Ecuador customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Ecuador uses the US dollar, so cash declarations are straightforward but strictly enforced. The biggest risk for travellers is bringing in any amount of drugs, including personal-use marijuana, which is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Also, many common cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine are banned without a special permit.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (Formulario de Declaración de Aduana). Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines up to 50% of the undeclared amount.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to USD 800. Above this, a 15% flat duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana in any form)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with special police permit)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, sea turtle shells, certain orchids)
  • Pornographic material (considered obscene)
  • Radioactive or hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing pseudoephedrine (require a special permit from the Ministry of Health)
  • Drones (require registration with the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation Authority and a permit)
  • Satellite phones (require authorization from the Ministry of Telecommunications)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, you will pass through customs. There is a single channel system: if you have nothing to declare, proceed directly to the green exit. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over USD 10,000, or restricted items, go to the red channel for inspection. You must fill out a Customs Declaration Form (available on the plane or at the airport) even if you have nothing to declare.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Ecuador does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme for visitors.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription if in original packaging. For controlled substances (e.g., opioids, sedatives), carry a doctor's prescription in Spanish or English. Medications containing pseudoephedrine (common in cold medicines) are banned without a special permit from the Ministry of Health. Narcotics are strictly prohibited.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Processed, commercially packaged foods are usually allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Strict Drug Penalties

Ecuador has zero tolerance for drug trafficking. Even small amounts of marijuana for personal use can lead to arrest, detention, and deportation. Penalties include prison sentences of 1-3 years for possession.

Currency Declaration is Mandatory

Because Ecuador uses the US dollar, customs officers are vigilant about cash. You must declare any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) on the customs form. Failure to do so can result in confiscation and fines up to 50% of the undeclared amount.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones are considered personal effects and do not count toward the USD 800 duty-free allowance, as long as they are for your own use and not for resale.
Yes, Cuban cigars are allowed as long as they are within the tobacco allowance (50 cigars or 250g of tobacco). No special permit is needed for Cuban products.
You must pay a flat 15% duty on the value exceeding USD 800. For example, if your goods are worth USD 1,000, you pay 15% on USD 200 = USD 30. You must declare the excess in the red channel.
Yes, the Galapagos have strict biosecurity rules. You cannot bring fresh fruits, vegetables, or animal products from the mainland to the islands, and vice versa. All luggage is screened upon departure from the islands.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Ecuador. You must carry a doctor's prescription in Spanish or English, and the medication should be in original packaging. For more than 30 days' supply, you need prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.
No, Ecuador does not offer a VAT refund or tax-free shopping program for tourists. All purchases are subject to the 12% IVA (Value Added Tax) with no refund available at departure.
Yes, drones are restricted items. You must declare them and present a registration permit from the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation Authority. Without it, the drone may be confiscated.

Official source

Servicio Nacional de Aduana del Ecuador (SENAE)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Servicio Nacional de Aduana del Ecuador (SENAE) before travelling.