Is Modafinil legal in France?
- Legal status
- Substance vénéneuse Liste I (prescription-only) under the Code de la santé publique — NOT classified as a stupéfiant.
- Consequences if caught
- Prescription-medicine (Liste I) supply-without-prescription offence; not a stupéfiant offence.
- If prescribed or medical
- Initial prescription restricted to neurology/sleep specialists; carry the prescription.
- Documentation
- EU/Schengen travel: carry prescribed narcotics/psychotropics with a Schengen certificate. From outside Schengen: carry the original prescription plus an ANSM personal-transport certificate (Attestation de transport personnel de médicaments stupéfiants) where the destination requires it; up to a 3-month personal supply (or the treatment duration). Keep medicines in hand luggage.
- Code de la santé publique, Liste I (not a stupéfiant)
- ansm.sante.fr
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with France’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 →