Czech Republic customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

For non-resident adults arriving in the Czech Republic in 2026, the duty-free allowance for goods is 430 EUR (approx. 10,800 CZK) for air/sea travelers and 300 EUR (approx. 7,500 CZK) for others. Cash of 10,000 EUR or more must be declared. Strict bans apply on narcotics, certain meats, and counterfeit goods.

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+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,900
Any amount of cash (CZK or foreign currency) equivalent to 10,000 EUR (approx. 10,900 USD) or more must be declared in writing to Czech Customs upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods: 430 EUR (approx. 10,800 CZK) for air/sea travelers; 300 EUR (approx. 7,500 CZK) for land/rail travelers. Above these limits, duty and VAT apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD)
  • Counterfeit goods (fake branded items, pirated software/media)
  • Endangered species products (CITES-listed animals/plants, ivory, rhino horn)
  • Certain meats and dairy from non-EU countries (e.g., raw milk, unpasteurized cheese, fresh meat without veterinary certificate)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a Czech permit
  • Pornographic material depicting minors

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (require a doctor's prescription and a permit from the State Institute for Drug Control)
  • Plants and plant products (require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin)
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination; additional rules for non-EU countries
  • Cultural heritage items (antiques, artworks over 50 years old) – may require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
  • Drones (UAS) – must comply with EU drone regulations; registration and insurance may be required

Rules worth knowing

EU vs. non-EU origin matters

Goods bought duty-free within the EU (e.g., at another EU airport) are not subject to Czech duty-free limits if for personal use. The 430/300 EUR limits apply only to goods from outside the EU.

Cash declaration is mandatory, not optional

If you carry cash (banknotes, coins, cheques, money orders, traveler's cheques) totaling 10,000 EUR or more, you must fill out a written declaration at the customs point. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine.

Tobacco and alcohol for personal use only

Even within the duty-free limits, customs officers may ask you to prove the goods are for personal use (not for resale). Large quantities (e.g., 10 cartons of cigarettes) may be questioned.

Meat and dairy from non-EU countries are heavily restricted

You cannot bring fresh meat, milk, or products containing them from outside the EU without a veterinary certificate. Small quantities of baby food or special medical food are allowed if declared.

Frequently asked questions

If you arrive by air or sea, you can bring personal goods worth up to 430 EUR (approx. 10,800 CZK) duty-free. If you arrive by land (car, bus, train), the limit is 300 EUR (approx. 7,500 CZK). Above these limits, you must pay customs duty and 21% VAT.
No. The total tobacco allowance is 250g. For example, you could bring 100 cigarettes (50g) and 40 cigars (200g) to stay within the limit. Any combination is allowed as long as the total weight does not exceed 250g.
No, the declaration threshold is 10,000 EUR (or equivalent in any currency). If you have exactly 9,999 EUR, you do not need to declare. But if you have 10,000 EUR or more, you must declare it in writing.
Generally no, unless it is a commercial product with a veterinary certificate. Small quantities of baby formula, infant food, or special medical food are allowed if they do not require refrigeration and are in original packaging. Always check with Czech customs before travel.
Customs officers can seize the goods and impose a fine. The fine depends on the value and nature of the undeclared items, but can be up to several thousand CZK. It is always better to declare and pay the duty.
If you buy alcohol in another EU country for personal use, there is no duty-free limit. However, customs may question quantities that appear commercial (e.g., 50 liters of wine). For non-EU purchases, the standard 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer limit applies.

Official source

Czech Customs Administration (Celní správa České republiky)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Czech Customs Administration (Celní správa České republiky) before travelling.