Sierra Leone customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Sierra Leone strictly enforces a ban on single-use plastics and requires cash declarations over SLL 100,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000). Firearms and drones need prior permits. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving 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+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount exceeding SLL 100,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000) on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (or equivalent in SLL). Above this, duty is charged at rates of 10-20% depending on the item.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances
  • Single-use plastic bags, straws, and cutlery (ban effective 2021)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species and their products (CITES)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Sierra Leone Police)
  • Medicines containing codeine or other controlled substances (require prior approval from the Pharmacy Board)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Information and Communications)
  • Large quantities of commercial goods (require an import license)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to the customs hall. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare; use the red channel if you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over the limit, or prohibited/restricted items. Complete a Customs Declaration Form (available on the plane or at the airport).

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed. Carry a doctor's prescription or letter. Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-containing medicines are strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone.

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. Processed and packaged foods for personal use are usually allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Ban

Sierra Leone banned single-use plastics (bags, straws, cutlery) in 2021. Do not bring them; they will be confiscated and you may be fined.

Cash Declaration

Any cash or monetary instruments exceeding SLL 100,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000) must be declared. Failure to do so can lead to seizure and legal action.

Firearms Strictly Controlled

Firearms and ammunition require a permit from the Sierra Leone Police. Unauthorized possession is a serious offense with heavy penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Information and Communications. Without it, your drone will be confiscated at customs.
You risk having the cash seized and facing legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Always declare on the Customs Declaration Form.
Yes. Codeine and other controlled substances are banned without prior approval from the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone. Carry a prescription for all medications.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without an import permit. Processed and packaged foods in small quantities are usually fine.
Personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free as part of the USD 800 goods allowance. If the value exceeds that, duty applies.
If the total value of personal goods exceeds USD 800, declare them. For high-value items, carry proof of purchase to avoid duty disputes.
No. The duty-free allowance for alcohol and tobacco is only for travellers aged 18 and over. Minors cannot bring these items.

Official source

National Revenue Authority (NRA) - Customs Division

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with National Revenue Authority (NRA) - Customs Division before travelling.