Trinidad and Tobago customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

For 2026, non-resident travellers arriving in Trinidad and Tobago may bring personal effects and gifts up to TTD 3,000 (approx. USD 450) duty-free. Alcohol and tobacco allowances are strictly for adults 18+; any amount of cannabis is prohibited. Cash of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared. Returning residents have a higher allowance of TTD 6,000 (approx. USD 900) if away for at least 48 hours.

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

$10,000

Cash, travellers cheques, or monetary instruments totalling USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (C7).

Goods duty-free

$450

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is TTD 3,000 (approx. USD 450). Items above this value are subject to duty and VAT (12.5%).

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis in any form)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a valid licence
Counterfeit currency, coins, and goods
Pornographic materials (including digital media)
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items) without a permit
Seditious or subversive literature

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use (prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription and original packaging; controlled drugs need Ministry of Health approval)
Plants, fruits, vegetables, and plant products (require a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture)
Animals and animal products (require an import permit and veterinary health certificate)
Drones and unmanned aircraft (require a permit from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a licence from the Telecommunications Authority)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-free allowance for returning residents

Returning residents (Trinidad and Tobago nationals or permanent residents) have a higher duty-free allowance of TTD 6,000 (approx. USD 900) for goods purchased abroad, provided they have been away for at least 48 hours.

Tobacco and alcohol must be carried by the traveller

Duty-free tobacco and alcohol allowances are strictly for the personal use of the traveller and must be carried in their accompanied baggage. They cannot be shipped separately.

Gifts and commercial samples

Gifts valued over TTD 3,000 are dutiable. Commercial samples require a Carnet or prior approval from the Customs and Excise Division.

Currency declaration form

All travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C7) upon arrival. Failure to declare cash over USD 10,000 can result in seizure and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring in 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer duty-free. You must be 18 years or older.

No. Cannabis in any form (including CBD oil) is strictly prohibited. Possession can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

You can bring up to USD 9,999 (or equivalent) without declaring. Any amount of USD 10,000 or more must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form.

Yes. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products are restricted. You must declare them and may need a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and packaged foods for personal use are generally allowed.

Yes. Drones require a permit from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority. You must declare the drone at customs and present the permit upon request.

You must pay duty and VAT (12.5%) on the value exceeding TTD 3,000. Customs will assess the goods and you can pay at the airport.

Official source

Customs and Excise Division, Ministry of Finance, Trinidad and Tobago