Republic of the Congo customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Republic of the Congo enforces strict biosecurity and cash controls. All travellers must complete a customs declaration form on arrival, and failure to declare cash over 1,000,000 XAF (approx. USD 1,700) can result in seizure and fines. The country also bans all imports of used clothing and shoes without a special permit, a rule that catches many visitors off guard in 2026.

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 threshold: 100,000 XAF (approx. USD 170).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,700
Declare any amount exceeding 1,000,000 XAF (approx. USD 1,700) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (Déclaration en Douane) available on arrival. Failure to declare risks confiscation and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 500,000 XAF (approx. USD 800). Above this value, a flat 30% duty applies on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Used clothing and shoes (friperie) without a special import permit
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense
  • Pornographic materials
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species and products (ivory, rhino horn, etc.) under CITES

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require Ministry of Health permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require permit from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export certificate from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, proceed to customs. There is a single channel; all travellers must present a completed customs declaration card (Déclaration en Douane). If you have nothing to declare, hand the card to the officer and proceed. If you have goods to declare or cash over the threshold, present the card and declare items at the counter.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and any medication containing codeine or tramadol are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Carry a doctor's note in French.

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 from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and sealed food for personal consumption up to 5 kg is allowed if declared.

Rules worth knowing

Used clothing ban

Importing used clothing or shoes (friperie) is strictly prohibited without a special commercial permit. Even personal used clothing in luggage may be questioned; declare it to avoid fines.

Cash declaration threshold is low

Any cash or equivalent instruments exceeding 1,000,000 XAF (approx. USD 1,700) must be declared. This is much lower than the global standard of USD 10,000. Non-declaration can lead to seizure and a fine of up to 50% of the amount.

Customs declaration card mandatory

Every arriving traveller must complete a customs declaration card (Déclaration en Douane). Cards are distributed on the aircraft or at the airport. Keep a copy for departure.

Duty on excess goods is flat 30%

Personal goods exceeding the 500,000 XAF duty-free allowance are subject to a flat 30% duty on the excess value. No sliding scale.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you leave the transit area and enter Congo. If you remain airside and do not pass through immigration, you do not need to declare. Check with your airline.
Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Without it, the drone will be confiscated. Apply at least 30 days before travel.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Congo. You need a permit from the Ministry of Health. Without it, the medication will be seized and you may face legal action. Carry a doctor's prescription and a letter in French explaining the medical necessity.
The cash can be seized and you may be fined up to 50% of the undeclared amount. In serious cases, criminal charges for money laundering may apply.
There is no limit on importing XAF, but amounts over 1,000,000 XAF must be declared. Export of XAF is limited to 500,000 XAF (approx. USD 850) without authorization.
No. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate and import permit. They will be confiscated and destroyed at the border.
Yes, non-resident adult travellers have the same allowances: 1 litre of spirits, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco), and personal goods up to 500,000 XAF. Residents have lower allowances for tobacco and alcohol.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (DGDDI) – Republic of the Congo

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (DGDDI) – Republic of the Congo before travelling.