Pakistan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Pakistan enforces strict religious-based import bans on alcohol (for Muslims) and pork. The biggest risk for travellers is failing to declare cash over $10,000 or bringing controlled medicines without a permit—both can lead to seizure and legal action.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Non-Muslims only, must be 18+. Duty-free value up to PKR 5,000 ($18).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or equivalent instruments over $10,000 (PKR 2,800,000) on Form C-1. Failure to declare risks seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to $800 (PKR 224,000). Above that, 30% duty applies on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and some prescription drugs like tramadol)
  • Pork and pork products (including ham, bacon, sausages)
  • Alcoholic beverages beyond the duty-free limit (and any alcohol for non-Muslims is strictly regulated)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a license from the Ministry of Interior
  • Counterfeit currency, pirated goods, and obscene materials
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval from the Pakistan Narcotics Control Board)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Interior)
  • Currency over $10,000 (must be declared on Form C-1)
  • Wildlife products (e.g., ivory, skins) require a CITES permit

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers fill a customs declaration card (Form C-1). Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare; red channel if you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over $10,000, or restricted items. Officers may still stop you for inspection.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in original packaging with a prescription for controlled substances (e.g., codeine, sedatives). Narcotics and psychotropics are banned. Some common Western drugs (e.g., certain painkillers) are illegal—check the Pakistan Narcotics Control Board list.

Food, plants & animal products

Declare all food, plants, seeds, and animal products. Meat products (especially pork) are banned. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy require a phytosanitary certificate. Failure to declare risks fines.

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol for Non-Muslims Only

Alcohol import is allowed only for non-Muslim travellers, up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer. You must be 18+. Muslims are prohibited from importing alcohol—it will be confiscated.

Pork Ban

Pork and pork products are strictly prohibited for import by all travellers, regardless of religion. Any found will be seized and destroyed.

Currency Declaration

Cash or bearer negotiable instruments over $10,000 (or equivalent in PKR) must be declared on Form C-1. Undeclared amounts can be confiscated and you may face penalties.

Duty-Free Allowance for Non-Residents

Non-resident adults get a combined duty-free allowance of PKR 5,000 ($18) for alcohol/tobacco and PKR 224,000 ($800) for other goods. Exceeding these triggers duty at 30% on the excess.

Frequently asked questions

No. Pakistan customs prohibits alcohol import by Muslims. Any alcohol found will be confiscated. Non-Muslims may bring up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer duty-free.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use are generally allowed duty-free as part of your $800 goods allowance. If you have multiple units, customs may consider them commercial and charge duty.
You must declare it on Form C-1 at the red channel. If you fail to declare, the cash can be seized and you may face a fine or legal action. Declaring it is straightforward—just fill the form.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Pakistan. You need a valid prescription and a prior permit from the Pakistan Narcotics Control Board. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal trouble.
Drones require a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Interior. Without it, the drone will be seized. Apply well in advance.
Spices and tea in sealed commercial packaging for personal use are usually allowed. However, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products (especially pork) are banned or require permits. Declare all food items to avoid fines.
Gifts up to a total value of $800 (PKR 224,000) are duty-free. If the value exceeds that, you pay 30% duty on the excess. This applies to all personal goods combined.

Official source

Pakistan Customs (Federal Board of Revenue)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Pakistan Customs (Federal Board of Revenue) before travelling.