Ireland customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Ireland's duty-free allowances for non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU in 2026 are 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV), 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to €430 (about USD 470). Cash of €10,000 or more (about USD 10,700) must be declared. Strict bans include all meat and dairy from non-EU countries, and any amount of controlled drugs. Travellers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+. If you bring both, the 1-litre spirit limit applies and the wine/beer is limited to 2 litres.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,700
Cash (including banknotes, cheques, money orders) of €10,000 or more (about USD 10,700) must be declared on the EU Cash Control Declaration form. Applies to combined value of all currencies.
Goods duty-free
$470
Duty-free allowance for gifts and personal goods is €430 (about USD 470) per person. Goods over that value are subject to Irish customs duty and VAT at the border.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Controlled drugs and narcotics (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin) – no exceptions for personal use.
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (including raw, cooked, or processed) – strict ban due to animal health rules.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a valid Irish firearms certificate.
  • Endangered species products (CITES items) like ivory, rhino horn, or certain reptile skins without a permit.
  • Knives with a blade over 3 inches (7.6 cm) that lock or are fixed – considered offensive weapons.
  • Counterfeit goods (fake designer clothes, watches, electronics) – seizure and possible prosecution.

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., morphine, codeine, diazepam) – require a doctor's prescription and a personal license from the Irish Medicines Board for more than 3 months' supply.
  • Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin.
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have a valid EU Pet Passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination; non-EU pets need a rabies antibody test and health certificate.
  • Drones (unmanned aircraft) – must be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority if over 250g; flying in restricted zones (e.g., near airports, Dublin city centre) is prohibited without permission.
  • Satellite phones and military-style radios – require a license from ComReg (Irish communications regulator).

Rules worth knowing

EU vs Non-EU Rules

If you arrive from another EU country, you can bring unlimited amounts of alcohol and tobacco for personal use (no duty-free limits). If arriving from outside the EU, the strict duty-free allowances above apply. Always carry proof of origin (receipts) for high-value items.

Cash Declaration at Customs

Any person carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent in other currencies) must complete a cash declaration form at the customs desk before exiting the baggage hall. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to €5,000.

VAT Refund for Non-Residents

Non-EU residents can claim a refund of Irish VAT (23%) on goods purchased in Ireland and exported within 3 months. The minimum purchase per shop is €75. Get the refund form stamped by customs at the airport before check-in.

Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit

You must be 18 or older to bring any alcohol or tobacco into Ireland. Customs officers may ask for ID. If you are under 18, you cannot bring any amount of these products, even if within the duty-free allowance.

Frequently asked questions

From the US or any non-EU country, you cannot bring meat or dairy products (including sandwiches, sausages, cheese). Baked goods (bread, cakes) and chocolate are allowed. From the UK (which is now a non-EU country), the same ban applies to meat and dairy. Always declare any food items to avoid fines.
You can bring up to €9,999 (about USD 10,699) without declaring. If you have €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in any currency), you must fill out a cash declaration form at customs. This applies to banknotes, cheques, money orders, and traveller's cheques.
Yes, for personal use up to 3 months' supply. Carry the prescription and a doctor's letter. If the medication contains a controlled substance (e.g., morphine, codeine, diazepam), you need a personal license from the Irish Medicines Board for amounts over 3 months. Always keep medicines in original packaging.
You must declare the excess on the customs form. You will pay Irish customs duty (typically 2.5-12% depending on the item) and VAT (23%) on the value above the allowance. If you don't declare, goods can be seized and you may be fined up to €5,000.
Yes, but if your drone weighs over 250g, you must register it with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) before flying. You cannot fly within 5 km of an airport, over people, or in restricted zones like Dublin city centre. Non-EU visitors can register online for a temporary permit. Fines for non-compliance start at €1,000.
No fixed limit if you are arriving from an EU country and the alcohol is for personal use. Customs uses guidelines: up to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 20 litres of fortified wine, and 10 litres of spirits are considered personal use. If you bring more, you may need to prove it's not for resale.

Official source

Revenue – Irish Tax and Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Revenue – Irish Tax and Customs before travelling.