Haiti customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Haiti's customs enforcement is notoriously unpredictable, with officers frequently demanding informal 'fees' even for duty-free items. The gourde's volatility means declared values are often converted at arbitrary rates. Scrutiny is highest on electronics, new goods, and cash.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is 20% CIF value plus 10% VAT. Local currency: up to 1,500 HTG (approx. $12 USD) duty-free.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in any currency, including HTG) must be declared on a Customs Declaration Form (Formulaire de Déclaration de Devises). Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines. Local threshold: 1,000,000 HTG (approx. $8,000 USD).
Goods duty-free
$800
Up to $800 USD (or 100,000 HTG) in personal goods and gifts duty-free for non-residents. Above that, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value, plus 10% VAT. Electronics and luxury items are frequently challenged.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Justice
  • Counterfeit currency and goods (including pirated media)
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Endangered species products (e.g., turtle shells, ivory, coral) without CITES permit
  • Used clothing and shoes in commercial quantities without a special license

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior authorization from Ministry of Public Health)
  • Live plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate from Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior approval from the National Telecommunications Council)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Institute for the Protection of National Heritage)
  • Precious metals and gemstones over $500 USD value (must be declared and may require proof of purchase)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to Customs. There is no formal green/red channel system; all bags are subject to inspection. You must fill out a Customs Declaration Card (Carte de Déclaration en Douane) handed out on the plane or at the airport. If you have nothing to declare, hand the card to an officer and wait for a possible bag check.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed with a prescription or doctor's note. Controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol, diazepam) require prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health. Some common Western antidepressants (e.g., Prozac) are classified as controlled and may be confiscated without a permit.

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 Agriculture. Processed, sealed food for personal consumption (up to 5 kg) is usually allowed but subject to inspection.

Rules worth knowing

Used Clothing Ban

Importing used clothing or shoes in commercial quantities (more than a personal suitcase) is strictly prohibited without a special license. Even personal used clothing may be questioned if it appears new or excessive.

No Duty-Free Shops at Airport

Toussaint Louverture International Airport has no duty-free shops after security. All duty-free allowances apply to goods purchased abroad and brought in.

Currency Declaration Strictly Enforced

Haiti has a chronic foreign currency shortage. Customs officers may demand proof of declared cash even for amounts under $10,000 USD. Keep your declaration card and receipts handy.

Electronic Devices May Be Taxed

Laptops, tablets, and cameras are considered personal effects, but if you bring more than one of each, customs may treat them as commercial goods and demand duty (20% + 10% VAT).

Frequently asked questions

Officially, one laptop and one tablet are personal effects and duty-free. However, if they appear new or in original packaging, customs officers may assess duty at 20% of the value plus 10% VAT. Keep them in your carry-on and be prepared to explain they are for personal use.
Yes, but any amount over 1,000,000 HTG (approx. $8,000 USD) must be declared. There is no limit on bringing in local currency, but amounts above the threshold without declaration can be confiscated.
Adderall (amphetamine) is a controlled substance in Haiti. You need prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal issues. Apply at least 30 days in advance through the Haitian embassy.
Processed, sealed food for personal consumption (up to 5 kg) is generally allowed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited without an import permit. If you have dietary needs, bring packaged items like protein bars or powdered supplements.
Personal jewelry of reasonable value (under $800 USD) does not need to be declared. Items over $800 USD or multiple pieces that look commercial may be subject to duty. Keep receipts or appraisals handy.
Drones require prior approval from the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL). Without a permit, your drone will be confiscated at customs. Apply through the Haitian embassy or CONATEL's office at least two weeks before travel.
Undeclared cash over $10,000 USD can be seized, and you may face fines up to 50% of the amount or criminal charges. Always fill out the Currency Declaration Form and keep a copy.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes (Haiti Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes (Haiti Customs) before travelling.