Kenya customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Kenya strictly enforces a plastic bag ban and requires cash declarations over KES 1,000,000. Counterfeit goods and cannabis are prohibited. All travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival.

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 up to KES 20,000 (approx. USD 160).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or equivalent monetary instruments exceeding KES 1,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Failure to declare risks seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal effects and gifts up to KES 100,000 (approx. USD 800). Above this, duty is charged at 25% on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Plastic bags (including carrier bags and flat bags) – banned under Kenyan law
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn) without CITES permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from Pharmacy and Poisons Board)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require import permit from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service – KEPHIS)
  • Drones (require approval from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority – KCAA)
  • Satellite phones (require a license from the Communications Authority of Kenya)
  • Currency exceeding KES 1,000,000 (must declare)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to the customs area. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash to declare, or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel. Complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) handed out on the plane or at the airport.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Kenya does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme for visitors. VAT is included in prices and not reclaimable at departure.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply are allowed with a prescription or doctor's note. Controlled drugs (e.g., strong painkillers like morphine, some ADHD meds) require prior approval from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. Cannabis is illegal. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine-containing cough syrups) are controlled.

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. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., biscuits, chocolates) for personal use are allowed in small quantities. Failure to declare risks fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Bag Ban

Kenya has a strict ban on plastic bags. Do not bring any plastic carrier bags or flat bags into the country. They will be confiscated and you may face a fine.

Counterfeit Goods

Importing counterfeit goods (including clothing, electronics, and accessories) is illegal. Customs officers are trained to spot fakes and will seize them.

Duty-Free Value Cap

The duty-free allowance for all goods (including alcohol and tobacco) is capped at KES 100,000 (approx. USD 800) total. If the combined value exceeds this, duty is charged on the excess.

Cash Declaration Form

All travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) upon arrival. Declare any cash or monetary instruments over KES 1,000,000. Failure to declare can result in seizure and prosecution.

Frequently asked questions

If you enter Kenya (even for transit) and carry cash over KES 1,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000), you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. If you remain airside and do not pass through customs, you may not need to declare, but it is safest to ask airline staff.
Drones require prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). You must apply for a permit before travel. Unauthorized drones will be confiscated and you may be fined. Many national parks also ban drones.
No. Cannabis is illegal in Kenya regardless of prescription. Do not attempt to bring any cannabis products. They will be seized and you could face arrest and prosecution.
Fill out the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) you receive on the plane or at the airport. Hand it to the customs officer at the red channel. You may be asked to show the cash and explain its purpose. There is no duty on cash, but failure to declare risks seizure.
Your duty-free allowance is KES 100,000 (approx. USD 800). On the excess KES 50,000, you will pay 25% duty, i.e., KES 12,500. Declare the goods at the red channel and pay the duty.
Yes, but you need a license from the Communications Authority of Kenya. Apply before travel. Without a license, the phone may be confiscated. Some travel companies can assist with the process.
If you leave the transit area, you will pass through immigration and customs. You must declare any goods or cash as if you were entering Kenya. If you stay airside, you do not clear customs.

Official source

Kenya Revenue Authority – Customs and Border Control

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Kenya Revenue Authority – Customs and Border Control before travelling.