Haiti customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Haiti's customs service is cash-strapped and enforcement is inconsistent, but the real trap is the currency: the gourde threshold for undeclared cash is set at 200,000 HTG, which at 2026 exchange rates is far below the familiar US$10,000 figure most travellers assume. If you carry more than that in any currency, declare it on arrival or risk seizure and a fine. The rules below apply to non-resident adults arriving at Port-au-Prince (Toussaint Louverture International) or Cap-Haïtien; residents and diplomats face different limits.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18 or older. Anything above that is dutiable at the discretion of the agent.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
200,000 Haitian gourdes (about US$1,500 at 2026 rates) or the foreign-currency equivalent. Declare on the customs declaration card and be ready to show the source of funds. There is no separate currency form — it is part of the arrival card.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal effects and gifts up to US$800 (roughly 105,000 HTG) are duty-free. Above that, expect a flat assessment — agents often apply a percentage of value rather than a formal tariff schedule, and receipts help.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic drugs (cocaine, cannabis, heroin, methamphetamine) — penalties are severe, including long prison sentences.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a prior permit from the Haitian National Police.
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media (DVDs, CDs, software) — routinely seized and destroyed.
  • Live animals and birds without a veterinary health certificate and import permit.
  • Fresh meat, poultry, and unpasteurised dairy products from countries with animal disease outbreaks.
  • Political propaganda or materials deemed to incite violence or undermine state security.

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics — require a doctor's letter and may need prior authorisation from the Ministry of Public Health.
  • Drones and satellite phones — require a permit from the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL); unlicensed devices are confiscated.
  • Plants, seeds, and soil — require a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Cultural artefacts and antiquities — export/import requires a permit from the Ministry of Culture.
  • Large quantities of currency (over 200,000 HTG or foreign equivalent) — must be declared on arrival.

Arriving: red vs green channel

You fill out a customs declaration card on the plane or in the arrival hall. After immigration, you collect bags and pass through a single customs line — there is no red/green channel at Port-au-Prince. Hand your card to the agent; if you have nothing to declare, you still need the card, and you may be asked to open bags. If you are carrying cash over 200,000 HTG or goods over US$800, declare it verbally and on the card before the agent asks.

Bringing medication

Bring prescription medicines in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Haiti has no formal quantity limit for personal medication, but anything containing narcotics (codeine, tramadol, morphine) or psychotropics (diazepam, alprazolam) requires a doctor's letter and may be seized without one. Some common Western cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are restricted. If in doubt, declare it.

Food, plants & animal products

All meat, poultry, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and soil are prohibited or require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed, sealed, shelf-stable foods (canned goods, biscuits, coffee) are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use. Declare any plant or animal product — undeclared food is confiscated and can trigger a fine.

Rules worth knowing

Cash threshold is in gourdes, not dollars

The declaration trigger is 200,000 HTG, which is only about US$1,500 at 2026 rates. Many travellers carrying US$2,000–3,000 in cash for a hotel bill or remittance fall over this line without realising. Declare it on the arrival card or risk seizure.

No red/green channel — every bag is subject to search

Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien have a single customs line. Agents can and do open bags randomly. Keep receipts for electronics and gifts to prove value if asked.

Duty is often a flat assessment, not a published rate

Above the US$800 allowance, agents frequently charge a percentage of declared value on the spot rather than applying a formal tariff schedule. Having a receipt helps you argue for a lower valuation.

Remittance cash is scrutinised

If you are carrying cash intended for family or business, declare it and be ready to explain the source. Undeclared amounts over 200,000 HTG can be confiscated and a fine of up to 50% of the amount imposed.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the total value of all currencies you carry exceeds 200,000 HTG (about US$1,500). The rule is based on gourde equivalent, not the currency itself. Declare it on the customs card and be ready to show where it came from.
Yes, for personal use, in original packaging with a prescription. If it contains narcotics (codeine, tramadol) or psychotropics (diazepam, alprazolam), bring a doctor's letter and declare it. Without documentation, it can be seized.
You will be charged duty on the excess. The rate is not published clearly; agents often assess a flat amount. If you have more than a few bottles or cartons, expect to pay and get a receipt.
No. Haiti does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. Tax paid on purchases is not refundable at departure.
Only with a permit from CONATEL (the telecommunications regulator). Without one, the device will be confiscated on arrival. Apply well in advance — permits are not issued at the airport.
Yes: fresh meat, poultry, dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and soil are prohibited without a permit. Sealed, processed foods like biscuits, coffee, and canned goods are generally fine in small amounts. Declare anything plant- or animal-based.
Customs can seize the undeclared amount and impose a fine of up to 50% of the total. In practice, if you declare it voluntarily, you will usually just be asked to explain the source and may be allowed to proceed.

Official source

Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD)

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