Nauru customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Nauru strictly prohibits import of narcotics, weapons, and certain food items. Duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco are standard for travellers 18+. All goods over AUD 800 may incur duty. Cash of AUD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared. These rules apply in 2026.

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

$6,500

Amounts of AUD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency, approx. USD 6,500) must be declared on the arrival form. This includes cash, cheques, money orders, and traveller's cheques.

Goods duty-free

$520

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to AUD 800 (approx. USD 520). Above that, duty applies at the discretion of customs.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine)
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including knives, swords, and pepper spray) without a permit
Pornographic materials (including digital media)
Certain food items: fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy products without a valid import permit
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items) without a permit
Counterfeit currency and goods

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines and pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription and may need prior approval for controlled substances)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
Animals and animal products (require an import permit and health certificate)
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft (require prior approval from Nauru's Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones and other telecommunications equipment (require a licence from the Nauru Telecommunications Authority)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance for Residents vs Non-Residents

Non-resident travellers are entitled to the standard duty-free allowances (AUD 800 goods, 1L spirits or 2L wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco). Residents returning to Nauru have the same allowances but must declare all goods purchased abroad.

Prohibition on Betel Nut and Kava

Import of betel nut (areca nut) and kava (Piper methysticum) is strictly prohibited without a permit. These are culturally significant but regulated due to health and agricultural concerns.

Strict Biosecurity Controls

Nauru has strict biosecurity laws. All food, plant, and animal products must be declared. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation. Travellers arriving from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza may face additional restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring in 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer, and 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. You must be 18 or older.

Yes. You must declare any amount of AUD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency, about USD 6,500) on the arrival form. This includes cash, cheques, money orders, and traveller's cheques.

Most fresh food items (fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy) are prohibited without a permit. Packaged, commercially sealed food for personal use is generally allowed but must be declared. Check with Nauru Customs before travel.

Prescription medicines are allowed in quantities for personal use, but you should carry a doctor's prescription or a letter. Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives) require prior approval from the Nauru Department of Health.

Drones and remote-controlled aircraft require prior approval from the Nauru Civil Aviation Authority. You must apply in advance. Unauthorised drones may be confiscated.

If the value of your goods exceeds AUD 800 (approx. USD 520), you must declare them and pay duty on the excess amount. Duty rates vary by item. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation.

Official source

Nauru Customs Service