Firstly, congratulations on scoring a Schengen visa in these appointment conditions! And now that all the hard parts are over, I’m sure you’re counting down the days to endless croissants in Paris or gondola rides in Venice. But before you start packing that suitcase and throwing in unnecessary things you think you might need, there’s an updated list of what you can and can’t bring into the EU. And trust me, knowing this will save you a whole lot of stress at customs and a lot of peace of mind on your vacation. I won’t leave you in the dark, so keep reading to find out all the rules that are essential for you to know before getting on that plane.
1. Hopping Between EU Countries
Travelling within the EU is pretty chill. You’re free to bring along meat, dairy, fruits, veggies, and even fresh flowers if that’s what you fancy to travel with. Under one condition, though – you can bring all these things as long as they’re grown in the EU and don’t come with any pests or diseases (because no one wants a suitcase full of bugs). So you can pack these items in your luggage, ordered them online, or mail them to yourself, it’s all good.
And here are the few exceptions to the rule: powdered baby milk under 10kg, baby food, special medical food, and certain pet food can come along, but only in small amounts.
2. What About Alcohol & Cigarettes? What’s Allowed?
Planning to bring home some wine from Italy or cigarettes from Spain? Totally fine, but it’s got to be for you, not for resale. Each EU country sets its own limit, but they can’t go lower than the EU’s minimum allowances. Translation: you’re safe with up to 800 cigarettes, 1kg of tobacco, or 10 litres of spirits.
3. Carrying Cash Around The EU
There are no EU-wide limits on carrying cash between member countries. But don’t assume you’re in the clear automatics. Always check local customs rules for wherever you’re flying from and to. It’s one of those things that changes depending on the country, and it’s better to know beforehand than be surprised at the airport.
5. Flying In From Outside The EU?
If you’re coming into the EU from a non-EU country (like flying from UAE or anywhere else outside Europe), things get stricter. Meat and dairy? Big no. But you can bring small amounts of fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, and even fish products.
You can also bring in certain goods tax-free, as long as they’re not for resale and within limits. For example:
- Perfume worth up to €300/ AED 1292 (or €430/ AED 1852 if you’re flying or arriving by sea)
- Lower limit of €150/ AED 646 for travellers under 15
- Up to 10 litres of fuel in a portable container (besides what’s already in your car’s tank)
6. Travelling With €10,000 or More?
This one’s important. If you’re entering or leaving the EU with €10,000/ AED 43065 or more in cash (or the equivalent in another currency), you need to declare it using the EU cash declaration form. Skip this step or fill it out wrong, and you’re looking at fines or penalties. Definitely not the holiday vibe you want!
*All prices in AED are based on the current exchange rate, please do your own conversion research before travelling.
But at the end of the day, don’t let packing for your European trip feel like solving a puzzle. You just need to know the basics and google the things you aren’t sure about it. And if you’re really that unsure if you should bring it or not, best to leave it at home? If you’re hoping between countries or coming in from abroad, keep an eye on limits for food, drinks, and cash, and when in doubt, double-check with customs before you travel. A few minutes of prep now could save you from awkward airport moments later. And let’s be real, you’d rather spend that time planning what gelato flavour to try next.
