Liechtenstein customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Liechtenstein is in a customs and monetary union with Switzerland, so Swiss duty-free allowances apply. For 2026, non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU/EFTA may bring in goods up to CHF 300 duty-free, with specific limits for alcohol and tobacco. Cash of CHF 10,000 or more must be declared. All customs rules are identical to Switzerland's.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 15% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer (under 15% ABV). Traveller must be 17+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$11,200
Cash and equivalent monetary instruments of CHF 10,000 (approx. USD 11,200) or more must be declared in writing to customs upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$335
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is CHF 300 (approx. USD 335) per person. Above that, duty and VAT apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and permit)
  • Counterfeit goods, including fake brand items
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (without a Swiss/Liechtenstein permit)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed, e.g., ivory, rhino horn)
  • Pornographic material depicting violence or minors
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU/EFTA countries (banned for personal import)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics (require a doctor's prescription and a Swissmedic import permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport or equivalent
  • Firearms and ammunition (require a Swiss/Liechtenstein weapons acquisition permit)
  • Satellite phones and encryption devices (may require a license from the Swiss Federal Office of Communications)

Rules worth knowing

Swiss Customs Union

Liechtenstein is in a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. All customs rules, duty-free allowances, and border controls are identical to Switzerland's. Arrivals from Switzerland face no customs checks; arrivals from Austria (EU) are treated as entering Switzerland.

VAT-Free Shopping for Tourists

Non-residents can claim a refund of Swiss VAT (8.1% standard) on goods purchased in Liechtenstein and exported within 30 days. Minimum purchase per receipt is CHF 300. Get a tax-free form from the shop and have it stamped at customs when leaving.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Private vehicles (cars, motorcycles) can be brought into Liechtenstein duty-free for up to 12 months. A foreign-registered vehicle may require a customs deposit or Carnet de Passages if staying longer.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can combine alcohol and tobacco as long as each item stays within its individual limit. For example, you can bring 1 liter of spirits AND 200 cigarettes, both duty-free.
You must declare the total value of goods. Duty and Swiss VAT (8.1%) are charged on the amount exceeding CHF 300. For example, if goods are worth CHF 500, duty/VAT applies to CHF 200.
Yes, if you are carrying CHF 10,000 or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments, you must declare it at the border, even if you are only transiting. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Yes, from EU/EFTA countries you can bring unlimited amounts of food for personal use, including meat and dairy. From non-EU/EFTA countries, most meat and dairy products are banned; only limited quantities of certain items (e.g., powdered baby milk) are allowed.
Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a permit if they are not narcotics. For narcotic or psychotropic medications (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD drugs), you need a doctor's prescription and a Swissmedic import permit. Carry the prescription and a letter from your doctor.
A 17-year-old can bring in the full alcohol and tobacco allowances (1L spirits, 200 cigarettes, etc.) duty-free. For goods, the CHF 300 personal allowance also applies. Minors under 17 cannot import alcohol or tobacco.

Official source

Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA) – Liechtenstein Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA) – Liechtenstein Customs before travelling.