Macau customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Macau's biggest customs risk for non-resident travellers is the strict enforcement of duty-free allowances on tobacco and alcohol, with frequent spot checks and heavy fines for undeclared excess. All arriving international travellers aged 18 and over in 2026 are subject to these rules.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 18+. Duty-free value threshold: MOP 5,000 (approx. USD 625) for all goods combined.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
MOP 80,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Declare using the Customs Declaration Form (Modelo A) at the red channel. Applies to cash, bearer negotiable instruments, and gold coins.
Goods duty-free
$625
MOP 5,000 (approx. USD 625) duty-free allowance for personal effects and gifts. Above this, duty is charged at rates from 5% to 40% depending on the item. For non-residents, the allowance is per person per arrival.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and fireworks
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, and goods (including pirated products)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, rhino horn)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Obscene or seditious materials (including child pornography)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require Health Bureau permit)
  • Live animals and plants (require import permits from the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau)
  • Drones and unmanned aircraft (require prior approval from the Macau Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Macau Post and Telecommunications Bureau)
  • Cultural relics and antiques (may require export permit from the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. Use the green channel if within duty-free limits and nothing to declare; use the red channel if goods to declare, cash over MOP 80,000, or restricted items. No arrival card is needed, but a Customs Declaration Form (Modelo A) may be required for dutiable goods.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days' supply allowed without prescription. Controlled drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives) require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from Macau's Health Bureau. Codeine-based painkillers are controlled and need a permit.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy products generally prohibited unless accompanied by a health certificate from the exporting country. Processed and packaged food for personal consumption (e.g., canned goods, snacks) allowed in small quantities. All food items must be declared.

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance is Per Person, Not Per Family

Each adult traveller has their own duty-free allowance. You cannot combine allowances with family members. Children under 18 have no tobacco or alcohol allowance.

Gold and Precious Metals Declaration

Gold bullion, coins, and jewellery with a value over MOP 80,000 (approx. USD 10,000) must be declared. Uncut diamonds require a Kimberley Process certificate.

Strict Enforcement on Tobacco from Mainland China

Travellers arriving from mainland China (including via Hong Kong) are subject to the same allowances, but Macau customs are particularly vigilant about undeclared cigarettes. Seizures and fines are common.

No Duty-Free Shops at Arrival

Macau International Airport has no duty-free shops after customs clearance. All duty-free purchases must be made before landing or at the departure area.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but it counts toward your 1-litre spirits allowance. If you bring more than 1 litre, you must declare it and pay duty at 20% of the value.
If you stay in the transit area and do not clear immigration, you do not go through customs. If you leave the transit area (e.g., to stay overnight), you must clear customs and are subject to the same allowances.
Yes, Cuban cigars are legal in Macau. You may bring up to 50 cigars duty-free as part of your tobacco allowance. There is no embargo against Cuban goods in Macau.
You must declare the excess goods at the red channel. Duty is calculated on the total value above MOP 5,000 at rates from 5% to 40%. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to 10 times the duty owed.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally considered personal effects and do not count toward the MOP 5,000 goods allowance, as long as they are not new or for resale. However, multiple units may be treated as commercial goods.
Fresh durian is allowed but must be declared and is subject to pest inspection. Dried or processed durian products are generally fine. Note that durian is banned on public transport in Macau, but not at customs.
You must declare any amount over MOP 80,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. There is no upper limit, but failure to declare can lead to seizure and a fine of up to MOP 500,000.

Official source

Macau Customs Service (Serviços de Alfândega de Macau)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Macau Customs Service (Serviços de Alfândega de Macau) before travelling.