Take Note! Hajj Pilgrims Bringing More Than 200 Cigarettes Will Have Them Seized

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance states that there are provisions regarding the carriage of cigarettes by Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Head of Import Section III of DJBC, Ministry of Finance, Chinde Marjuang Praja, explained that customs regimes in many countries generally regulate imported goods more stringently than exports. In that context, Indonesia provides excise duty exemptions for cigarette products, but with a maximum limit of 200 sticks. “So, when Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia carrying more than 200 cigarettes, the excess will be destroyed,” said Chinde during a virtual media briefing on customs services and facilities for Hajj pilgrims, Thursday (16/4/2026). The regulation is stipulated in Minister of Finance Regulation No. 34 of 2025. The details include excise duty exemptions for tobacco excise goods (CHT) carried by passengers: for cigarettes, a maximum of 200 sticks; cigars, a maximum of 25 sticks; or chopped tobacco, a maximum of 100 grams. Then, other processed tobacco products, a maximum of 100 grams or equivalent; solid e-cigarettes, a maximum of 140 sticks or 40 capsules; open-system liquid e-cigarettes, a maximum of 30 millilitres; or closed-system liquid e-cigarettes, a maximum of 12 millilitres for passengers aged 18 years and above. If a passenger carries more than one type of CHT, the excise duty exemption is granted proportionally. Meanwhile, for cigarettes as export baggage, the government does not regulate any restrictions. However, Chinde reminded Hajj pilgrims to pay attention to the policies applicable in the destination country, including Saudi Arabia.