Armenia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Armenia's biggest customs risk is the strict ban on meat and dairy from outside the EAEU, which catches many travelers off guard. Also, any cash over 10,000 USD must be declared or it may be seized.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is 30% of the value.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in AMD: approximately 3,900,000 AMD) in cash or monetary instruments must be declared on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 800 USD (approx. 310,000 AMD) total. For goods valued between 800 and 10,000 USD, a flat 30% duty applies. Over 10,000 USD, standard customs duties apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with a special permit)
  • Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EAEU countries
  • Endangered species and products made from them (CITES)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (require a permit from the Ministry of Health)
  • Cultural property and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Committee)
  • Cash over 10,000 USD (must be declared)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, you'll enter the customs area. If you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits, use the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the limits, cash over 10,000 USD, or any restricted/prohibited items, use the red channel. There is no separate arrival card; you fill out a customs declaration form only if you have something to declare.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Armenia offers a VAT refund (20%) for tourists on purchases over 100,000 AMD (approx. 260 USD) from a single store in one day. Look for shops displaying 'Tax Free for Tourists' signs. At the airport, present the goods, receipts, and your passport at the customs office before check-in to get the refund.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for the duration of your stay, but you should carry a prescription or doctor's note. Narcotic and psychotropic substances are strictly prohibited without a permit. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine-containing painkillers, certain ADHD meds) may be controlled; check with the Armenian Ministry of Health if unsure.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, and animal products from outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are banned. Fruits, vegetables, and plants are allowed only with a phytosanitary certificate. Seeds and live plants require a permit. Declare any food items at the red channel.

Rules worth knowing

EAEU Customs Union

Armenia is part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Goods bought in those countries are treated as domestic and are not subject to customs duties or limits when entering Armenia.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

If you bring a vehicle into Armenia, you can keep it for up to 1 year without paying duty. You must declare it at the border and pay a refundable deposit or provide a carnet de passage. Overstaying results in fines and potential seizure.

Currency Declaration Form

The customs declaration form is a single sheet. Keep the stamped copy until you leave Armenia — you'll need it to prove you brought the cash in. If you lose it, you may not be able to take the money out.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bring up to 1 liter of spirits (including brandy) or 2 liters of wine duty-free. If you buy more at the airport duty-free shop after security, it's usually allowed but check your home country's limits.
No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras are considered personal goods and do not need to be declared, as long as they are for your own use and not for resale. If they are new and expensive (over 800 USD total), you might be asked to prove they are for personal use.
If you declared cash or valuables and lose the form, you may face difficulties when leaving. Go to the customs office at the airport or border crossing before departure to get a duplicate. It's best to keep it with your passport.
Tramadol is a controlled substance in Armenia. You need a permit from the Ministry of Health. Without it, it is treated as an illegal narcotic. Carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining your medical need, but even then, it may be confiscated. Safer to leave it at home.
There is no limit on bringing AMD in or out, but any amount over the equivalent of 10,000 USD must be declared. If you leave with more than you declared on entry, you may need to prove the source.
No, because Georgia is not in the EAEU. All animal products (including honey, cheese, meat) from non-EAEU countries are banned. You can bring them only if they are commercially packaged and have a veterinary certificate, which is impractical for a tourist.
Gifts are included in your 800 USD duty-free personal goods allowance. If the total value of all goods (including gifts) exceeds 800 USD, you pay 30% duty on the excess. There is no separate gift exemption.

Official source

State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia before travelling.