Is Zolpidem legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Zolpidem is a Class C5 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, inserted by the Misuse of Drugs (Classification and Presumption of Supply) Order 2022 with effect from 1 July 2023, reflecting its 1971 Convention Schedule IV status.
- Consequences if caught
- Unlawful supply of this Class C controlled hypnotic is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act; a lawfully prescribed personal supply is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Zolpidem is prescribed short-term for insomnia, with a maximum three-month supply per prescription for medical and nurse practitioners.
- Documentation
- A traveller carries prescribed zolpidem with the prescription; controlled-drug personal-supply limits apply.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’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 →