Croatia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Croatia's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU is 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV), 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to €430 (approx. USD 470). Cash of €10,000 or more (approx. USD 10,900) must be declared. Strict bans on narcotics, weapons, and certain meats apply. Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023, so kuna is no longer legal tender.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,900
Cash (including equivalent in other currencies, checks, securities) of €10,000 or more must be declared in writing to Croatian Customs upon arrival. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines. This applies to both EU and non-EU arrivals.
Goods duty-free
$470
Personal goods and gifts up to €430 (approx. USD 470) are duty-free for non-residents arriving from non-EU countries. Above this, duty and VAT (25% for most goods) apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for personal use)
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and stun guns without a permit)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, caviar without a permit)
  • Counterfeit goods (branded fakes, pirated media)
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (except limited quantities of infant formula or special medical food)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine) – require a doctor's prescription and a personal declaration
  • Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport
  • Firearms and hunting weapons – require a Croatian permit or EU Firearm Pass
  • Cultural goods (antiques, artworks over 50 years old) – may require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
  • Drones – require registration with the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency and a permit for use
  • Satellite phones – may require a license from the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)

Rules worth knowing

EU vs. Non-EU Arrivals

Allowances above apply only to arrivals from outside the EU. If arriving from another EU country, duty-free limits do not apply; goods are free of duty and VAT as long as they are for personal use and not for resale. Croatian customs may consider quantities like 800 cigarettes or 10 liters of spirits as commercial.

Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit

You must be 18 or older to bring in duty-free tobacco and alcohol. Croatian customs may ask for ID.

Cash Declaration Threshold

Any person carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies, including checks and securities) must complete a written declaration. This applies to both EU and non-EU arrivals.

Currency Change

Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023. Kuna is no longer legal tender. You can exchange old kuna at banks, but carrying large amounts of kuna is not recommended. The cash declaration threshold applies to any currency equivalent to €10,000.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the goods are for personal use and not for resale, there are no duty-free limits. However, for tobacco and alcohol, Croatian customs may consider quantities like 800 cigarettes or 10 liters of spirits as commercial, so keep receipts.
You must declare the excess on the customs form. Duty and VAT (currently 25% for most goods) will be charged on the value above €430. Undeclared goods can be seized and you may be fined.
Yes, the €10,000 declaration threshold applies to all arrivals into Croatia, including from other EU countries. You must declare cash, traveler's checks, and negotiable instruments.
Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023. Kuna is no longer legal tender. You can exchange old kuna at banks, but carrying large amounts of kuna is not recommended. The cash declaration threshold applies to any currency equivalent to €10,000.
Yes. From non-EU countries, meat and dairy products are banned except for limited quantities of infant formula or special medical food. Fruits, vegetables, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. From EU countries, most food for personal use is allowed.
Drones require registration with the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency and a permit for use. Satellite phones are restricted and may require a license from the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM). Always check before travel.

Official source

Croatian Customs Administration (Carinska uprava)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Croatian Customs Administration (Carinska uprava) before travelling.