Nauru customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Nauru enforces strict biosecurity laws due to its fragile ecosystem. All food, plants, and animal products must be declared, with heavy fines for non-compliance. The country has no duty-free shops at the airport, and all allowances apply to goods purchased overseas.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+ years old.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Declare cash or monetary instruments over AUD 10,000 (approx. USD 6,500). Use the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) upon arrival.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to AUD 800 (approx. USD 520). Above this, duty is charged at 10% for most items.

Prohibited — banned from import

Illicit drugs and narcotics (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a permit)
Pornographic material
Counterfeit goods and currency
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items)
Certain fresh food items (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy) without a biosecurity permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing controlled substances (require a prescription and declaration)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require a biosecurity permit)
Animals and animal products (require an import permit and quarantine clearance)
Satellite phones and drones (require prior approval from the Nauru Communications Authority)
Cultural artifacts and heritage items (require an export permit from the Nauru Museum)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, proceed to the customs area. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you have goods exceeding the allowance or prohibited/restricted items. Complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) regardless of channel.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Carry a doctor's prescription or a letter. Narcotics, psychotropics, and some common Western drugs (e.g., codeine, diazepam) are strictly controlled or banned. Declare all medications at the red channel.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a biosecurity permit. Biosecurity is strict due to Nauru's fragile ecosystem.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration

All arriving passengers must complete a biosecurity declaration. Failure to declare food, plants, or animal products can result in fines up to AUD 5,000 (approx. USD 3,250).

No Duty-Free Shops

Nauru International Airport has no duty-free shops. All duty-free allowances apply to goods purchased overseas and brought in personally.

Strict Alcohol Limit

The alcohol allowance is strictly per person. Even if travelling as a family, each adult gets only 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer. Exceeding this results in seizure and a fine.

Frequently asked questions

No, fresh fruit and vegetables are generally prohibited without a biosecurity permit. Even if you declare them, they will likely be confiscated and destroyed. Packaged, processed foods are usually allowed if declared.

Yes, all foreign nationals require a visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival. Apply through the Nauru Department of Immigration or your nearest Nauruan embassy.

Yes, you must declare any cash or monetary instruments over AUD 10,000 (approx. USD 6,500). There is no upper limit, but failure to declare can lead to seizure and penalties.

Drones are restricted. You need prior approval from the Nauru Communications Authority. Without it, your drone may be confiscated upon arrival.

Common over-the-counter medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen are allowed in reasonable quantities (e.g., 1-2 packs). No prescription is needed. However, any medication containing codeine or other controlled substances requires a prescription and declaration.

You must declare the excess goods at the red channel. Duty is charged at 10% on the value above AUD 800 (approx. USD 520). Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine.

Yes, as long as it is within the allowance (1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer) and you are 18+. The alcohol must be in its original sealed packaging and declared on the Customs Declaration Form.

Official source

Nauru Customs Service