Nepal customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Nepal's customs regime is strict on undeclared cash and high-value electronics, and the green channel is only for travellers with nothing to declare. Random checks are common at Tribhuvan International Airport, and penalties for false declarations are severe.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Declare if carrying NPR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 7,500) or more in cash or equivalent. Use the customs declaration form available on arrival.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods up to NPR 100,000 (approx. USD 750) are duty-free. Above that, duty is charged at rates varying by item, often 15-30%.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances
Firearms and ammunition (without permit)
Pornographic materials
Counterfeit currency and goods
Wildlife products (ivory, fur, etc.)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines (prescription required)
Drones (permit required)
Satellite phones (permit required)
Plants and seeds (phytosanitary certificate)
Live animals (import permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, fill out a customs declaration form if you have anything to declare. Proceed through the red channel if you have goods exceeding the duty-free allowance, cash over the threshold, or restricted items. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Random checks are common, and penalties for false declarations are severe.

Bringing medication

Bring prescription medicines in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Narcotics and psychotropic substances require prior approval from the Department of Drug Administration. Some common Western drugs containing codeine or pseudoephedrine are controlled; check before you travel.

Food, plants & animal products

All food items, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed but are subject to inspection.

Rules worth knowing

Cash Declaration

You must declare if you carry NPR 1,000,000 (USD 7,500) or more in cash or equivalent. Undeclared cash can be seized and you may face fines or arrest.

Electronics

One laptop, one camera, and one mobile phone are allowed duty-free. Additional items may be subject to duty and require declaration.

Trekking Equipment

If you're bringing trekking gear for personal use, it's generally allowed duty-free, but expensive items like satellite phones need permits.

Frequently asked questions

Drones require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Without one, your drone will be confiscated at customs.

There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring, but amounts over USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared. Undeclared amounts can be confiscated.

Yes, there is a duty-free shop in the arrival hall at Tribhuvan International Airport, but it is only for arriving passengers and you must clear customs first.

Yes, but bring a doctor's prescription and keep medicines in original packaging. Some drugs like those containing codeine may require prior approval.

You must declare the excess and pay duty. Duty rates vary; for example, electronics may be charged 15-30% of value. Failure to declare can lead to fines or confiscation.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited. Packaged foods are generally allowed but must be declared and may be inspected.

No, Nepal does not have a VAT refund scheme for tourists.

Official source

Nepal Department of Customs