What Is a Duty-Free Allowance? Limits by Country (Start With the US)
By Res-Q Space Editorial · Updated
A duty-free allowance (personal exemption) is the value of goods you may import without paying customs duty when returning home. Limits differ by country. Returning US residents typically get an $800 exemption after 48+ hours abroad, with separate alcohol and tobacco caps.
Key facts
- Duty-free shop prices are not a free pass through your home customs.
- US returning residents: commonly $800 after 48+ hours abroad.
- Alcohol and tobacco often have quantity caps inside the exemption.
- Declare goods honestly — penalties beat the duty.
- Families may pool exemptions under some countries’ rules (US joint declaration).
Last updated: 29 October 2026. Full US numbers: U.S. customs duty-free allowance. Mechanism: how duty-free works.
Source figures for the United States from CBP’s customs duty and exemptions pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is a duty free allowance?
The amount of goods you can bring into a country without paying import duty, set by that country’s customs authority.
What is the US duty-free allowance?
Typically $800 per returning resident after 48+ hours abroad, with alcohol and tobacco quantity limits — see the US customs guide.
Fly prepared — on your phone
Offline airport guides and boarding-pass checklists — free on the App Store and Google Play.
Sources
- CBP — Types of Exemptions — verified
Rules change. Confirm with your airline or the airport before you travel.