Cyprus customs rules & duty-free allowances
Cyprus enforces EU customs rules at its airports, and officers at Larnaca and Paphos are particularly strict on meat and dairy products arriving from outside the EU — even a ham sandwich can be confiscated. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, use the red channel rather than risk a fine.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- Meat, milk and dairy products from outside the EU
- Plants, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables from outside the EU
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Offensive weapons, flick knives and knuckle dusters
- Endangered species and products made from them (CITES)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Firearms and ammunition — require a permit from the Cyprus police
- Controlled medicines — need prior authorisation from Pharmaceutical Services
- Drones — must be registered and may require a permit from the Civil Aviation Department
- Satellite phones — a licence is required from the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority
- Cultural goods and antiques — an export licence is needed if taking them out
Arriving: red vs green channel
At Larnaca and Paphos airports you walk through a red/green channel system. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel; if you are over any allowance or carrying restricted goods, use the red channel and speak to an officer. There is no general customs declaration card for arriving passengers — you only fill in a form if you are declaring cash over €10,000 or specific goods.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Cyprus operates a VAT refund scheme for tourists. The minimum purchase is €50 in a single store on the same day, and the shop must be part of the Tax Free Shopping scheme. You claim the refund at the airport customs desk before check-in, showing the goods, receipts and your passport; the refund is paid by the operator, not by customs.
Bringing medication
Bring personal medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter. Up to 30 days' supply is generally accepted for personal use. Controlled drugs (opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines) require prior authorisation from the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services; some common medicines containing codeine or pseudoephedrine may be restricted. Check before you travel.
Food, plants & animal products
Meat, milk, dairy products, and plants or seeds from outside the EU are banned from import. Fish and certain other animal products may be allowed in small quantities but must be declared. Fresh fruit and vegetables from non-EU countries are also prohibited. If in doubt, declare it — undeclared food can lead to fines.
Rules worth knowing
No duty-free between EU and Cyprus for goods
Cyprus is in the EU customs union, so if you arrive on a flight from another EU country your goods are not subject to customs duty. However, if you arrive from a non-EU country, the full allowances apply. The green channel is only for those within the limits.
Tobacco allowance is strictly per person
You cannot combine your tobacco allowance with another traveller's to bring in more. Each adult gets 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Anything above that is seized and you may be fined.
Cash declaration is mandatory
If you carry €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it in writing on arrival. Failure to declare can result in a fine of up to 20% of the amount and possible seizure of the cash.
Meat and dairy ban is enforced
Customs officers at Larnaca and Paphos actively check for meat and dairy products from outside the EU. Even a ham sandwich from a non-EU flight can be confiscated and you could be fined.