Tanzania customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Tanzania's biggest customs quirk is its total ban on plastic bags — including ziplock and duty-free bags — which are confiscated at every entry point. Cash and medication controls are also enforced aggressively, with prosecution for undeclared currency and controlled drugs.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

TZS 10,000,000 (approx. USD 4,000) or any foreign currency equivalent to USD 10,000. Declare on the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) currency declaration form at the port of entry. Undeclared excess can be seized and you may face prosecution.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. TZS 2,000,000) are duty-free. Above that, duty is charged at varying rates depending on the item, typically 25% import duty plus 18% VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (e.g., cannabis, cocaine, heroin) — severe penalties including life imprisonment.
Plastic bags (all types) — banned for import; confiscated at entry.
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials.
Pornographic materials.
Weapons and ammunition without a permit.
Endangered species and products (ivory, rhino horn) under CITES.

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Firearms and ammunition — require a police permit obtained in advance.
Drone cameras — require a permit from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).
Satellite phones — require a licence from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
Medicines containing controlled substances — require prior authorization from TMDA.
Live animals and plants — require a veterinary or phytosanitary certificate.

Arriving: red vs green channel

At major airports like Julius Nyerere International (Dar es Salaam) and Kilimanjaro (JRO), you'll pass through customs after baggage claim. There are red and green channels: green if you have nothing to declare, red if you exceed allowances or carry restricted goods. You must fill out a customs declaration card (often distributed on the plane) and a separate currency declaration form if you carry cash over the threshold. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel; random bag checks are common.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a doctor's prescription or letter. Tanzania has strict drug laws: narcotics, psychotropic substances, and some common prescription drugs (e.g., those containing codeine, tramadol, or benzodiazepines) require prior authorization from the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA). Without it, they can be confiscated and you may be arrested. Always declare any controlled medication on arrival.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and soil are prohibited or require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed in small quantities for personal use but are subject to inspection. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic bag ban

Tanzania prohibits the import of all plastic bags, including ziplock bags and duty-free shopping bags. They are confiscated at the airport. Pack your belongings in reusable cloth or paper bags.

Currency declaration is mandatory

If you carry cash or negotiable instruments exceeding TZS 10,000,000 (approx. USD 4,000) or foreign currency equivalent to USD 10,000, you must declare it on arrival and departure. Undeclared cash can be seized and you may be prosecuted.

Strict drug penalties

Tanzania enforces harsh penalties for drug trafficking, including life imprisonment. Even small amounts of controlled substances for personal use can lead to arrest. Always carry a prescription for any medication.

Yellow fever certificate

If you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and phones for your own use are generally duty-free and do not need to be declared unless they are new and in unopened packaging. However, if you are carrying multiple items of the same type, customs may suspect they are for resale and charge duty.

You must declare the excess on the red channel. You will be required to pay import duty and VAT on the value above the allowance. The rate varies by item, but typically 25% import duty plus 18% VAT. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Yes, but you must have a valid prescription and keep the medication in its original packaging. For controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), you need prior authorization from the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA). Without it, the medication may be confiscated and you could face legal consequences.

You can bring any amount, but if it exceeds TZS 10,000,000 (approx. USD 4,000) or foreign currency equivalent to USD 10,000, you must declare it on arrival and departure. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts can be seized.

Most fresh food, plants, and animal products are prohibited or require a permit. Packaged and processed foods for personal use may be allowed in small quantities, but you must declare them. Failure to declare can lead to fines and confiscation.

No, Tanzania does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. VAT is not refundable on purchases made by tourists.

Prohibited items include narcotics, plastic bags, counterfeit goods, pornographic materials, weapons without a permit, and endangered species products. Bringing any of these can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Official source

Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) – Customs and Excise Department