What do you have to declare at the Kenyan customs?

In Kenya, every traveler must pass through customs and declare certain goods, currencies, and restricted items in accordance with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). No matter your reason for visiting Kenya as a tourist, business person, or transporter, an insight into these rules can save you time, fines, and seizure of goods. Travelers may be required to complete the Electronic Traveller Declaration (eTD) Form, particularly if carrying items that must be declared, as it has replaced most paper customs forms at major Kenyan airports. The list of what you have to declare at the Kenya customs is as detailed below.

1. Currency and Monetary Instruments

Travelers must declare:

Cash that amounts to above USD 10,000 (or any other currency)
Traveller’s cheques, negotiable monetary instruments, or bearer bonds exceeding this amount must also be declared

Carrying over USD 10,000 is not criminal, but any anti-money laundering requirement implies its declaration.

2. Goods Exceeding Duty-Free Allowances

In Kenya, the import of some personal items is duty-free. You need to disclose any goods that are beyond these limits.

Duty-Free Personal Allowances

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits
Alternatively, 2 liters of wine
OR 2 liters of beer (one category only)

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR
50 cigars OR
250g tobacco

Perfume

Perfume in a reasonable quantity for personal use.

Personal items such as clothing, toiletries, a laptop, phone, and camera can be carried onboard, provided they are for personal use.

In case you carry excess alcohol, various electronics, and items that are meant for resale, you have to declare them and pay customs duty.

3. Restricted or Controlled Goods

The following are things that should be declared and possibly need to be cleared, especially:

Food Items

Meat, dairy, fresh fruits, and vegetables may be restricted and require inspection
Commercial quantities should be permitted and inspected.

Medication

Prescription medication for personal use is generally allowed; however, a doctor’s note or prescription is recommended, especially for controlled or restricted substances.
Bring prescription or medical letters.
Government approval is required for controlled substances.

Animal & Plant Products

Phytosanitary or veterinary certificates are required for seeds, plants, wood, or animal matter.

Drones

Must be declared
Importation and operation require approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)

Professional Filming or Survey Equipment

Must be declared if intended for commercial or professional use

4. Prohibited Items

These items are prohibited and will not be allowed, even if declared

Narcotics or illegal drugs
Counterfeit currency
Pornographic materials
Certain weapons and ammunition
Wildlife trophies (e.g., ivory, rhino horn)
Single-use plastic carrier bags, as Kenya enforces one of the strictest bans on disposable plastic bags in the world

5. Gifts and Purchases

In case you are carrying gifts or goods purchased abroad that exceed personal duty-free allowances or are considered to be of commercial value, you are obliged to declare them and pay duty.

Receipts are always important to avoid a quarrel at customs.

Final Tips for Travelers Entering Kenya

The Electronic Traveller Declaration (eTD) should be completed before arrival.
Store electronics and valuables in a place that is easily accessible for inspection.
If unsure, declare the item—this helps you avoid fines
Keep a receipt of valuable products.
Check Kenya’s list of prohibited and restricted items in advance to avoid confiscation or penalties

Knowing what to declare will help you land in Kenya easily and stress-free, so that you can be on your feet, enjoying the stunning scenery of Kenya, its rich culture, and its warm hospitality.

What do you have to declare at the Kenyan customs?

1. Currency and Monetary Instruments