Slovakia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Slovakia's biggest customs trap for non-EU arrivals is the low EUR 430 duty-free goods limit—far below the US's USD 800. Exceed it and you pay 20% VAT and duty on the full value, not just the excess. These rules apply to adults (18+) arriving from outside the EU in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 18+. From non-EU countries only.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,900
EUR 10,000 (approx. USD 10,900) or equivalent in any currency. Declare using the EU Cash Declaration Form (available at customs or online) before exiting the customs area.
Goods duty-free
$470
EUR 430 (approx. USD 470) duty-free for gifts and personal goods from non-EU countries. Above this, you pay 20% VAT and any applicable customs duty on the full value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without a permit)
  • Counterfeit goods (brand fakes, pirated software)
  • Endangered species products (CITES items without a permit)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a Slovak police permit
  • Obscene or pornographic material
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require a permit from the State Institute for Drug Control)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones over 250g (must be registered with the Slovak Transport Authority and have insurance)
  • Satellite phones and encryption equipment (may require a licence from the Ministry of Defence)
  • Cultural artefacts (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

If arriving from outside the EU, use the red channel if you have goods exceeding the duty-free limits, cash over EUR 10,000, or prohibited/restricted items. Otherwise, use the green 'nothing to declare' channel. No arrival card is required for customs; passport control is separate.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tax-free shopping for non-EU residents: minimum purchase of EUR 175 (approx. USD 190) per receipt at a single store. Look for the 'Tax Free' logo. Get the form stamped by customs at the airport before check-in, then claim your refund at a counter or by mail.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed without a prescription if they are not controlled substances. For psychotropic or narcotic medications (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds), you need a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Slovak State Institute for Drug Control. Some common Western medications like codeine-based painkillers are controlled.

Food, plants & animal products

From non-EU countries: no meat, dairy, or products containing them. Limited quantities of baby food and special medical foods are allowed. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate and must be declared. EU-origin food is generally unrestricted.

Rules worth knowing

EU vs non-EU rules

If you arrive from another EU country, you can bring unlimited amounts of alcohol and tobacco for personal use, but you must be able to prove it's not for resale. The EUR 430 goods limit only applies to non-EU arrivals.

Cash declaration is mandatory

Carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared. Failure to do so can result in seizure and a fine of up to 100% of the undeclared amount.

No duty-free for EU arrivals

If you fly from another EU country, there are no duty-free allowances because you are already inside the EU single market. The concept of 'duty-free' only applies to non-EU arrivals.

Tobacco allowance is per person

The 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250g tobacco limit is per adult traveller. You cannot combine allowances with other passengers. Minors (under 18) have no tobacco or alcohol allowance.

Frequently asked questions

If you fly directly from Vienna (Austria) to Bratislava, it's an intra-EU flight. You do not go through customs for goods; you only pass through passport control if you are a non-EU citizen. Duty-free allowances do not apply.
Yes, Cuban cigars are legal in Slovakia. The standard allowance applies: 50 cigars from non-EU countries. There is no embargo against Cuban goods.
If you arrive from outside the EU and your final destination is another EU country, you clear customs at your first point of entry into the EU (Bratislava). Your goods allowance is based on the EU-wide EUR 430 limit.
You must pay 20% VAT and any applicable customs duty on the full value of the goods, not just the excess. For example, if your goods are worth EUR 500, you pay duty on the entire EUR 500.
Yes, but drones over 250g must be registered with the Slovak Transport Authority before flying. You also need third-party liability insurance. Non-EU visitors may need to register on arrival; check the Slovak Transport Authority website.
Yes, codeine is a controlled substance in Slovakia. You need a doctor's prescription and a permit from the State Institute for Drug Control. Without it, the medication may be confiscated and you could face penalties.
There is no limit, but any amount of EUR 10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared. You can bring less without declaring, but customs may ask you to prove the source if they suspect money laundering.

Official source

Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic (Customs Section)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic (Customs Section) before travelling.