Pakistan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Pakistan allows duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, and 1 liter of alcohol for non-Muslim travellers aged 18+. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, pork products, and alcohol for Muslim travellers are strictly prohibited. Personal effects up to USD 800 duty-free.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits or wine. Allowed only for non-Muslim travellers aged 18+. Muslim travellers are prohibited from importing any alcohol.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Cash or equivalent instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or PKR equivalent) must be declared on the arrival form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duty at rates up to 30%.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances
Pork and pork products
Alcoholic beverages for Muslim travellers
Firearms and ammunition without a license
Counterfeit currency and goods
Obscene or seditious material

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines (prescription required for controlled drugs; permit from Ministry of Health for certain substances)
Plants and plant products (phytosanitary certificate needed)
Satellite phones and drones (require prior approval from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority)
Precious metals and stones (declaration required if value exceeds PKR 100,000)
Live animals (import permit from Ministry of National Food Security & Research)

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol only for non-Muslims

Only non-Muslim travellers aged 18+ may import up to 1 liter of alcohol. Muslim travellers are prohibited from bringing any alcohol into Pakistan, and violators face confiscation and legal action.

Currency declaration mandatory

Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in PKR) must be declared on the arrival form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties under Pakistan's foreign exchange regulations.

Gifts and personal effects limit

Duty-free allowance for gifts and personal goods is USD 800. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty at rates up to 30%.

Prohibited for all travellers

Pork products, narcotics, and obscene material are strictly banned. Travellers found with these face legal action, including fines and imprisonment.

Frequently asked questions

No. Only non-Muslim travellers aged 18+ are allowed to bring up to 1 liter of alcohol. Muslim travellers cannot import any alcohol, and violators may face confiscation and legal penalties.

You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent in PKR) without declaring. Amounts above that must be declared on the arrival form, or you risk confiscation and fines.

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Items valued above USD 800 are subject to customs duty at rates up to 30%.

Yes, but only with prior approval from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Unauthorized devices may be confiscated and you may face penalties.

Yes. Prescription medicines for personal use are allowed, but controlled drugs require a prescription and may need a permit from the Ministry of Health. Always carry a doctor's note.

Undisclosed cash can be confiscated, and you may face fines or legal proceedings under Pakistan's foreign exchange regulations.

Official source

Pakistan Customs