Afghanistan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Afghanistan's customs enforcement is strict and unpredictable. The biggest risk for travellers is the total ban on alcohol and pork, and the dual-currency cash declaration threshold. All rules apply to non-resident adult travellers arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol is prohibited for import. Any amount will be confiscated and may lead to legal penalties.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash, negotiable instruments, or monetary equivalents exceeding AFN 700,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) at the red channel.
Goods duty-free
$300
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to AFN 21,000 (approx. USD 300). Above this, a flat 30% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
  • Pork and pork products
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, opium)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prior approval from Ministry of Public Health)
  • Satellite phones and communication equipment (require a license from the Ministry of Communications)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Transport)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Information and Culture)
  • Live animals and plants (require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, proceed to the Customs Declaration area. If you have goods to declare or cash over the threshold, use the red channel and submit a Customs Declaration Form (CDF). If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Random inspections occur.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed with a valid prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and certain painkillers (e.g., codeine, tramadol) are strictly prohibited. Carry a doctor's note and original packaging.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds, and plants are prohibited without prior permission from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and packaged foods for personal use are generally allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Dual-currency cash declaration

You must declare any cash or monetary instruments exceeding AFN 700,000 (approx. USD 10,000) OR equivalent in foreign currency. Both Afghanis and foreign currency are counted together.

No duty-free shops at Kabul Airport

Kabul International Airport does not have duty-free shops. All goods must be declared upon arrival and duties paid if over the allowance.

Strict prohibition on alcohol and pork

Afghanistan is an Islamic republic. Importing alcohol or pork is illegal and can result in confiscation, fines, or legal action.

Registration of electronic devices

Expensive electronics (laptops, cameras, phones) may need to be registered on arrival to avoid duty when leaving. Keep receipts or declare them.

Frequently asked questions

No. Codeine and tramadol are classified as narcotics and are prohibited. Only non-narcotic medications for up to 30 days are allowed with a prescription. Carry a doctor's note.
Yes, if you leave the transit area and enter Afghanistan. If you remain airside, you are not subject to Afghan customs. Check with your airline.
Undeclared cash over AFN 700,000 can be confiscated and you may face fines or legal proceedings. Always declare at the red channel.
Satellite phones require a license from the Ministry of Communications. Without it, the device will be confiscated. Apply well in advance.
Antique rugs (over 100 years old) require an export permit from the Ministry of Information and Culture. Modern rugs are generally unrestricted.
Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Transport. Unauthorized drones may be seized and you could face detention. Apply through your embassy.
A flat 30% duty is applied on the value exceeding AFN 21,000 (approx. USD 300). Payable in Afghanis at the customs office.

Official source

Afghanistan Customs Department (Ministry of Finance)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Afghanistan Customs Department (Ministry of Finance) before travelling.