Kenya customs: duty-free allowances and what to declare

KRA says passengers have a concession of 500 US dollars that applies only to goods for personal or household use.

Passengers aged 18 and over may bring in duty free: spirits (including liqueurs) not exceeding one litre, or wine not exceeding two litres; perfume and toilet water not exceeding half a litre in all, of which no more than a quarter of a litre may be perfume; and cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco and snuff not exceeding 250 grams in all.

The allowances are given only to passengers who are 18 or older. KRA's categories include bona fide tourists and visitors to Kenya for stays of up to three months.

Customs values goods at the price actually paid or payable, so declare what you really paid.

Cash and monetary instruments worth more than 10,000 US dollars, or the equivalent, must be declared on arrival and before departure.

Restricted items must be declared to customs on arrival or departure. KRA's list of restricted goods includes arms and ammunition, unwrought precious metals and stones, and unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones.

Prohibited goods include counterfeit money, narcotic drugs under international control, and soaps and cosmetics containing mercury.

Giving false information to a customs officer is an offence under the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.

Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and your dutiable goods are within the duty-free allowance. Use the red channel if you have something to declare or are carrying more than the allowance.

KRA warns that a passenger found in the green channel with dutiable or prohibited goods may face penalties, including seizure of the goods.

Bringing a drone? Ask KRA and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority what you need before you fly, and keep the drone's receipt with you.