Zimbabwe customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Zimbabwe allows non-residents aged 18+ to import personal goods up to USD 800 duty-free. Cash amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, unprocessed game meat, and counterfeit goods. These rules are current for 2026.

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

Any amount of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 in value are duty-free for non-residents. Items exceeding this value are subject to duty at the standard rate.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and unregistered medications)
Unprocessed game meat, including bushmeat and trophies without a valid CITES permit
Counterfeit goods and pirated intellectual property (e.g., fake branded clothing, DVDs)
Firearms and ammunition without a Zimbabwe Republic Police import permit
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Pornographic materials (including digital media)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use (must have a prescription or doctor's letter; quantities exceeding 3 months' supply require prior approval from the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate from the Plant Quarantine Services Institute)
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe)
Satellite phones and two-way radios (require a licence from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe)
Currency in excess of USD 10,000 (must be declared; amounts above USD 10,000 require a Bank of Zimbabwe authorization)

Rules worth knowing

Temporary import of vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for up to 90 days without paying duty, provided a carnet de passage or a refundable deposit is lodged. The vehicle must be re-exported within the period.

Duty-free allowance for returning residents

Zimbabwean residents returning from abroad have a reduced duty-free allowance of USD 300 for personal goods, compared to USD 800 for non-residents.

Strict enforcement of cash declaration

Customs officers routinely check for undeclared cash. If you carry USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent) and fail to declare it, the cash can be seized and you may face a fine or prosecution.

Prohibition on single-use plastics

Zimbabwe bans the importation of single-use plastic carrier bags and polystyrene food containers. These items will be confiscated at the border.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. You must be 18 or older.

You can bring 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. You must be 18 or older.

Yes. Any amount of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Undeclared cash can be seized.

Yes, but you need a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) before arrival. Without it, the drone may be confiscated.

Non-residents can bring personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 in value duty-free. Items above that are subject to duty.

Yes. Unprocessed game meat (bushmeat) is strictly prohibited. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds require a phytosanitary certificate. Processed, commercially sealed foods for personal use are generally allowed.

Official source

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) - Customs Division