Zambia allows duty-free entry of up to 1 litre of spirits, 200 cigarettes, and personal goods valued up to USD 800 for non-resident adults. Cash amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, counterfeit goods, and certain meats. These rules apply in 2026.
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 amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duty at the rate of 25% to 40%.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (e.g., heroin, cocaine, cannabis)
Counterfeit currency and goods
Pornographic materials
Firearms and ammunition without a permit
Endangered species and their products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn) without CITES permit
Meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines for personal use (prescription required; more than 3 months' supply needs prior approval)
Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate)
Pets (dogs, cats) require a valid rabies vaccination certificate and import permit
Drones (require prior approval from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones (require a licence from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority)
Rules worth knowing
Currency declaration
Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in ZMW or other currencies) must be declared. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.
Temporary import of vehicles
Non-residents can bring a vehicle for up to 90 days duty-free with a carnet de passage or a refundable deposit. Extensions require approval.
Prohibited food imports
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products from certain regions (e.g., those with avian flu or foot-and-mouth disease) are banned. Check with the Ministry of Agriculture before travel.
Frequently asked questions
No. You must choose either the alcohol allowance (1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer) OR the tobacco allowance (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco). You cannot combine both.
You pay duty on the full value of the goods, not just the excess. Rates range from 25% to 40% depending on the item. Declare everything on the customs form.
No, but you must still answer the cash declaration question on the arrival form. If you carry USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent), you must declare it in writing.
Yes, for personal use up to 3 months' supply. Carry a doctor's prescription or a letter. For larger quantities, apply to the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority in advance.
Personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free under the USD 800 goods allowance. Multiple units may be treated as commercial goods and subject to duty.
Transit passengers staying in the airport's international transit area do not clear customs. If you leave the transit area, you must go through customs and are subject to the same allowances.
For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Zambia Revenue Authority (Customs Services) before travelling.