Kenya customs rules & duty-free allowances
Kenya allows duty-free import of 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer), 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco), and personal goods up to KES 50,000 (approx. USD 400). Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, counterfeit goods, and single-use plastic bags. Residents returning after 24+ hours have a higher goods allowance of KES 100,000.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (e.g., heroin, cocaine, cannabis)
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Pornographic materials
- Single-use plastic carrier bags (flat or folded) – banned since 2017
- Firearms and ammunition without a valid permit from the Firearms Licensing Board
- Endangered species and their products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn) without CITES permit
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medicines for personal use: must have a prescription or doctor's letter for controlled drugs; limit to 3 months' supply
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
- Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles): require prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
- Satellite phones and radio communication equipment: require a permit from the Communications Authority of Kenya
- Pets (cats, dogs): require an import permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services and a valid rabies vaccination certificate
Rules worth knowing
Plastic Bag Ban
Kenya enforces one of the world's strictest bans on single-use plastic carrier bags. Any plastic bag found in luggage (even if unused) can be confiscated and the traveler fined up to KES 4 million (approx. USD 32,000) or face imprisonment.
Currency Declaration
Travelers entering or leaving Kenya with cash (KES or foreign) exceeding USD 10,000 must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and prosecution.
Duty-Free Limits for Residents vs. Non-Residents
Non-residents are allowed personal effects up to KES 50,000 duty-free. Residents returning from abroad have a higher allowance of KES 100,000 for goods purchased abroad, provided they have been away for at least 24 hours.
Prohibited Imports from Certain Countries
Meat and dairy products from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu are restricted. Always check current bans before packing food items.