Guinea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Guinea allows duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (choose one category), 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, and personal goods up to 800,000 GNF (about USD 85). Cash or equivalent instruments over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, unlicensed firearms, and CITES-protected wildlife products are strictly prohibited. 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. Traveller must be 18+.
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 arrival form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines of up to 50% of the value.
Goods duty-free
$85
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is 800,000 GNF (approximately USD 85). Items exceeding this value are subject to duty at rates up to 20%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization from the Ministry of Security
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales) under CITES
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines: Prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription or import permit for quantities exceeding 3 months' supply
  • Plants and plant products: Require a phytosanitary certificate from the National Directorate of Agriculture
  • Animals and animal products: Require a veterinary health certificate and prior import permit
  • Satellite phones and communication equipment: Require authorization from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques: Require an export permit from the National Museum of Guinea

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration is mandatory

All travellers carrying cash, traveler's checks, or negotiable instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must declare them on the customs form. There is no limit on how much you can bring in, but undeclared amounts above the threshold are subject to confiscation and a fine of up to 50% of the value.

Temporary import of vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a private vehicle for up to 3 months without duty, provided a valid international driving permit and vehicle registration are presented. A carnet de passage en douane is recommended for longer stays or overland travel.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller (18+) is entitled to the full duty-free allowances. Infants and children under 18 have no separate allowance; their goods are counted with the accompanying adult.

Frequently asked questions

No. The duty-free alcohol allowance is only for travellers aged 18 and over. Minors cannot import alcohol duty-free.
You must pay customs duty on the excess value. Duty rates vary by item type, typically 10-20% of the CIF value. You can pay in Guinean francs (GNF) or sometimes in euros/USD at the customs office.
No, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and phones for your own use are generally not subject to duty and do not need to be declared unless they are new and exceed the 800,000 GNF allowance. However, customs officers may ask to see them, so keep them accessible.
Yes, for personal use up to a 3-month supply, with a doctor's prescription or a medical certificate. For larger quantities, you need an import permit from the Guinean Ministry of Health. Keep all medicines in original packaging.
There is no specific limit on bringing Guinean francs into the country, but amounts equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Export of GNF is restricted to 500,000 GNF (about USD 55) without authorization from the Central Bank.
Gifts are included in your personal goods allowance of 800,000 GNF. If the total value exceeds that, you pay duty on the excess. Avoid bringing expensive items like jewelry or electronics as gifts unless you are prepared to pay duty.