Eritrea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Eritrea strictly prohibits the import of foreign currency without declaration; all travellers must declare any cash over USD 10,000 or equivalent. Duty-free allowances are modest: 1 litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, and personal goods up to USD 800. The country also bans satellite phones, drones, and certain religious materials without a permit.

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+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount of foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal effects and gifts up to a total value of USD 800 are duty-free. Items above this threshold are subject to customs duty at rates determined by the Eritrean Customs Department.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless prior authorization from the Ministry of Defence)
  • Pornographic materials (including printed, digital, or video content)
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, or goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Live animals or plants without a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture
  • Satellite phones and drones (strictly prohibited without a special permit from the Ministry of Information)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropic substances (require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Religious materials (e.g., Bibles, Qurans, pamphlets) – must be declared and may require a permit from the Ministry of Justice
  • Commercial samples and goods for trade (require a commercial invoice and customs broker clearance)
  • Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, and any communication equipment (require a permit from the Ministry of Transport and Communications)
  • Cultural artifacts, antiques, and historical items (require an export permit from the National Museum of Eritrea)

Rules worth knowing

Foreign Currency Declaration

All travellers entering Eritrea must declare any foreign currency (cash, travellers cheques, money orders) exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent. The declaration is made on the customs form. Undeclared amounts can be seized and the traveller fined up to 20% of the value.

Prohibition on Local Currency Export

It is illegal to take Eritrean nakfa (ERN) out of the country. Any nakfa found on departure will be confiscated. Travellers should exchange leftover nakfa at authorized banks before leaving.

Electronic Device Inspection

Customs officers may inspect laptops, phones, and tablets for prohibited content (e.g., pornography, political material). Travellers should ensure their devices contain no sensitive or restricted material.

Gifts and Personal Effects

Duty-free allowance for personal goods is USD 800. Items for personal use (clothing, toiletries, cameras) are generally exempt, but customs may assess value. New or expensive items (e.g., jewellery, electronics) may be subject to duty if deemed commercial.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. You must be 18 years or older. Exceeding this allowance incurs duty and possible confiscation.
No. Drones and satellite phones are strictly prohibited without a special permit from the Ministry of Information. Even with a permit, you must declare them on arrival. Unauthorized possession can lead to confiscation and legal penalties.
You must declare any amount of foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) on the customs arrival form. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts above the threshold can be seized and you may be fined.
Yes. Prescription medicines for personal use are allowed, but if they contain narcotics or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam), you must carry a doctor's prescription and obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Health. It is advisable to carry medicines in original packaging with a letter from your doctor.
Religious materials such as Bibles, Qurans, and pamphlets are allowed but must be declared on arrival. Customs may refer them to the Ministry of Justice for approval. Large quantities may be treated as commercial goods and require a permit.
If the total value of your personal goods and gifts exceeds USD 800, you must declare the excess and pay customs duty. Duty rates vary by item type. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation of the goods.

Official source

Eritrea Customs Department (Ministry of Finance)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Eritrea Customs Department (Ministry of Finance) before travelling.