Madagascar customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Madagascar's duty-free allowance for arriving adults (18+) is 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (choose one category), and personal goods up to 800,000 MGA (approx. USD 180). Cash over 10,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, certain meats, counterfeit goods, and weapons without permits. Export of vanilla requires a certificate of origin; precious stones need proof of legal purchase.

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 equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Goods duty-free

$180

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is 800,000 MGA (approx. USD 180). Items exceeding this value are subject to duty and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis and khat)
Counterfeit goods and pirated items
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (without special permit)
Live animals and plants without CITES permit and health certificate
Meat and dairy products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prescription and prior authorization from Malagasy health authorities)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
Drones and satellite phones (require approval from the Ministry of Defence or ANACOM)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
Firearms and ammunition (require police permit and prior authorization)

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration

All travellers must declare foreign currency and Malagasy ariary exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent) on the customs form. Export of local currency is limited to 2,000,000 MGA.

Vanilla and precious stones

Export of vanilla requires a certificate of origin from the Malagasy authorities. Precious stones (e.g., sapphires) must have a certificate of authenticity and proof of legal purchase.

Temporary import of vehicles

A carnet de passage is required for temporary import of motor vehicles. Without it, a customs bond or deposit equal to the duty may be demanded.

Duty-free shops

Duty-free purchases at Antananarivo airport are limited to 1 litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes per person. Receipts must be kept for inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Meat and dairy products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu are prohibited. Other animal products require a health certificate and prior import permit. It's safest to avoid bringing any.

Personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free, but if they appear new or high-value, customs may ask for proof of ownership (receipt) or a deposit. Declare them if asked.

You will pay duty and taxes on the excess. Rates vary but expect around 20-30% duty plus VAT (20%). It's often cheaper to buy at the airport duty-free.

Yes, for personal use, but carry a doctor's prescription and keep medicines in original packaging. For narcotic or psychotropic drugs, you need prior authorization from the Malagasy Ministry of Health.

There is no fixed quantity limit, but you must have a certificate of origin from the Ministry of Commerce. Without it, customs may confiscate the vanilla. Buy from reputable dealers who provide the certificate.

Yes, the same declaration threshold (10,000 USD or equivalent) applies to transit passengers. Failure to declare can lead to seizure.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes de Madagascar