Mozambique customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Mozambique 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 USD 800 for travelers aged 18+. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics and counterfeit goods 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/beer. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or equivalent (including MZN) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty and VAT at 17%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with special medical authorization)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Firearms and ammunition without a valid Mozambique police permit
  • Explosives and pyrotechnics (except with government authorization)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed) without permit
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use: must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or medical certificate; limit to 3 months' supply
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the National Directorate of Agriculture
  • Drones: require prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Institute of Mozambique (IACM)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters: require a license from the National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques: require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture

Rules worth knowing

Temporary import of vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for up to 6 months without paying duty. A Carnet de Passages en Douane is recommended but not mandatory. The vehicle must be re-exported within the period or face seizure and fines.

Currency export limits

Export of Mozambican metical (MZN) is limited to MZN 5,000 per person. Foreign currency export is allowed up to the amount declared on arrival; any excess must be authorized by the Bank of Mozambique.

Duty-free shops at border posts

Duty-free allowances apply only to goods purchased abroad or in airport duty-free shops. Purchases from duty-free shops at land border posts are subject to the same limits and must be declared.

Gifts and commercial samples

Gifts valued over USD 800 are dutiable. Commercial samples require a temporary import bond or Carnet ATA. Unaccompanied baggage must be cleared through a customs broker.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for personal use up to 3 months' supply, but you must carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate. Controlled substances require prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
You must pay customs duty and 17% VAT on the value exceeding USD 800. Declare all items on the customs form to avoid penalties. Undeclared goods may be confiscated.
No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally not subject to duty, but you may be asked to prove they are for personal use. Declare high-value items if you plan to re-export them.
Meat and dairy products are restricted due to foot-and-mouth disease. You need a veterinary certificate from the country of origin. Most fresh meat is prohibited; processed and canned products may be allowed in small quantities.
The duty-free alcohol allowance is only for travelers aged 18 and over. Minors cannot import alcohol duty-free and may have it confiscated.
You must complete the Customs Declaration Form (Modelo B) upon arrival. Declare any cash, traveler's cheques, or negotiable instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in MZN or other currencies). Keep a copy for departure.

Official source

Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique (Mozambique Tax Authority)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique (Mozambique Tax Authority) before travelling.