Chad customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Chad's duty-free allowance for arriving adult travellers (18+) is 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco, plus 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Cash amounts equivalent to 10,000 USD or more must be declared. Strict prohibitions apply to narcotics, counterfeit goods, and certain agricultural products. These rules are current for 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18 or older.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount equivalent to 10,000 USD or more (in XAF or any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal effects and gifts up to a total value of 800 USD (approx. 480,000 XAF) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duty and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with special medical authorization)
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior government authorization
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species and products derived from them (CITES-listed)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines and pharmaceutical products (must be accompanied by a prescription or medical certificate for quantities exceeding personal use)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate from the source country)
  • Live animals (require an import permit from the Ministry of Livestock and veterinary health certificate)
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Telecommunications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture if leaving Chad; import may require documentation)

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration threshold

Any traveller carrying cash (XAF or foreign currency) equivalent to 10,000 USD or more must declare it on arrival. There is no limit on the amount that can be brought in, but undeclared amounts above the threshold are subject to seizure and a fine of up to 50% of the value.

Temporary import of vehicles

Non-residents may import a vehicle temporarily for up to 3 months without paying duty, provided a carnet de passage en douane or a bank guarantee is presented. Extensions are possible but require approval from the customs office.

Strict enforcement on counterfeit goods

Chad customs actively seizes counterfeit brand-name goods (clothing, electronics, etc.). Travellers carrying such items risk confiscation and fines, even if for personal use.

Prohibition on certain food imports

Meat and dairy products from countries with reported outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza are banned. Travellers should check the latest animal health notices before bringing any food of animal origin.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer duty-free. You must be at least 18 years old. Any excess is subject to duty and taxes.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use do not need to be declared, as long as they are clearly for personal use and not for resale. However, if the total value of all goods exceeds 800 USD (about 480,000 XAF), you may be asked to pay duty on the excess.
Undeclared cash amounts equivalent to 10,000 USD or more can be confiscated by customs, and you may face a fine of up to 50% of the amount. Always declare on the arrival form.
Yes, for personal use, but you should carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate. For large quantities (more than a 3-month supply), you may need prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
Yes. Meat and dairy products from countries with animal disease outbreaks are banned. Other food items like fruits, vegetables, and seeds require a phytosanitary certificate. It's best to avoid bringing fresh produce unless you have the proper documentation.
You can bring 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco duty-free. These allowances are not cumulative — you must choose one option. You must be 18 or older.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (Chad Customs)

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