Senegal customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Senegal enforces strict customs controls, especially on cash and medications. Failure to declare cash over 1,000,000 XOF can lead to seizure and fines. Certain common drugs like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are banned outright. Always declare restricted items and carry prescriptions.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value: up to 100,000 XOF (about $165 USD).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,650
Any amount exceeding 1,000,000 XOF (about $1,650 USD) must be declared on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$825
Personal effects and gifts up to a total value of 500,000 XOF (about $825 USD) are duty-free. Above this, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated products
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (without special permit)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prescription and declaration)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Animals and animal products (require veterinary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Communication)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare; use the red channel if you have goods exceeding allowances or restricted items. Complete a customs declaration card (available on the plane or at the airport) and present it to the officer.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply allowed with a prescription or doctor's note. Narcotics, psychotropics, and certain painkillers (e.g., codeine, tramadol) are strictly controlled or banned; carry a prescription and declare them. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is banned in Senegal.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and plant products are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Declare any food items; undeclared meat or plants can be confiscated and may result in fines.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration threshold is low

Any amount over 1,000,000 XOF (about $1,650 USD) must be declared. This includes foreign currency, traveler's checks, and monetary instruments. Undeclared cash can be seized.

Strict ban on certain medications

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and other antihistamines are banned in Senegal. Codeine and tramadol are strictly controlled. Always carry a prescription and declare any medication.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller has their own allowance. Families cannot pool allowances. Children under 18 have reduced or no allowances for alcohol and tobacco.

Frequently asked questions

If you stay in the international transit area and do not clear customs, you generally do not need to declare cash. However, if you leave the transit zone or your luggage is checked through, the 1,000,000 XOF declaration threshold applies.
Drones are restricted. You need prior authorization from the Ministry of Communication and Telecommunications. Without it, your drone may be confiscated. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
The duty-free allowance for goods is 500,000 XOF. On the excess 100,000 XOF, you will pay a flat 20% duty, i.e., 20,000 XOF (about $33 USD). Declare the goods in the red channel.
Herbal products are generally allowed if they are for personal use and do not contain banned substances. However, any product claiming medicinal properties may be scrutinized. Declare them to avoid issues.
No, the allowance is 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco, not a combination. If you bring both, you may have to pay duty on one of them.
Undeclared prohibited items will be confiscated, and you may face fines, legal prosecution, or imprisonment. Customs uses scanners and sniffer dogs. Always declare anything you are unsure about.
Yes, personal electronics like a laptop and camera are considered personal effects and are duty-free as long as they are for your own use and not for resale. No need to declare them unless they are new and in packaging.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes Sénégalaises

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes Sénégalaises before travelling.