Central America quadruples duty-free goods limit to $2,000 in April 2027

What changes at Central American customs

Travelers entering Central America will be able to bring up to $2,000 in goods beyond their personal baggage without paying taxes, up from $500 today. The goods can't be for commercial use. The Council of Ministers of Economic Integration (COMIECO) approved the updated Central American Uniform Customs Code and its regulation, known as CAUCA V and RECAUCA V, in Managua, Nicaragua, on Oct. 29. The rules take effect 180 days after approval, in April 2027.

The allowance has limits. Travelers can use it once every six months, up to twice a year and unused amounts don't carry over. It won't cover online purchases or courier shipments.

The update also scraps the general Regional Traveler Sworn Declaration. A declaration will still be mandatory for anyone carrying cash or monetary instruments worth $10,000 or more and in special cases such as weapons or animals. The new mandatory advance declaration covers merchandise shipments, not individual visitors' luggage.

What nomads arriving with new gear should know

Under the current code, Guatemala treats a traveler's own laptop, phone and camera as exempt personal baggage with no value cap. The $500 allowance covers gifts and new merchandise. For nomads, that means the higher limit matters mainly for new items bought abroad, such as a backup laptop or a gift for a host. Their everyday work kit was already exempt.

Until the new code takes effect, the $500 limit and today's declaration rules still apply. In Guatemala, every air and sea traveler currently files the free online DVE declaration before arrival. Travelers carrying $10,000 or more in cash will still have to declare it after April.

Nomads who order gear online and have it shipped to a Central American address get no benefit from the new allowance. For country-by-country entry details, see our destination guides.