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Philippines customs regulations

It is important to know about customs regulations before traveling to Philippines to avoid legal issues and potential fines. As you know, customs regulations widely depend on the country. Before traveling to (or from) Philippines make sure to check the allowance and limits for the next things:

  • Alcohol and tobacco
  • Currency
  • Medicines (especially those containing drugs)
  • Animals
  • Cultural artifacts
  • Plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products

Check the information below to be sure that you are complying with Philippines customs regulations.

Import regulations in Philippines

Duty-free allowance

Tobacco limit

  • Restricted to travellers 18 years and over;
  • 2 reams of tobacco;
  • 2 tins of tobacco.

Bringing alcohol

  • Restricted to travellers 18 years and over;
  • 2 bottles of alcohol.

Cash limit

  • Travellers may only import funds exceeding ₱10,000 with permission from the Bank Sentral ng Pilipinas.
  • Funds of US$10,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, or over must be declared to the customs authorities.

Other Goods

  • Filipino nationals 18 years or over may bring in other goods duty free up to the value of US$2000, and up to the value of US$250 for Filipino nationals under 18.
  • Other travellers 18 years or over may bring in other goods duty free up to the value of US$1000, and up to the value of US$250 for travellers under 18.

Prohibited items

The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.

  • Dynamite, gunpowder, and other explosives.
  • Firearms, ammunitions, and weapons of war.
  • Written of printed articles in any form containing any matter advocating or inciting treason against the government of the Philippines.
  • Written of printed articles in any form containing any threat to take the life of, or inflict bodily harm upon any person in the Philippines.
  • Prints articles, films, and other media of an obscene or immoral character.
  • Objects or medicines intended or adaptable for illegal abortions, and related publications.
  • Narcotics.

Restricted items

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

  • Pets must be accompanied by a health certificate from the relevant government agency at the port of origin. For further information, please visit Pet/Animals & Household Plants.
  • Pet fish require an import permit from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
  • Plants and their derivative products, such as fruit, must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the relevant government agency at the port of origin. For further information, please visit Pet/Animals & Household Plants.
  • Animals and their derivative products require an import permit.

Information has been updated: .