Colombia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Colombia's customs service, DIAN, runs a two-channel system at the airport, but the real risk is paperwork: undeclared cash over the threshold can be seized on the spot, and certain prescription drugs that are legal at home are treated as narcotics here. Check your medicine cabinet before you pack.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
COP 40,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000). Declare on Form 530 if over this amount.
Goods duty-free
$800
USD 800 duty-free for personal goods. Above that, a flat 15% duty applies on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances
  • Counterfeit money and goods
  • Pornographic material
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)
  • Firearms and ammunition without permit
  • Certain pesticides and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines (prescription required, some controlled)
  • Plants and seeds (phytosanitary certificate)
  • Animals (health certificate)
  • Drones (permit required)
  • Satellite phones (permit required)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After immigration, you'll go through customs. There are two channels: green (nothing to declare) and red (goods to declare). If you have nothing over the limits, walk through green. If you're unsure, use red and speak to an officer.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Colombia offers a VAT refund for tourists on purchases over COP 150,000 (approx. USD 38) at participating stores. Claim at the DIAN office at the airport before check-in. You'll need the original invoice and your passport.

Bringing medication

Bring prescription meds in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Some common drugs (e.g., amphetamines, certain painkillers) are controlled or illegal. Check with the Colombian embassy before travel.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Many are prohibited to protect agriculture. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat are generally not allowed.

Rules worth knowing

Flat 15% duty on excess

If your goods exceed USD 800, you pay a flat 15% duty on the excess amount, not a tiered rate. This applies to all personal goods.

Cash declaration mandatory

You must declare if you carry more than COP 40,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000) in cash or equivalent. Undeclared cash can be confiscated.

Medication restrictions

Some medications common in the US/Europe are illegal in Colombia. Check before you travel; bringing them can lead to arrest.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you have goods to declare or cash over COP 40,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000). Use Form 530. If you have nothing to declare, you can walk through the green channel without a form.
You pay a flat 15% duty on the amount exceeding USD 800. For example, if you bring USD 1,000 in goods, you pay 15% on USD 200 = USD 30.
Yes, but only with a valid prescription and in original packaging. Some drugs (e.g., Adderall) are banned. Check with the Colombian consulate before travel.
You can bring any amount, but if it's over COP 40,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000), you must declare it on Form 530. Undeclared cash can be seized.
Yes, on purchases over COP 150,000 at participating stores. Claim at the DIAN office at the airport before departure.
Most fresh food is prohibited. Packaged food may be allowed but must be declared. Check with ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute) for specifics.
You may have to pay duty plus a fine, and goods can be confiscated. It's always better to declare.

Official source

Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) before travelling.