Ghana customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Ghana permits duty-free import of 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer), 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco), and personal goods up to USD 800. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, unlicensed firearms, and certain meats are banned. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18 or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF).

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 (or GHS equivalent) are duty-free. Items above that value are subject to duty at the standard rate.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, marijuana)
Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Ghana Police Service
Pornographic materials
Counterfeit currency and goods
Meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease (unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate)
Radio transmitters and walkie-talkies not approved by the National Communications Authority

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use (must have a prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate)
Pets (dogs, cats) require an import permit and valid rabies vaccination certificate
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones (require a permit from the National Communications Authority)

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration

All travellers must declare cash, negotiable instruments, or monetary instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Non-residents may import a vehicle duty-free for up to 90 days. A carnet de passage or bank guarantee is required. Overstaying incurs daily penalties.

Prohibited Food Imports

Ghana bans the import of poultry and poultry products from countries with avian influenza. All meat imports require a valid veterinary certificate and must be from approved sources.

Duty-Free Shopping Limits

Duty-free allowances are per person. If travelling with family, each adult gets their own allowance. Minors (under 18) do not qualify for alcohol or tobacco allowances.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones for your own use are generally duty-free as part of the USD 800 personal effects allowance. If you bring multiple units, customs may consider them commercial and charge duty.

You must pay customs duty on the value above USD 800. The duty rate varies by item (typically 5% to 20%). Declare all items on the Customs Declaration Form to avoid penalties.

No, amounts below USD 10,000 (or equivalent) do not need to be declared. However, you may be asked to prove the source of funds if carrying large sums.

Yes, for personal use. Carry a doctor's prescription or a letter explaining the condition and dosage. Controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine) require prior approval from the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority.

Personal jewelry is allowed duty-free as part of your personal effects. However, commercial quantities of gold or gold dust require a permit from the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

Yes, commercially packaged food items for personal consumption are generally allowed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products are restricted and may require inspection or a permit.

Official source

Ghana Revenue Authority - Customs Division