Nepal customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Nepal permits non-resident adults (18+) to bring 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Cash over USD 5,000 must be declared; amounts over USD 10,000 require prior approval from Nepal Rastra Bank. Narcotics are strictly prohibited with severe penalties, including life imprisonment or death for trafficking.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits or wine/beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$5,000
Amounts over USD 5,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the arrival form. Amounts over USD 10,000 require prior approval from Nepal Rastra Bank.
Goods duty-free
$500
Personal goods up to USD 500 duty-free; above that, duty applies at 30% or more, depending on item category.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Wildlife products (tiger parts, rhino horn, ivory, and snake venom) without CITES permit
  • Indian currency notes of denominations INR 100 and above

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use (prescription required for controlled substances; limit 3 months' supply)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate from Nepal's Department of Agriculture)
  • Drones and UAVs (require prior approval from Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal; apply at least 2 weeks before travel)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require license from Ministry of Communication and Information Technology)
  • Antiques and archaeological items (require export permit from Department of Archaeology)
  • Gold and silver bullion or coins (restricted; personal jewelry allowed up to 50g for men and 100g for women, must declare if value exceeds NPR 100,000)
  • Indian currency notes up to INR 100 (allowed up to INR 5,000 per person; coins unlimited)

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration

Indian currency notes of denominations INR 100 and above are prohibited. Indian notes up to INR 100 are allowed up to INR 5,000 per person. Coins are allowed without limit.

Gold and Silver

Gold and silver bullion or coins are restricted. Personal jewelry is allowed up to 50 grams for men and 100 grams for women, but must be declared if value exceeds NPR 100,000.

Laptop and Electronics

One laptop and one smartphone are allowed duty-free for personal use. Additional electronics may attract duty, typically 30% or more.

Frequently asked questions

No. The legal drinking age in Nepal is 18. Customs will not allow duty-free alcohol for minors.
Personal cameras, trekking gear, and laptops for personal use do not need to be declared. However, if you carry multiple high-value items, customs may ask for a deposit or duty.
Goods valued over USD 500 are subject to customs duty. The rate varies by item, typically 30% for general goods. You must pay at the customs counter before exiting.
Indian currency notes of denominations INR 100 and above are prohibited. You can bring up to INR 5,000 in notes of INR 50 or less. Coins are allowed without limit.
Drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Without a permit, the drone will be confiscated at customs. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Yes. Any amount over USD 5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Official source

Department of Customs, Government of Nepal

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