Philippines customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Arriving adult non-residents in the Philippines (2026) receive a duty-free allowance of PHP 10,000 (approx. USD 180) for personal goods. Strict bans apply to narcotics, firearms, and certain agricultural products. Cash exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared. Note: The alcohol limit is 1 liter, and tobacco allowances are 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco (combined, not additive).

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages (any strength). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Baggage Declaration Form.
Goods duty-free
$180
Duty-free allowance for personal and gift items is PHP 10,000 (approx. USD 180). Items above this value are subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics (e.g., marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine)
  • Firearms, explosives, and ammunition (unless with prior authorization from the Philippine National Police)
  • Child pornography materials
  • Lottery tickets and gambling paraphernalia
  • Used clothing and rags (commercial quantities banned to protect local industry)
  • Endangered species and their parts (e.g., turtle shells, ivory, coral) per CITES

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use (must have a valid prescription; over 3 months' supply requires FDA clearance)
  • Plants, fruits, vegetables, and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate from the Bureau of Plant Industry)
  • Pets (dogs, cats) require an import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry and a valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines permit)
  • Satellite phones and two-way radios (require National Telecommunications Commission authorization)

Rules worth knowing

Balikbayan Boxes

Overseas Filipinos (Balikbayans) can bring up to PHP 150,000 worth of duty-free goods, including a balikbayan box, once a year. Non-residents do not qualify.

Currency Export Limit

Leaving the Philippines with more than PHP 50,000 in local currency requires Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approval. Foreign currency over USD 10,000 must be declared.

No Duty-Free for Commercial Quantities

Items clearly for resale (e.g., multiple identical electronics, bulk cosmetics) are not covered by the personal allowance and may be seized or taxed.

Vape and E-Cigarette Restrictions

Vape devices and e-liquids are allowed for personal use only. E-liquids containing nicotine are restricted; import requires FDA approval. No sales to minors.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 liter of alcoholic beverages duty-free. You must be at least 18 years old.
Personal and gift items up to PHP 10,000 (around USD 180) are duty-free. If the total value exceeds that, you pay duty on the entire amount.
Yes, if you carry more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it on the Customs Baggage Declaration Form. Failure to do so can result in seizure and penalties.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry, a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old), and a health certificate. Dogs must also have a microchip.
Drones require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). You must also follow local flight restrictions (e.g., no flying near airports or crowded areas).
Prohibited items are confiscated, and you face arrest, prosecution, and possible imprisonment. The Philippines has strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties.

Official source

Bureau of Customs (Philippines)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Bureau of Customs (Philippines) before travelling.