)) requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel.

Korea lists dexamphetamine in annex 4 of the Narcotics Control Act enforcement decree, its amphetamine schedule. Australian travelers should note this covers the dexamfetamine tablets commonly prescribed there for ADHD. Written MFDS approval is required before entry, reviews are strict, and no amphetamine product is sold in Korea.

How to apply for MFDS approval →

How Korea classifies it

Under the Narcotics Control Act, Dexamphetamine (Dexamfetamine) is a psychotropic substance (향정신성의약품), listed in annex 4 of the enforcement decree, the schedule for psychotropic substances with severe abuse potential and very limited medical use. The classification attaches to the substance itself, so it applies to every product, brand, and dosage form that contains it. That is why the entry rule does not depend on how much you carry or whether your home prescription is valid: the substance triggers the permit requirement on its own.

Before you fly

1.Apply for the MFDS self-treatment permit at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure, online at nedrug.mfds.go.kr or by email to narcotics@korea.kr. Results are issued within 10 business days.
2.Prepare a passport copy, your flight itinerary, the prescription, and a doctor's note stating diagnosis and daily dose, in Korean or English. The permit covers up to a 90-day supply.
3.Pack the medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. Loose pills in an unmarked container invite questions you do not want at the border.
4.On arrival, take the goods-to-declare channel and show the permit with the medication.

Questions

I take dexamfetamine prescribed in Australia. What are my options?

The same as for Adderall: apply for the MFDS permit early with full documentation, and prepare a fallback with your prescriber, since approval is uncertain and no Korean pharmacy stocks any amphetamine. For longer stays, Korean psychiatrists prescribe methylphenidate or atomoxetine instead.

Related medications

Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Mydayis, Dexedrine)
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse, Tyvense)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox, Edluar)
Alprazolam (Xanax, Kalma)
Diazepam (Valium, Antenex, Valpam)

Source Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Self Treatment Narcotics)
Verified 2026-08-23

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MedsToKorea is an independent site with no affiliation to the Korean government. Travel preparation only, not medical or legal advice. Regulations change: confirm with the MFDS, Korea Customs Service, or a Korean embassy before traveling. We store no searches and no health data.