Travelling to a Schengen country this summer? If you’ve managed to secure a Schengen visa, it’s crucial to be aware of the updated list of what you can and cannot carry during your trip.
European Union (EU) regulations apply differently depending on whether you’re travelling within the EU or entering from a non-EU country.
Travelling within EU
When travelling within the EU, passengers are allowed to carry meat, dairy products, cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables – provided they are for personal consumption and have been grown in EU countries free from pests or disease.
Powdered baby milk, baby food, special pet feed, and foods required for medical reasons are allowed, but quantities must not exceed 10 kg.
Alcohol and tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco are also allowed if they’re for personal use. While each EU country may set its own guidelines, they cannot be lower than EU-level limits — 800 cigarettes, 1kg of tobacco, and 10 litres of spirits, for instance.
Cash
For cash, there are no EU-wide restrictions for movement within EU countries. However, travellers should check local customs rules in the departure, transit, and arrival countries to avoid trouble.
Travelling from non-EU country to EU
When entering the EU from a non-EU country, the rules are stricter as travellers cannot bring meat or dairy products.
A limited quantity of fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, and certain fish products may be allowed. Strict bans also apply to endangered animal and plant products unless proper permits are held.
Goods carried into the EU from non-EU countries are exempt from VAT and excise duties if they are for personal use and under certain value limits – €300 per person, or €430 for air and sea travellers.
For minors under 15, some countries cap this at €150. Travellers by road can carry 10 litres of fuel in a container, in addition to their vehicle’s tank.
Lastly, travellers carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies) into or out of the EU must declare it using the EU cash declaration form. Failing to do so may result in penalties.
