Djibouti customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Djibouti allows duty-free import of 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco, and 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, counterfeit goods, and khat import. These rules are current for 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or equivalent (including DJF) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Additionally, DJF 1,000,000 (approx. USD 5,600) or more in local currency must also be declared. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. 142,000 DJF) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to duty at rates up to 30%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis and khat; khat import is banned despite local chewing)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization from the Ministry of Interior
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items) without permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use (prescription required; over 3 months' supply needs prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate from Djibouti's Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Pets (dogs, cats) require rabies vaccination certificate and import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Communication and Telecommunications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (export permit required from the Ministry of Culture)

Rules worth knowing

Khat import ban

Despite khat being chewed locally, its importation is strictly prohibited. Travellers found with khat face confiscation and potential legal penalties.

Currency declaration mandatory

All travellers carrying DJF 1,000,000 or more (approx. USD 5,600) or equivalent in foreign currency must declare it. The USD 10,000 threshold applies to foreign currency only.

Temporary import of vehicles

Vehicles entering Djibouti require a carnet de passage en douane or a temporary import permit valid for up to 3 months. A deposit may be required.

Frequently asked questions

No. Import of khat is banned, even though it is chewed locally. Travellers caught with khat risk confiscation and fines.
You can bring 1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 liters of wine or beer. You must be at least 18 years old.
Yes. Any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in DJF or other currencies) must be declared on the customs form. Additionally, DJF 1,000,000 or more must also be declared. Failure to do so can lead to seizure and penalties.
Yes, for personal use up to 3 months' supply, with a prescription or doctor's note. Larger quantities require prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Communication and Telecommunications. Without it, they may be confiscated at customs.
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (about 142,000 DJF) are duty-free. Items above that value are subject to customs duty of up to 30%.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (Djibouti Customs)

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