Finland customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Finland's customs quirks catch travellers off guard: snus is banned outright, and arrivals from Russia face a drastically reduced allowance. If you're flying in from another EU country, there are no duty-free allowances at all — goods already circulate freely, though customs can still question unusually large quantities.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of fortified wine/sparkling wine/beer up to 22% ABV, OR a proportional mix not exceeding 1L spirits + 2L other. Must be 18+ for spirits, 18+ for other alcohol. If arriving directly from outside the EEA (e.g. long-haul flight), you may instead bring 3L spirits + 4.5L wine + 2L beer under the higher allowance.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

€10,000 (about $10,800). Declare to Finnish Customs if you carry cash or equivalent (cheques, traveller's cheques, gold coins) worth €10,000 or more. Use the customs declaration form available at the airport or file electronically via the Finnish Customs website before travel.

Goods duty-free

$800

€300 (about $325) duty-free for other goods (gifts, souvenirs, personal items) when arriving from outside the EU. If you arrive from Russia, the allowance drops to €50. Above the allowance, duty and VAT apply at standard rates (VAT 24% for most goods).

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and drugs (including cannabis, even in small amounts)
Snus (oral tobacco) — completely illegal to import
Meat, milk, and egg products from outside the EU (with very limited exceptions)
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Endangered species products (ivory, coral, etc.) without CITES permit
Weapons and ammunition without a permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Firearms and ammunition — require a Finnish import permit
Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics — need a prescription and possibly a certificate from Fimea
Plants and seeds — require a phytosanitary certificate
Drones — must comply with EU drone regulations and may need registration
Satellite phones — may require a licence from the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Helsinki Airport and other entry points, you'll see two channels: green for 'nothing to declare' and red for 'goods to declare'. There is no arrival card for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, but if you're a non-EU traveller you may be asked to complete a customs declaration if you exceed allowances or carry restricted items. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel — but be ready for a random baggage check.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Finland offers a tourist VAT refund on purchases of at least €40 (about $43) from a single store in one day. Look for 'Tax Free' signs; the retailer gives you a refund form. At Helsinki Airport, before check-in, get the form stamped by customs (you may need to show the goods), then claim the refund at the Global Blue or Planet counter in the departure hall. Refund is typically 12–16% of the purchase price.

Bringing medication

You can bring personal medications for your own use if you carry a prescription or a doctor's letter. For narcotic or psychotropic drugs, a maximum 30-day supply is allowed with a prescription; some strong painkillers (e.g., those containing codeine or tramadol) require a special import certificate from the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea). Common Western drugs like Adderall (amphetamine) are strictly controlled and require advance permission — check with Fimea before travel.

Food, plants & animal products

You cannot bring meat, milk, eggs, or their products from outside the EU (with limited exceptions for low-risk items like chocolate or bread). Plants, seeds, and fresh fruit/vegetables need a phytosanitary certificate and may be banned from certain regions. All food and plant items must be declared; failure to do so can result in fines.

Rules worth knowing

Russia arrival limit

If you arrive in Finland directly from Russia, your duty-free allowance for all goods (including alcohol and tobacco) is only €50 instead of €300. This is a special restriction that catches many travellers.

Snus is illegal

Swedish-style snus (oral tobacco) is banned in Finland. Bringing even one tin for personal use can lead to confiscation and a fine. Don't try to sneak it in.

EU internal arrivals

If you're flying from another EU country, you have no duty-free allowance — you can bring unlimited goods for personal use, but customs may still question large quantities (e.g., 100 litres of wine) if they suspect commercial intent.

Cash declaration mandatory

Carrying €10,000 or more in cash? You must declare it to Finnish Customs. Failure to declare can result in a fine of up to 20% of the amount.

Frequently asked questions

No. Snus (oral tobacco) is illegal to import into Finland, even for personal use. If caught, it will be confiscated and you may face a fine. This applies to all travellers, regardless of origin.

If you arrive directly from Russia, your total duty-free allowance for all goods is only €50 (about $54). The normal €300 allowance does not apply. Alcohol and tobacco limits remain the same, but the overall value cap is much lower.

Yes, if you carry €10,000 or more (about $10,800) in cash or equivalent. Use the red channel and fill out a customs declaration form. You can also declare in advance via Finnish Customs' online service.

Yes, for personal use. Bring the original prescription or a doctor's letter. For narcotic or psychotropic drugs, you're limited to a 30-day supply and may need a certificate from Fimea. Some common drugs (e.g., Adderall) are banned without special permission.

You can claim a VAT refund on purchases of at least €40 from a single store. The refund is 12–16% of the purchase price. Get the form stamped by customs at the airport before check-in, then claim at the Global Blue or Planet counter.

You cannot bring meat, milk, or egg products from outside the EU. Plant products need a phytosanitary certificate. All food must be declared. Chocolate, bread, and low-risk items are generally allowed.

Yes. If you have nothing to declare and are within allowances, use the green channel. If you exceed allowances or carry restricted items, use the red channel. Random checks are common, so don't risk it.

Official source

Finnish Customs (Tulli)