Tobacco and alcohol customs allowances in the United States (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A returning US resident's federal personal exemption allows at most 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars, and one litre of alcoholic beverages in total, which is excluded for anyone under 21. State laws on alcohol imports are a separate layer.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (pieces)Personal allowance for travellers | 200 pieces [1] |
| Spirits over 22% vol. from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 1 litres [1] |
| Still wine from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 1 litres [1] |
| Beer from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 1 litres [1] |
Notes
- Exemption for articles acquired abroad by returning residents (19 CFR 148.33): no more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars may be included. The cigar limit has no separate field here. Higher cigarette limits apply to some US insular possessions.
- The regulation allows no more than 1 litre of alcoholic beverages in total, of any type, so the figure is not additional to the other alcohol rows. None is included for anyone under 21. Higher limits apply to some insular possessions and beneficiary countries. State laws on importing alcohol, which may be stricter, are not covered here.
Sources
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Title 19, U.S. Customs and Border Protection): 19 CFR 148.33 - Articles acquired abroad (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.