Myanmar customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Myanmar strictly prohibits narcotics, firearms, and gambling items. The duty-free allowance for personal goods is USD 800, with alcohol limited to 1 liter and cigarettes to 200. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. 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. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free; items exceeding this value are subject to duty and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis and kratom)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including replicas)
  • Pornographic materials and obscene items
  • Gambling devices, cards, and related paraphernalia
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts) under CITES

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (requires a prescription and prior approval from Myanmar Food and Drug Administration)
  • Plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (requires phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (requires prior permission from the Ministry of Transport and Communications)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (requires a license from the Ministry of Transport and Communications)
  • Antiques and cultural artifacts (requires an export permit from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture)

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration for Myanmar Kyat

Import of Myanmar kyat (MMK) is prohibited. Export of MMK is also prohibited. Foreign currency must be declared if exceeding USD 10,000.

Gold and Jewelry

Personal jewelry (up to a reasonable amount) is allowed duty-free. Gold bullion or large quantities of gold items require a permit from the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Religious Materials

Bibles, Qurans, and other religious texts are allowed for personal use. However, materials deemed to incite religious discord or proselytize aggressively may be confiscated.

Duty-Free Shops at Yangon and Mandalay Airports

Arriving travellers can purchase duty-free goods at the airport upon arrival, but the allowances (1L alcohol, 200 cigarettes, etc.) still apply cumulatively with items brought from abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Drones require prior permission from the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Without a permit, your drone will be confiscated at customs. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel through a local sponsor.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use do not need to be declared. However, if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3+ phones), customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.
You must pay duty and taxes on the excess. The duty rate is approximately 50% of the CIF value. It's best to limit to 1 liter to avoid delays.
Yes, for personal use with a valid prescription. However, if the medication contains narcotics (e.g., codeine, morphine), you need prior approval from the Myanmar Food and Drug Administration. Carry the prescription and a doctor's note.
There is no limit on foreign currency, but amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.
No. Import of Myanmar kyat is strictly prohibited. You must exchange foreign currency at authorized banks or money changers after arrival.

Official source

Myanmar Customs Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Myanmar Customs Department before travelling.