Spain customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Spain enforces strict customs for non-EU arrivals: a €430 duty-free goods limit, mandatory cash declaration over €10,000, and a single-choice tobacco allowance. EU travelers face no limits on personal-use goods. The Canary Islands have separate, lower allowances.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1L of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2L of wine/beer. Must be 18+. From non-EU: €430 duty-free threshold (about €430).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,900
€10,000 (about $10,900) or equivalent. Declare via S-1 form at customs or online before arrival. Applies to cash, bearer instruments, gold coins.
Goods duty-free
$470
Duty-free allowance for gifts/personal goods from non-EU: €430 (about $470). Above that, duty rates vary (typically 2.5-17% plus VAT 21%).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with medical authorization)
  • Counterfeit goods (brand fakes, pirated items)
  • Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, caviar without CITES)
  • Firearms, explosives, and ammunition without a permit
  • Obscene or pornographic material
  • Certain meats and dairy from outside the EU (e.g., raw milk cheese, unprocessed pork)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) require EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, and microchip
  • Cultural goods (antiques over 100 years old need export license from Spain)
  • Drones over 250g require registration and insurance in Spain

Arriving: red vs green channel

Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare (goods under €430, no restricted items). Red channel if you exceed allowances or have restricted goods. No arrival card needed for EU citizens; non-EU may fill a customs form if declaring. Random checks happen.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist VAT refund (Tax Free) available for purchases over €90.15 from a single store. Claim at airport via Divina or Global Blue kiosks before check-in. Must show goods, receipts, passport.

Bringing medication

Personal medications allowed for up to 3 months' supply with a prescription. Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require a prior import permit from the Spanish Agency of Medicines. Some common Western meds like codeine are restricted.

Food, plants & animal products

No meat, dairy, or products from outside the EU without a health certificate. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Small quantities of baby food or special dietary food allowed if declared.

Rules worth knowing

EU vs non-EU allowances differ

If you arrive from another EU country, there are no duty-free limits on alcohol or tobacco for personal use (but you must be 18+). From non-EU, the €430 goods limit applies.

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Failure can result in seizure and fines up to €6,000.

Canary Islands are different

If your flight lands in the Canary Islands (not mainland Spain), duty-free allowances are lower: €175 for goods, 200 cigarettes, 1L spirits. Separate customs rules apply.

Frequently asked questions

If you clear customs in Madrid (your first EU entry), you follow Spain's rules for non-EU arrivals. The London layover doesn't change that unless you go through UK customs and re-check bags.
Yes, as long as they are for personal use and within the duty-free limit (50 cigars from non-EU). Spain has no embargo on Cuban goods, unlike the US.
If you are a non-EU resident (even with a student visa), you are treated as a resident for customs. You cannot use the €430 duty-free allowance for goods; you must declare and pay duty on anything over €150.
You must pay duty on the full value, not just the excess. For example, if your goods are worth €500, you pay duty on €500, not €70. The duty rate is typically 2.5-17% plus 21% VAT.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Spain. You need a prior import permit from the Spanish Agency of Medicines (AEMPS) for more than a 3-month supply. For short stays, carry a doctor's note and keep meds in original packaging.
Yes, drones over 250g are restricted. You must register it with the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and have insurance. Declare it at customs if it's new or high-value. Fines for non-compliance can be steep.
No, because you are traveling within the EU. There are no duty-free limits between EU countries for personal goods. You only pay VAT in the country of purchase (France).

Official source

Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT) - Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT) - Customs before travelling.