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GOODS ACROSS BORDERS

ITEM RULE · TRAVELING

RESTRICTED

Tramadol (Medication) 🇺🇸 United States

VERIFIED · 2026-07-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Tramadol (Medication) may require documentation or declaration

ANSWER

Can I bring Tramadol (Medication) into United States?

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-07-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Tramadol (Medication) may require documentation or declaration

QUANTITY / LIMITS

Up to 30-day personal supply; Schedule IV opioid under DEA

DOCUMENTS

  • Documentation may be required

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

cbp.gov
Verify against the official customs authority before acting on this answer.Report a correction

Full details

Tramadol is widely prescribed globally but is subject to varying levels of control and is a common item seized at international borders. Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia treat tramadol as a narcotic and have prosecuted travelers for possession, even. Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 300 to USD 10,000 under 19 USC § 1497 (failure to declare); 19 USC § 1592 (fraudulent entry) (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

PENALTIES

  • Fine: 300–10000 USD
  • Civil penalty only

Leaving United States with tramadol (medication)

RESTRICTEDTramadol is a controlled opioid analgesic subject to personal-export limits when leaving United States.

Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the US and equivalent schedules in most other jurisdictions (rescheduled in many countries during 2014-2020). Personal-use quantities accompanied by the prescription and doctor's letter are generally permitted for export under 21 USC § 956 (personal-use exception); DEA Diversion regulations. Above these limits, an DEA Form 236 (for Schedule II above personal-use limit) is required. Destination-country rules on tramadol import are more restrictive in Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several other jurisdictions — verify independently before travel.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Carry in original container with prescription label + doctor's letter. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may require destination authority pre-approval (Yakkan-Shoumei for Japan, HSA for Singapore, FDA for Thailand, MOH for UAE). Declare at Red Channel.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-07-25

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

Up to 30-day personal supply; Schedule IV opioid under DEA

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

  • Documentation may be required

AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in United States. Whether you can carry tramadol (medication) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.

Related rules

Tramadol (Medication) rules in other countries

RULES5,339COUNTRIES85ITEMS111CARRIERS28GUIDES46UNIQUE SOURCES645LATEST VERIFICATION2026-07-26MethodologyChangelog