Palestine customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Palestine does not have its own independent customs authority; the Israeli Customs Administration controls all border crossings. For 2026, the duty-free allowance for non-resident adults arriving from abroad is 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 (approximately 2,960 ILS). Cash amounts equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or 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 Israeli customs arrival form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approximately 2,960 ILS) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duty and VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychoactive substances (except with a medical prescription and prior approval)
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and tasers)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Obscene or pornographic material
  • Live animals without an import permit from the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture
  • Certain fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats (subject to Israeli agricultural restrictions)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate and inspection)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require a permit from the Israeli Ministry of Transport)
  • Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (require a license from the Israeli Ministry of Communications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiquities (require an export permit from the Israeli Antiquities Authority)

Rules worth knowing

Israeli Customs Authority Controls All Borders

All entry points into Palestine (including the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and the Rafah crossing from Egypt) are controlled by the Israeli Customs Administration. Travellers must comply with Israeli customs regulations, including the use of Israeli customs declaration forms.

Duty-Free Allowance Applies to Non-Residents Only

The duty-free allowances listed are for non-resident adult travellers (18+). Residents of Palestine (including Palestinian ID holders) are subject to different, more restrictive allowances and must declare all goods.

Goods from Israel Are Not Duty-Free

Goods purchased in Israel and brought into Palestine are not eligible for duty-free treatment. They are subject to Palestinian customs duties and VAT, which are collected by the Israeli authorities at the border.

Cash Declaration Threshold in ILS

The cash declaration threshold is 50,000 ILS (approximately USD 13,500) or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency. Travellers carrying amounts above this must complete a cash declaration form.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring in 1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer, duty-free. You must be 18 or older.
You can bring up to 200 cigarettes, OR 50 cigars, OR 250g of tobacco, duty-free. The allowance is per person, and you must be 18 or older.
Yes, if you are carrying cash or equivalent monetary instruments (e.g., traveler's checks, money orders) totaling USD 10,000 or more (or 50,000 ILS or more), you must declare it on the Israeli customs arrival form.
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of USD 800 (approximately 2,960 ILS) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duty and VAT.
Yes, but if the medication contains controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants), you need a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health. Carry the prescription and a letter from your doctor.
Yes, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products are subject to Israeli agricultural restrictions. Many are prohibited or require inspection. Processed and packaged foods for personal use are generally allowed in small quantities.

Official source

Israeli Customs Administration (Israel Tax Authority)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Israeli Customs Administration (Israel Tax Authority) before travelling.