Azerbaijan Customs Allowance 2026: Alcohol, Cigarettes and Medicine

The State Customs Committee publishes the allowance on its information page for individuals. The figures below are per person, and alcohol and tobacco apply only to travellers aged 18 and over. Anything above these amounts is declared and may be taxed.

The limit is 1.5 litres of alcoholic drinks in total, not per bottle type. Two standard 750 ml bottles of wine already reach it. If you carry more, go through the red channel and declare it.

For tobacco the published limit is 200 cigarettes, which is one standard carton. The page does not list separate limits for cigars, loose tobacco or heated tobacco sticks, so declare them if you carry a lot, or ask customs before you fly.

Medicines for your own use are not taxed. Keep them in the original package with the label, carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter in English, and do not bring much more than you need for the trip.

Narcotic and psychotropic substances are on the banned list. Some prescription medicines for pain, sleep, anxiety or ADHD contain such substances. If yours might, ask the State Customs Committee before you travel (phone 195, or +994 12 404 22 00 from abroad, or office@customs.gov.az) and carry the prescription. Do not assume that a medicine legal at home is allowed here.

Bringing banned drugs, even in small amounts, is a serious offence in Azerbaijan. When in doubt, ask customs in writing first.

• Banned: weapons, explosives, military equipment, radioactive substances, narcotic and psychotropic drugs, and materials that promote violence, terrorism or immorality.
• Declare: mobile phones and other wireless devices you will use with a local SIM. They must also be registered; see phone registration.
• Declare: goods over the duty free amounts above.
• Declare: cash. Foreign currency can be brought in without a limit, but follow customs procedure and keep the declaration if you will take large sums out again. See cash rules.
• Ask first: drones, professional camera kits, items for sale, pets and plants. The published page does not cover them in detail.

For the full arrival walk through, from passport control to the taxi, see Baku airport arrival.

1. 1

   Nothing to declare

   If everything you carry is within the allowance and you have no phone to register and no large amount of cash, use the green channel.

2. 2

   Something to declare

   Use the red channel and fill in the declaration. You can also declare in advance on e.customs.gov.az, through the Smart Customs mobile app or at an e kiosk.

3. 3

   Keep the papers

   Keep any customs declaration until you leave. You may need it to take cash or valuables out again.

When you leave, the customs page allows up to 5 kg of sturgeon fish and up to 125 grams of sturgeon caviar per person. Cultural goods, such as old carpets, art and antiques, have their own export rules: the customs committee publishes a separate guide for them. If you buy an old or valuable carpet, ask the shop for the export papers before you pay, and check with customs if you are unsure.

Cash leaving the country has limits: up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 by oral declaration, more only with papers. Read cash rules for Azerbaijan.

Customs rules change from time to time, and officers decide on the spot. Check the customs page before a big move, keep receipts for expensive items you bring, and use the red channel when in doubt. If you are moving to Azerbaijan for longer, Sroky helps with the rest: reminders for your phone registration, address registration and residence permit dates. It is a private app, not the government.