Free import
Any traveler may bring in the following for personal use without paying duty or tax:
• 200 g of cigarettes
• 20 cigars
• 250 g of loose tobacco
• 2 L of alcoholic drinks
• 500 ml of perfume and 500 ml of light fragrance (such as eau de toilette)
• 2 mobile phones, 1 laptop, 1 camera and 1 wristwatch
• 1 shaver, 1 hair dryer, 1 hair straightener and 1 wheelchair
• Medicines and medical supplies needed by the traveler, and clothes, shoes and toiletries in the quantities a traveler and family need
Currency
• You may bring in up to ETB 3,000 in Ethiopian birr per trip (up to ETB 10,000 when travelling from Djibouti or other port cities in neighbouring countries).
• There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you may bring in. Since 12 February 2026 a customs declaration is no longer required on entry for foreign currency over USD 10,000.
• Visitors who do not live in Ethiopia may keep foreign currency for as long as their visa is valid. Change money at banks or authorized forex bureaus and keep the receipts: you need them to change unused birr back.
Prohibited
• Illegal drugs
• Ivory: it is illegal to buy or possess ivory in Ethiopia, even your own pieces brought in with you
• Goods for commercial use, beyond what is allowed for personal use
Restricted
• Firearms and ammunition may not be brought in without prior authorization; hunting weapons need an import licence.
• Satellite phones, binoculars and drones need prior approval from the Ethiopian Customs Commission and the Information Network Security Administration (INSA). Some high-magnification binoculars are banned outright.
• Dogs, cats and other pets need a veterinary health certificate and a valid rabies vaccination.
• Personal goods above the duty-free amounts are charged duty and tax at a uniform tariff rate. Large quantities that look intended for sale are not covered by this rate.