Spain customs rules & duty-free allowances
Spain is your first point of entry into the EU, so you clear customs here even if you're just transiting to another Schengen country. The single biggest risk is the cash rule: the Guardia Civil routinely stops travellers at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, and undeclared cash can be seized on the spot. If you're flying in from outside the EU, walk through the red channel if you have anything to declare; the green channel is for nothing-to-declare only, and officers can and do search.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychoactive substances (cannabis, cocaine, heroin, etc.) — even for personal use; penalties include prison.
- Meat, milk, and dairy products from outside the EU (including cured ham, cheese, and yogurt).
- Plants, seeds, and soil from outside the EU without a phytosanitary certificate.
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media (CDs, DVDs, software) for commercial use.
- Offensive weapons, including flick knives, butterfly knives, and certain martial arts weapons.
- Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) without CITES permits.
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Firearms and ammunition — require a special permit from the Spanish government before arrival.
- Prescription medicines containing controlled substances — need prior authorisation from AEMPS.
- Drones — must be registered and may require a permit; check AESA rules before flying.
- Satellite phones — some models require a licence from the Spanish telecom authority.
- Live animals and pets — need an EU pet passport or health certificate and rabies vaccination.
Arriving: red vs green channel
After baggage claim, follow signs to the customs exit. If you have nothing to declare and are under all limits, walk through the green channel (Nada que declarar). If you have goods, cash, or food to declare, or you're unsure, use the red channel (Declarar) and speak to the Guardia Civil officer. There is no arrival card to fill out for customs — the declaration is verbal unless you're carrying over €10,000 in cash, in which case you must complete the S-1 form.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on purchases over €90.15 (about $97) from a single store in one day. Look for the 'Tax Free' or 'Global Blue' sign; the store gives you a form. At the airport, before checking in, get the form stamped by customs (you may need to show the goods), then submit it to the refund desk or mail it. Refund is usually 10–15% of the purchase price after fees.
Bringing medication
Bring personal medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter. For controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, strong painkillers), you need a specific authorisation from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) if the quantity exceeds 30 days' personal use. Some common drugs in other countries — including certain codeine combinations and medical cannabis — are illegal in Spain; check the AEMPS list before you fly.
Food, plants & animal products
You cannot bring meat, milk, or dairy products from outside the EU — even a ham sandwich from the plane. Plant products, seeds, and soil are also banned unless you have a phytosanitary certificate. Fish and seafood are allowed up to 20kg per person. Declare any food or plant items at the red channel; undeclared meat can cost you a fine of €300 or more.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is strictly enforced
Spain's cash-control law requires you to declare €10,000 or more in cash, cheques, or bearer instruments. The Guardia Civil uses sniffer dogs and random stops at major airports. If you fail to declare, they can seize the money and fine you from €600 up to the full amount. Declare at the red channel or online via AEAT before you fly.
EU entry point rule
If you land in Spain from outside the EU, you clear customs here even if your final destination is another Schengen country (e.g., France or Italy). Your duty-free allowances apply to the entire EU, so if you bought alcohol in Spain and then fly to Germany, you can't buy more duty-free there.
Tobacco and alcohol limits are per adult
The duty-free allowances for tobacco and alcohol apply only to travellers aged 18 or over. If you're travelling with children, they cannot pool their allowance with yours. Anything over the limit is subject to duty and VAT at the point of entry.
Regional rules for Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla
The Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla are outside the EU VAT area. If you arrive there from mainland Spain or another EU country, different allowances apply (e.g., 200 cigarettes, 1L spirits, and goods up to €50 duty-free). If you then travel to mainland Spain, you clear customs again.