Colombia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Colombia enforces strict biosecurity laws, including a ban on pork products from countries with African swine fever. Cash over 10,000 USD must be declared or risks seizure. Drones require pre-registration with Aerocivil. All travelers must complete a 'Declaración de Equipaje y Dinero' form.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages over 22% ABV, or 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in COP: approximately 40,000,000 COP) using the 'Declaración de Equipaje y Dinero' form. Available online or at customs.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to 800 USD (approximately 3,200,000 COP). Above that, you pay a flat 20% duty on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs (including marijuana, even for medical use without authorization)
  • Pork and pork products (fresh, frozen, or processed) from countries with African swine fever
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables without phytosanitary certificate
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with special permit from the military)
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, certain woods)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior authorization from INVIMA)
  • Drones (must be registered with Aerocivil and have a permit)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Ministry of ICT)
  • Cash over 10,000 USD (must declare on the sworn statement)
  • Cultural heritage items (e.g., antiques, pre-Columbian artifacts) require export permit from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, you'll pass through customs. There is a red channel (declare) and green channel (nothing to declare). You must fill out a 'Declaración de Equipaje y Dinero' form (paper or digital) before reaching the booth. If you have nothing to declare, go green; if unsure, go red.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Colombia offers a VAT refund for tourists (IVA refund) on purchases over 300,000 COP (approximately 75 USD) from registered stores. Claim at the airport DIAN office before check-in, with original receipts and passport. Refund is processed to your credit card or in cash (up to a limit).

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription in Spanish or English. Controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants) require prior authorization from INVIMA. Some common Western meds like codeine or certain ADHD drugs are strictly regulated.

Food, plants & animal products

No fresh fruits, vegetables, meats (especially pork), dairy, or seeds without a phytosanitary certificate from ICA. Processed and packaged foods (canned, sealed) are generally allowed for personal use. Declare any food items to avoid fines.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the 'Declaración de Equipaje y Dinero' form. Failure to declare can lead to seizure of the money and a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount.

Pork ban from certain countries

Colombia bans all pork products (fresh, frozen, cured) from countries with African swine fever outbreaks. This includes many European and Asian countries. Check the ICA website before packing any pork.

Drones require registration

All drones must be registered with Aerocivil before arrival. You also need a permit for recreational or commercial use. Unregistered drones can be confiscated.

No duty-free on arrival

Colombia does not have duty-free shops on arrival. Your duty-free allowance applies to items you bring with you from abroad. If you buy duty-free at your departure airport, it counts toward your 800 USD goods limit.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the total value exceeds 800 USD. You pay 20% duty on the amount above 800 USD. So on 2,000 USD, you'd pay 20% of 1,200 USD = 240 USD. Declare them at the red channel.
Methylphenidate is a controlled substance in Colombia. You need prior authorization from INVIMA. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Without it, the medication may be confiscated and you could face legal issues.
No, US citizens do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days. You just need a valid passport. But you still must comply with all customs rules.
You must declare it on the 'Declaración de Equipaje y Dinero' form. You'll also need to prove the legal origin of the funds (e.g., bank statements). Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Yes, but you must register it with Aerocivil before arrival and have a permit. Drones over 250g require registration. You also need liability insurance. Unregistered drones are confiscated.
Yes, as long as it's within your 1 liter allowance (or 2 liters of wine/beer). The value of the rum counts toward your 800 USD goods limit. If your total goods exceed 800 USD, you pay duty on the excess.
You can be fined up to 100% of the value of the undeclared items, and the items may be confiscated. For cash, the penalty is up to 20% of the undeclared amount. Always declare if unsure.

Official source

Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) - Colombian Customs and Tax Authority

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