Iran customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Iran's customs enforcement is notably strict on religious and cultural grounds. The biggest risk for travellers is the total ban on alcohol for Muslims and tight restrictions for non-Muslims, along with a very low duty-free allowance of 80 USD for personal goods. Failure to declare cash over 10,000 USD can lead to confiscation and fines.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol is prohibited for Iranian Muslims. Non-Muslim travellers aged 18+ may bring up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer for personal use, but must declare it on the customs form. No duty-free allowance applies; any undeclared alcohol is subject to confiscation and penalties.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent in IRR at the official rate, approximately 420,000,000 IRR) must be declared on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare risks confiscation and a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount.
Goods duty-free
$80
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is 80 USD (approx. 3,360,000 IRR at the official rate). Items above this value are subject to duty at rates varying by category (typically 15-30%). Keep receipts to prove value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages (for Muslim travellers; non-Muslims may bring limited amounts with declaration)
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and any drug paraphernalia)
  • Pork and pork products
  • Pornographic materials (including magazines, DVDs, and digital files)
  • Items with Israeli logos or symbols
  • Satellite phones and GPS devices (require prior authorization from the Ministry of ICT)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require Ministry of Health permit)
  • Drones and UAVs (require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Organization)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require special permit from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Cultural Heritage Organization)
  • Large quantities of currency (over 10,000 USD must be declared)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, you will receive a customs declaration card (green form) to fill out. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, restricted items, or cash over 10,000 USD, use the red channel. Officials may inspect luggage randomly.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply are allowed with a valid prescription (in English or Persian). Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-containing drugs are strictly banned. Some common Western medications (e.g., certain antidepressants, ADHD meds) are illegal without prior approval from the Iranian Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Meat products (especially pork) are banned. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy are restricted and may require phytosanitary certificates. Honey and spices are generally allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol Ban for Muslims

Iranian Muslims are strictly prohibited from importing, possessing, or consuming alcohol. Non-Muslim travellers may bring limited amounts (1L spirits or 2L wine/beer) but must declare it and be 18+. Penalties for Muslims caught with alcohol include fines, imprisonment, and lashing.

Currency Declaration

Any cash or monetary instruments (including traveler's checks) exceeding 10,000 USD or equivalent in IRR must be declared on the customs form. Undeclared amounts can be confiscated, and you may face a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount.

Duty-Free Allowance is Low

The duty-free allowance for personal goods is only 80 USD (approx. 3,360,000 IRR). Most electronics, jewelry, and luxury items will exceed this and be subject to duty. Keep receipts to prove value.

Satellite Phones and GPS Devices

Satellite phones and handheld GPS devices are restricted and require prior authorization from the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. Unauthorized possession can lead to confiscation and legal issues.

Frequently asked questions

Drones are restricted. You must obtain prior approval from the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran. Without it, your drone may be confiscated at customs. Contact the Iranian embassy before travel.
Undeclared cash over 10,000 USD can be confiscated, and you may face a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount. In severe cases, legal proceedings may follow.
Yes. Persian carpets are considered cultural artifacts. You need an export permit from the Cultural Heritage Organization if the carpet is over 50 years old or valued over 500 USD. For modern carpets, keep the purchase receipt.
No. Codeine is a controlled substance in Iran. You must obtain a permit from the Iranian Ministry of Health before travel. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you may face legal action.
Non-Muslim tourists may bring up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer for personal use, but must declare it on the customs form. Muslim travellers are strictly prohibited from bringing any alcohol.
Pork and pork products are banned. They will be confiscated and destroyed. You may also face a fine or questioning, especially if you fail to declare them.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use are generally allowed without declaration if their value is under 80 USD. If the value exceeds 80 USD, you should declare them and may pay duty. Keep receipts to prove they are for personal use.

Official source

Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) before travelling.