Saint Vincent and the Grenadines customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines enforces strict biosecurity: all food, plants, and animal products must be declared or face fines up to XCD 5,000. Cash over XCD 27,000 (USD 10,000) must be declared. Duty-free allowances are per adult; overage is taxed at 20% CIF + 15% VAT.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is payable at 20% CIF + 15% VAT.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
XCD 27,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Declare on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) at the Red Channel.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to XCD 2,160 (approx. USD 800). Above this, duty is 20% CIF + 15% VAT on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Commissioner of Police
  • Explosives, fireworks, and pyrotechnics
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Obscene materials and child pornography
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (permit required from Commissioner of Police)
  • Medicines containing controlled substances (prior approval from Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (phytosanitary certificate required)
  • Animals and animal products (import permit from Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Drones (require approval from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits; use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare or exceed allowances. Officers may inspect luggage randomly.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply allowed with a valid prescription. Controlled drugs (e.g., codeine, diazepam) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. Marijuana is illegal even for medical use.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and animal products must be declared. Banned: raw meat, fresh fruits, and soil. Permitted items require a phytosanitary certificate and may be inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration

You must declare all food, plants, and animal products on the CDF. Failure to declare can result in fines up to XCD 5,000 (USD 1,850) and confiscation.

Cash Declaration Threshold

Cash or monetary instruments over XCD 27,000 (USD 10,000) must be declared. Undeclared amounts can be seized and you may face penalties.

Duty-Free for Residents vs Non-Residents

Non-residents get the same duty-free allowances as residents: XCD 2,160 (USD 800) goods, 1L spirits, 200 cigarettes. Residents returning after 48 hours abroad get double the goods allowance (XCD 4,320).

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need prior approval from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA). Apply at least 14 days before travel. Unauthorised drones may be confiscated.
No restrictions on bringing local rum out of SVG, but duty-free import is 1L spirits or 2L wine/beer. Over that, duty applies.
No, personal electronics for your own use do not need to be declared. But if they appear new or excessive, an officer may ask for proof of ownership or charge duty.
No. All fresh fruits and vegetables must be declared and inspected. Many are banned due to pests. Only processed or packaged foods are generally allowed.
You must pay duty on the excess: 20% CIF (cost, insurance, freight) plus 15% VAT. For example, a second litre of spirits would incur about XCD 40-50 in charges.
No, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not offer a VAT refund scheme for tourists.
Codeine is a controlled substance. You need prior approval from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. Carry a doctor's note and original prescription.

Official source

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department before travelling.