Côte d'Ivoire customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Côte d'Ivoire enforces a low cash declaration threshold and bans single-use plastic bags and unlicensed used clothing imports. Non-resident adult travellers in 2026 must comply with these rules.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free allowance is 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer. Above this, duty is 20% of value.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,600
Declare any amount over 1,000,000 XOF (approx. $1,600 USD) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (Déclaration en Douane) at the red channel. Failure to declare risks seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 500,000 XOF (approx. $800 USD). Above this, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Counterfeit goods (fake branded clothing, electronics, etc.)
  • Single-use plastic bags (import, production, and sale banned since 2014)
  • Used clothing (friperie) without a special import permit
  • Weapons and ammunition without a permit
  • Pornographic materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require prior authorization)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones (require prior authorization from the Ivorian Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones (require a license from the Ministry of Communication)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Ministry of Interior)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits, use the green channel. If you have goods to declare, cash over 1,000,000 XOF, or restricted items, use the red channel. There is no arrival card; you may be asked to fill a customs declaration form if selected for inspection.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in original packaging with a prescription (in French or English) for more than 3 months' supply. Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-based drugs are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ivorian Ministry of Health.

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. Processed and packaged foods are allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration threshold is low

You must declare any cash or monetary instruments over 1,000,000 XOF (about $1,600 USD). This is much lower than the global $10,000 standard. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to 50% of the amount.

No single-use plastic bags allowed

Côte d'Ivoire banned the import, production, and sale of single-use plastic bags in 2014. Travellers bringing them in risk confiscation and a fine. Use reusable bags instead.

Used clothing imports require a permit

Importing used clothing (friperie) for commercial purposes requires a special permit. Personal used clothing in reasonable quantities is allowed, but large amounts may be questioned.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally considered personal effects and are duty-free. However, if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3 laptops), customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.
Yes, but any amount over 1,000,000 XOF (about $1,600 USD) must be declared. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts above the threshold are subject to seizure.
You will be charged a flat 20% duty on the value of the excess alcohol. For example, if you bring 2 litres of spirits, the second litre is taxed at 20% of its declared value. You must declare it at the red channel.
Yes. Herbal remedies and traditional medicines are allowed for personal use, but they must be in original packaging and not contain any controlled substances. If they contain plants, you may need a phytosanitary certificate. It's best to carry a prescription or doctor's note.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Ministry of Animal Resources, a health certificate from a vet (issued within 10 days of travel), proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), and a microchip. The animal will be inspected upon arrival.
Personal jewelry for your own use is generally allowed duty-free. However, if you bring gold bars, coins, or large quantities of jewelry (e.g., 10 gold necklaces), customs may treat it as commercial goods and require a permit. Declare any gold over 500,000 XOF in value.
If you stay airside and do not clear customs, you do not need to declare anything. However, if you leave the transit area (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), you must go through customs and follow the same rules as arriving passengers.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes de Côte d'Ivoire

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes de Côte d'Ivoire before travelling.