Iceland customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Iceland's duty-free allowances are notably strict: alcohol and tobacco limits are standard for the EEA, but the personal goods threshold is exceptionally low at ISK 25,000 (approx. USD 180). Cash over ISK 1,300,000 (USD 10,000) must be declared. Raw meat and dairy from outside the EEA/EFTA are banned. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (22%+ ABV) OR 2 litres of wine (up to 22%) OR 6 litres of beer (up to 2.25%). Traveller must be 20+ for spirits, 18+ for wine/beer. If arriving directly from another EEA country, double allowances apply: 2L spirits, 4L wine, 12L beer, with proof of purchase.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash, travellers cheques, and bearer instruments equivalent to ISK 1,300,000 or more (approx. USD 10,000) must be declared in writing on arrival. Failure to declare risks seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$180
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is ISK 25,000 (approx. USD 180) per person. If exceeded, 24% VAT applies to the full value, not just the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription for personal use)
  • Raw meat, unpasteurised milk, and dairy products from outside the EEA/EFTA
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Icelandic Police
  • Knives and other bladed weapons (including switchblades and throwing stars)
  • Endangered species products (CITES-listed items without a permit)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use: up to 100 days' supply; bring a prescription or doctor's note. Controlled substances require prior approval from the Icelandic Medicines Agency.
  • Plants, seeds, and flowers: require a phytosanitary certificate from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST)
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets): require microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport (or equivalent from non-EU countries)
  • Drones: must be registered with the Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA); drones over 250g require a licence; flight restrictions apply near airports, national parks, and crowds.

Rules worth knowing

Low personal goods allowance

Iceland's duty-free allowance for goods is only ISK 25,000 (approx. USD 180), much lower than many other countries. If you bring a new laptop, camera, or expensive clothing, expect to pay 24% VAT on the full value above that threshold.

Alcohol import from EEA countries

If you arrive directly from another EEA country (e.g. Denmark, Germany), you can bring double the standard allowance: 2L spirits, 4L wine, 12L beer. You must have proof of purchase (receipt) and the goods must be for personal use.

No duty-free shops on arrival

Iceland has no duty-free shops after passport control. You must buy duty-free at the airport before departure or on the plane. The allowance applies to goods you carry with you, not shipped separately.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but raw meat, unpasteurised milk, and dairy products from outside the EEA/EFTA are banned. Processed foods (chocolate, biscuits, canned goods) are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use. Declare any food on the customs form.
You must pay 24% VAT on the full value of the goods, not just the excess. For example, if you bring goods worth ISK 50,000, you pay 24% VAT on the entire ISK 50,000 (ISK 12,000). There is no duty-free threshold for the first ISK 25,000 if you exceed it.
Yes, if you bring more than a 100-day supply. For up to 100 days, keep the medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's note. Controlled substances (e.g. strong painkillers) require prior approval from the Icelandic Medicines Agency.
Yes, but you must register it with the Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA) before flying. Drones over 250g require a licence. Flying is banned in national parks, near airports, and over crowds. Fines are steep.
ISK 1,300,000 or more (equivalent to about USD 10,000). You must fill out a cash declaration form at customs. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
No. You must be 20 or older to bring spirits (over 22% ABV). For wine and beer (up to 22% ABV), the minimum age is 18. Customs may ask for ID.

Official source

Icelandic Customs (Tollstjóri)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Icelandic Customs (Tollstjóri) before travelling.