Flying to a Schengen country? Updated list of what you can and cannot carry

If you are one of the lucky ones who have managed to secure a Schengen visa for the summer holidays, you should take note of the updated list on items travellers can and cannot carry into the EU.

Despite freedom of movement of goods within the EU, there are certain rules on taking certain consumer goods from one EU country to another. Failure to comply with set allowances, which can vary from country to country, could result in the confiscation of the goods, a fine or even criminal prosecution.

Those travelling in the EU can carry any meat or dairy products as long as it’s for personal consumption.

The same goes for cut flowers, fruit or vegetables as long as they have been grown in an EU country and are free from pests or disease. These rules also apply when travellers carry meat, dairy or plant products in their luggage, or if they order them online or have them sent by mail.

There are, however, limits on powdered baby milk (less than 10 kg), baby food, foods required for medical reasons, and special pet feed.

Items such as alcohol and tobacco can also be carried as long as they are for personal use and not for resale. It’s important to note that each EU country can set their own guideline values for the quantities that travellers can bring in. However, these values cannot be lower than the guidelines levels established at EU-level, which includes 800 cigarettes, 1kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits, among others.

There are no EU-wide rules on travelling with cash between EU countries. Travellers should, however, always check before they travel with the local customs authorities, if local rules exist in the country of departure, transit and arrival.

Those travelling to the EU from a non-EU country are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products. Passengers can, however, bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed. Most EU countries have strict rules on carrying endangered animals or plants, and in some cases, a permit may be required.

Travellers can also bring into the EU certain goods free of VAT and excise duties if they are not for resale and within limits.

Passengers can carry perfume up to a value of 300 euros per traveller or 430 euros for travellers by air and sea. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of 150 euros for travellers under 15. Those motoring around the EU can carry 10 litres maximum of fuel in a portable container in addition to the fuel contained in the fuel tank.

Travellers who plan to enter or leave the EU with 10,000 euros in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies) must declare it to the customs authorities in the EU country they are entering or leaving, using the EU cash declaration form. Those who do not submit a cash declaration, or if the cash declaration is incorrect or incomplete, will be subject to penalties.