Azerbaijan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Azerbaijan's strictest customs rule is the absolute ban on pork and pork products, reflecting its Muslim-majority status. Cash declaration is mandatory above 10,000 USD, and tobacco allowance is limited to one type only.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Value up to 800 AZN (approx. 470 USD) duty-free.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash (or equivalent) exceeding 10,000 USD (approx. 17,000 AZN) via written customs declaration form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines up to 50% of the undeclared amount.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods (including gifts) up to 800 AZN (approx. 470 USD). Above this, duty is charged at 15% flat rate.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, even for medical use)
  • Pork and pork products (bacon, ham, sausages)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives (without special permit)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prior permit from Ministry of Health)
  • Drones and UAVs (require registration and permit from the State Civil Aviation Administration)
  • Satellite phones and encryption equipment (require permit from the Ministry of Communications)
  • Cultural property and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificate)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, follow the 'Red' channel if you have goods to declare (including cash over 10,000 USD, restricted items, or goods exceeding 800 AZN). Use the 'Green' channel if you have nothing to declare. You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration card; keep it until departure.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Azerbaijan offers a VAT refund for tourists (VAT rate 18%). Minimum purchase per receipt: 300 AZN (approx. 176 USD). Claim at the airport before check-in, at the customs office, with goods and receipts. Scheme name: 'Tax Free'.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 30 days' supply. Carry a prescription or doctor's note. Narcotics, psychotropics, and certain strong painkillers (e.g., codeine, tramadol) are banned or require prior permit from the Ministry of Health. Apply at least 30 days before travel for permits.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat and dairy products from outside the Eurasian Economic Union are generally banned. Pork and pork products are strictly prohibited. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Declare all food items.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared in writing. This includes traveller's cheques and money orders. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount.

Pork ban is absolute

Azerbaijan prohibits import of pork and pork products, including processed foods containing pork. This applies even to small personal quantities.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

The 800 AZN duty-free limit applies to each individual traveller, not to a family group. Families cannot combine allowances.

Tobacco allowance: choose one type

You cannot bring a mix of cigarettes, cigars, and loose tobacco. The allowance is for one type only: 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you must register it with the State Civil Aviation Administration and obtain a permit before arrival. Unregistered drones can be confiscated. The process takes at least 2 weeks.
Codeine is classified as a psychotropic substance in Azerbaijan. You need a prior permit from the Ministry of Health. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you may face legal issues. Apply at least 30 days before travel.
If discovered, the cash can be confiscated and you may be fined up to 50% of the undeclared amount. In serious cases, criminal charges may apply.
No. The alcohol allowance is either 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. You cannot combine them. If you bring both, the excess will be subject to duty.
Personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free if their total value is under 800 AZN. If you bring multiple high-value items (e.g., a new laptop and a camera), customs may deem them commercial and charge duty.
Yes, but only if they are commercially packaged and sealed. Unpackaged or homemade dried fruits may be confiscated due to biosecurity concerns. Declare them at the red channel.
There is no limit on bringing AZN into the country, but amounts over 10,000 USD equivalent must be declared. Export of AZN is limited to 1,000 AZN (approx. 588 USD) without a permit.

Official source

State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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