Ghana customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Ghana's customs enforcement is strict, with severe penalties for misdeclaration. The biggest risk for travellers is cash: amounts over GHS 120,000 (≈ US$10,000) must be declared on arrival, and failure can lead to confiscation and fines up to 200% of the undeclared amount. These rules apply to all non-resident adults entering Ghana in 2026.

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 value included in the GHS 10,000 (≈ US$800) personal goods allowance.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount over GHS 120,000 (≈ US$10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Failure to declare risks forfeiture and a fine of up to 200% of the undeclared amount.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal effects and gifts is GHS 10,000 (≈ US$800) total value. Items above this are subject to customs duty at rates of 5–25% depending on the category.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Ghana Police Service
Pornographic materials (including digital files)
Counterfeit currency and goods
Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, turtle shells) under CITES
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require FDA permit)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones and two-way radios (require a permit from the National Communications Authority)
Cultural artifacts and antiquities (require an export permit from the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, you enter the customs hall. If you have nothing to declare or are within duty-free limits, use the Green Channel. If you have goods to declare, cash over the threshold, or restricted items, use the Red Channel. Complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) and hand it to the officer at the channel.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Ghana does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme for goods purchased locally. No refund is available at the airport.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription or doctor’s letter. Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and codeine-containing medicines require prior approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Some common Western cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are banned.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without an import permit from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Processed and packaged foods in sealed containers are usually allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over GHS 120,000 (≈ US$10,000) must be declared. There is no limit on how much you can bring in, but failure to declare can lead to confiscation and a fine of up to 200% of the amount.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller has their own GHS 10,000 (≈ US$800) allowance. Families cannot pool allowances. Children under 18 have a reduced allowance of GHS 5,000 (≈ US$400).

Gold and precious metals require declaration

Importing gold bars, coins, or jewellery over GHS 50,000 (≈ US$4,000) in value must be declared. Exporting gold is heavily restricted and requires a license from the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

Used clothing and shoes are restricted

Importing used clothing and shoes (including personal luggage if excessive) is subject to strict inspection and may require a permit from the Ghana Standards Authority. Large quantities can be seized.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you are physically carrying cash through Ghana customs (i.e., you leave the transit area and re-check luggage), you must declare amounts over GHS 120,000 (≈ US$10,000). If you remain airside and do not pass through customs, no declaration is needed.

Yes, but you must obtain prior approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). You will need to submit your drone’s specifications and intended use at least 14 days before travel. Without approval, the drone will be confiscated.

Herbal remedies in their original packaging for personal use are generally allowed. However, any product containing controlled substances (e.g., kratom, kava) or making medicinal claims may be detained. It is safest to carry a doctor’s note and declare them.

If you are caught in the Green Channel with undeclared goods over the GHS 10,000 (≈ US$800) allowance, the goods can be seized and you may be fined up to 100% of their value. Customs officers routinely inspect luggage.

Yes, but amounts over GHS 10,000 (≈ US$800) must be declared. There is no limit on foreign currency, but any amount over the equivalent of GHS 120,000 (≈ US$10,000) must be declared.

The first US$800 (GHS 10,000) is duty-free. On the remaining US$1,200, you will pay customs duty at the applicable rate (typically 5–25% depending on the item). You must declare it in the Red Channel and pay the duty on the spot.

Personal electronics for your own use are allowed duty-free as part of your personal effects. However, if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3 laptops), customs may consider them commercial and require duty payment. Declare them if in doubt.

Official source

Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs Division