Greece customs rules & duty-free allowances
Greece enforces strict customs rules for non-EU arrivals, with the biggest risk being failure to declare cash over €10,000 or goods exceeding the €430 allowance—penalties include seizure and fines up to €1,000,000. Counterfeit goods are actively targeted, with fines up to €10,000.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without a permit)
- Counterfeit goods (including fake designer items, pirated software)
- Endangered species products (CITES-listed items like ivory, tortoiseshell, caviar without a permit)
- Weapons, explosives, and ammunition (including pepper spray, knives over 10 cm blade)
- Pornographic materials (especially involving minors)
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam) — require a doctor's prescription and a personal import permit from the Greek National Organization for Medicines (EOF)
- Firearms and sporting weapons — require a Greek police permit
- Plants, seeds, and soil — require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin
- Drones (UAVs) over 250g — must be registered with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and comply with Greek drone regulations
- Cultural goods (antiques, archaeological items) — require an export license from the Greek Ministry of Culture
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within limits. Use the red channel if goods exceed €430, cash over €10,000, or restricted/prohibited items. No separate arrival card; declaration is verbal or via red channel form.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Yes, for non-EU residents. Minimum purchase per receipt is €50 (incl. VAT) at a single store. Ask for a Tax Free Form (e.g., Global Blue or Planet) at the shop. At the airport, get the form stamped by Greek Customs before check-in. Refund processed at desk or by mail; you receive up to 24% VAT minus handling fee.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 30 days allowed without prescription, but carry a doctor's prescription for controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines). Some common medications (e.g., codeine, ADHD drugs) are controlled and may require an import permit from the Greek National Organization for Medicines (EOF). Always carry original packaging and a doctor's letter.
Food, plants & animal products
From non-EU countries, most meat, dairy, and plant products are banned unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Small quantities of fruit, vegetables, and honey (up to 2 kg total) allowed for personal use if declared. No raw meat, eggs, or dairy from outside the EU.
Rules worth knowing
EU vs non-EU rules
If arriving from another EU country, no duty-free limits for personal use (any amount of alcohol, tobacco, or goods for personal use, not resale). Allowances above apply only to non-EU arrivals.
Cash declaration is strict
The €10,000 threshold applies to cash, traveler's cheques, money orders, and negotiable instruments. Must declare at red channel; failure risks seizure and fines up to €1,000,000.
No duty-free for EU arrivals
If flying from another EU country, duty-free alcohol or tobacco cannot be bought at the airport of departure (intra-EU). Duty-free can be bought at non-EU airports, but allowances above apply.
Greece's strict anti-counterfeit laws
Customs officers actively check for counterfeit goods. Even a single fake handbag or watch can be confiscated, with fines up to €10,000. Avoid bringing non-genuine branded items.