Central African Republic customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Central African Republic customs enforcement is unpredictable; the biggest risk is carrying cash over 1,000,000 XAF (about $1,700 USD) without declaring it — seizure is likely. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Value must not exceed 50,000 XAF (about $85 USD).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount over 1,000,000 XAF (about $1,700 USD) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (form D-1) at the red channel. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 500,000 XAF (about $850 USD). Above that, duty is 20% to 30% depending on item category. Commercial quantities are strictly prohibited without a license.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Interior
  • Ivory, rhino horn, and any products from endangered species (CITES)
  • Counterfeit currency, goods, and pirated media
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic materials (including digital files)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Health)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require a permit from the Ministry of Telecommunications)
  • Live animals, plants, and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Commercial samples and goods for resale (require a trade license and customs declaration)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival at Bangui M'Poko International Airport, you will receive a customs declaration card (form D-1) on the plane or at the arrival hall. Fill it out truthfully. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you have goods exceeding allowances or restricted items, use the red channel. Officers may inspect luggage randomly.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Carry a doctor's prescription in French or English. Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-containing drugs are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications (e.g., Adderall, Valium) are illegal here.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally banned without a phytosanitary certificate. Hunting trophies and ivory require CITES permits.

Rules worth knowing

No duty-free shops at Bangui airport

Bangui M'Poko International Airport has no duty-free shops. All goods must be purchased abroad and brought in within your personal allowance.

Strict enforcement on used electronics

Used laptops, phones, and cameras are treated as new goods for customs purposes. If you bring multiple devices, you may be asked to prove they are for personal use. Officers may charge duty on the second device.

Temporary import of vehicles

If you bring a vehicle (car, motorcycle), you must obtain a temporary import permit (carnet de passage) at the border. Without it, the vehicle may be seized. The permit is valid for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions

If you stay airside and do not clear immigration, you do not go through customs. However, if you leave the transit area (e.g., to collect luggage or take a connecting flight that requires re-checking), you must clear customs and declare any restricted items.
Satellite phones are restricted and require a permit from the Ministry of Telecommunications. Apply at least 30 days in advance. Without a permit, the phone will be confiscated at customs. The same applies to drones.
Yes, professional camera equipment (multiple cameras, lenses, tripods) must be declared on form D-1. You may be asked to pay a refundable deposit or provide a carnet ATA. Personal use cameras (one or two) are generally fine.
You can request a replacement form at the customs office in the arrival hall. Fill it out immediately. Do not leave the airport without a completed form, as you may be fined at the exit.
Traditional medicines (herbal, powders, liquids) must be declared. If they contain any controlled substances (e.g., ephedra, kratom), they are prohibited. Carry a doctor's note and original packaging. Customs may send samples for lab testing, which can delay you.
Yes, but you need a temporary import permit from the Ministry of Interior and a hunting license from the Ministry of Water and Forests. Apply at least 60 days in advance. The rifle must be declared at customs and will be inspected. Ammunition is limited to 50 rounds.
Diplomats are exempt from duties on personal goods and have separate channels. However, you still must declare cash over 1,000,000 XAF and restricted items. Present your diplomatic passport and customs form at the red channel.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (Central African Republic Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (Central African Republic Customs) before travelling.