Is Xanax (Alprazolam) legal in Australia?
- Legal status
- Alprazolam was up-scheduled from Schedule 4 to Schedule 8 (Controlled Drug) under the Poisons Standard effective 1 February 2014 — it is treated more strictly than other benzodiazepines (psychiatrist support / permit conditions to prescribe).
- Consequences if caught
- Possessing Schedule 8 alprazolam without authority is an offence under state law and is treated more strictly than the Schedule 4 benzodiazepines.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Schedule 8 Controlled Drug, with stricter permit/psychiatrist conditions than other benzodiazepines.
- Documentation
- The Traveller's Exemption allows a 3-month supply with a prescription or doctor's letter; Schedule 8 alprazolam is stricter — carry a doctor's letter and prescription.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Australia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →