What You Can and Can't Carry Through Customs (2025)

When you carry items for someone else through customs, it's critical to know the rules. As a traveler on LugLink, you're responsible for the contents of your bag — so know what you're carrying.

The golden rule

Only carry items you've personally inspected and would be comfortable explaining to a customs officer. If you're not sure what's in a package, don't carry it.

What's generally allowed

Most personal-use items travel without issues:

Medicine rules

Medicine is the most common item carried on LugLink. General rules:

Items that are prohibited everywhere

Never carry these regardless of destination:

Destination-specific rules

Ethiopia: Personal items generally clear easily. Excess electronics (more than 2 phones, for example) may be questioned. Declare cash over $3,000.

Nigeria: Strict on food imports. Electronics are scrutinized — keep receipts. Cash limits apply.

Kenya: Generally relaxed on personal items. Commercial quantities of goods attract duties.

India: Personal electronics and jewelry are watched carefully. Gold is heavily regulated.

Philippines: Generally traveler-friendly. Food restrictions apply.

Declaring items at customs

If you're carrying items on behalf of someone else and they have commercial value, you may need to declare them. The duty-free limits vary by country — typically $200–800 for US residents returning home.

Your responsibility as a LugLink traveler

Before accepting any item:

1. Inspect the item personally

2. Know what it is and its approximate value

3. Make sure it's in original or clearly identifiable packaging

4. Don't carry sealed boxes you can't open

5. Ask the sender to show you the item before you agree

Your safety comes first. Decline anything that makes you uncomfortable.