Greece customs rules & duty-free allowances
Greece enforces EU customs rules strictly, and the biggest risk for travellers is the €10,000 cash declaration — Greek authorities can seize unexplained cash on the spot. If you're carrying prescription medicines, check them carefully: codeine is treated as a controlled substance here and can land you in serious trouble.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and drugs, including cannabis (even for medical use without a Greek permit)
- Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Offensive weapons, including flick knives and butterfly knives
- Cultural artefacts illegally exported from their country of origin
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Firearms and ammunition require a special permit from the Greek police
- Plants and seeds need a phytosanitary certificate
- Pets must have an EU pet passport and microchip
- Drones must be registered and may require a permit for certain areas
- Satellite phones require a licence from the Greek telecommunications authority
Arriving: red vs green channel
At Greek airports and ports you'll see red and green channels. If you have goods above the duty-free limits, cash of €10,000 or more, or restricted items, go through the red channel and make a declaration. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel — but be aware that customs officers can and do stop travellers for random checks. There is no general arrival card for EU-bound flights, but you must complete a cash declaration form if you're carrying €10,000 or more.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on purchases of €50 or more in a single store. Look for shops displaying the 'Tax Free' or 'Global Blue' sign. At the airport, before checking in, go to the customs desk to have your tax-free form stamped — you must show the goods, receipts, and your passport. Then claim the refund at the refund counter or by mail. The refund is typically 12–15% of the purchase price after fees.
Bringing medication
Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter. For controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics), you need a special permit from the Greek National Organization for Medicines (EOF) before you travel. Codeine is a controlled substance in Greece and is not available over the counter — do not bring it without a valid prescription and permit. Some common Western medicines containing pseudoephedrine are also restricted.
Food, plants & animal products
You cannot bring meat, dairy, or fish products from outside the EU into Greece. Personal quantities of fruit and vegetables are allowed (up to 2 kg), but you must declare them. Plants, seeds, and soil require a phytosanitary certificate. Honey, eggs, and other animal products are banned. If in doubt, declare it — undeclared food can result in fines.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is strictly enforced
If you carry €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it. Greek customs can seize amounts above that if you fail to declare, and you may face fines or even detention. This includes cash, cheques, and easily convertible assets like gold coins.
Codeine is controlled
Codeine-based painkillers (e.g., co-codamol) are controlled in Greece. Bringing them without a prescription and a permit from the Greek medicines agency can lead to arrest. Check your medicine cabinet before you fly.
Tobacco and alcohol limits are per person
The duty-free allowances for tobacco and alcohol are per traveller, not per family. You cannot pool allowances. If you're travelling with children, they do not get an allowance for these goods.
Private boat and aircraft have lower goods allowance
If you arrive in Greece on a private boat or private aircraft, your duty-free allowance for goods drops from €430 to €300. This catches out yachters and private pilots.