Cyprus customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

In 2026, non-resident adults arriving in Cyprus from outside the EU can bring in 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV), 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of smoking tobacco, and personal goods up to €430 duty-free. Cash of €10,000 or more (about USD 10,700) must be declared upon entry or exit. All allowances require the traveler to be 18 or older.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveler must be 18+. Combined allowance not permitted.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,700
Amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the arrival or departure form when traveling to/from a non-EU country. This threshold is about USD 10,700 at current rates.
Goods duty-free
$460
Personal goods and gifts up to €430 (about USD 460) are duty-free for non-residents arriving from non-EU countries. Above that, duty and VAT apply at rates typically 19% VAT plus applicable duty.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except for medical use with a permit)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a Cypriot permit)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed) without a certificate
  • Obscene or indecent materials
  • Certain agricultural products (e.g., meat, dairy, plants) from non-EU countries without phytosanitary certification

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (must carry a prescription or doctor's note; for over 30-day supply, prior approval from Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services required)
  • Live animals (dogs, cats, ferrets) require an EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, and microchip
  • Plants and plant products (need a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin)
  • Drones (must comply with Cypriot aviation authority registration and flight restrictions; weight over 250g requires registration)
  • Cultural goods and antiques (export/import may require a permit from the Department of Antiquities)

Rules worth knowing

EU vs. Non-EU Rules

If arriving from another EU country, duty-free allowances do not apply; goods are considered in free circulation and must be for personal use. For non-EU arrivals, the allowances listed above apply. Large quantities from EU may be questioned.

Travellers Under 18

Minors under 18 cannot bring in alcohol or tobacco duty-free. Their personal goods allowance is the same as adults (€430), but they must not exceed this limit.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Non-residents can bring a vehicle for up to 6 months without customs formalities. Longer stays require registration and payment of duties, with a penalty of €50 per day for non-compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the goods are for personal use and you have paid tax in the EU country of purchase. There are no duty-free limits within the EU, but large quantities (e.g., over 10 liters of spirits) may be questioned as commercial.
You must declare the excess goods on the customs form and pay duty and VAT. For example, alcohol above the limit is taxed at about €10–15 per liter, and cigarettes at about €0.10 per cigarette.
Yes, if you are carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent) when leaving Cyprus for a non-EU country, you must declare it to customs. Failure to do so can result in fines up to €1,000.
Yes, for personal use. Carry a prescription or doctor's note, especially for controlled substances. For more than a 30-day supply, you may need prior approval from the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services (allow 4 weeks).
Yes. Meat, dairy, and certain plant products are banned or restricted. Small quantities of baby food or special dietary foods (up to 2kg) are allowed with a health certificate.
Fines can range from €50 to several thousand euros, and items may be confiscated. Serious offences like drug smuggling can lead to arrest and prosecution, with penalties including imprisonment up to 20 years.

Official source

Cyprus Customs and Excise Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Cyprus Customs and Excise Department before travelling.