Is Modafinil legal in Mexico?
- Legal status
- Prescription medicine — NOT found on the Art. 245 Ley General de Salud psychotropic lists (not scheduled as a psychotropic).
- Consequences if caught
- Prescription-medicine offence only.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescription-only medicine; carry the original prescription for a personal supply.
- Documentation
- Carry a doctor's letter/prescription; check COFEPRIS guidance for controlled substances. Note some OTC medicines legal abroad are prohibited in Mexico (e.g. codeine, pseudoephedrine — Actifed/Sudafed/Vicks inhalers). Keep medicines in original packaging.
- Not on the LGS art. 245 psychotropic lists (prescription medicine)
- diputados.gob.mx
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Mexico’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 →