United Kingdom customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

For travellers arriving in the UK from outside the EU in 2026, duty-free allowances 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 goods up to £390 (approx. USD 500). Cash of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared. Travellers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco. Allowances cannot be split or combined.

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+. You cannot split the allowance (e.g., half spirits, half wine).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,800
Cash of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency, including GBP) must be declared on a Cash Declaration Form (C9011). The threshold is €10,000, approximately USD 10,800 as of 2026. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to £5,000.
Goods duty-free
$500
Duty-free allowance for goods (gifts, souvenirs, personal items) is £390 (approx. USD 500). Goods valued above this are subject to duty and VAT on the full value. The allowance is per person, not per family.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Controlled drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin, cannabis, ecstasy) – strict penalties including imprisonment.
  • Offensive weapons (e.g., flick knives, gravity knives, knuckledusters, pepper spray, swords with a curved blade over 50cm).
  • Indecent and obscene material (e.g., child pornography, extreme pornography).
  • Meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries (unless accompanied by a valid health certificate).
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, rhino horn, certain furs) without a CITES permit.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and CS gas) without a specific UK licence.

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., morphine, codeine, diazepam) – require a personal licence from the UK Home Office (apply at least 10 working days before travel) or a doctor's prescription and a letter of explanation.
  • Plants, seeds, bulbs, and certain fruits/vegetables – require a phytosanitary certificate and must be declared.
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an animal health certificate (or EU pet passport).
  • Radio transmitters (e.g., drones with cameras, walkie-talkies on certain frequencies) – may require a licence or frequency approval.
  • Cultural goods (e.g., antiques over 50 years old, archaeological items) – may require an export licence from the country of origin.

Rules worth knowing

EU vs Non-EU allowances

If you are arriving directly from an EU country, you can bring unlimited amounts of alcohol and tobacco for personal use (no duty-free limit), but you must be 18+. For non-EU arrivals, the strict allowances above apply.

Goods for personal use vs commercial

UK Border Force officers may question you if you bring large quantities of goods (e.g., 20 litres of wine, 800 cigarettes). They will assess whether it's for personal use based on quantity, frequency of travel, and packaging. If deemed commercial, duty and VAT will be charged.

Cash declaration is mandatory

You must declare cash of €10,000 or more (or equivalent) on a Cash Declaration Form (C9011). Failure to declare can result in seizure of the cash and a fine of up to £5,000.

Tobacco and alcohol age limit

You must be 18 or over to bring in alcohol or tobacco. If you are under 18, you cannot bring any duty-free alcohol or tobacco, even if it's a gift.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring most food for personal use, but meat and dairy products from non-EU countries are banned unless you have a health certificate. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are allowed in small quantities for personal use, but must be declared. Commercial quantities are not allowed.
Yes, if the total value of all goods (including gifts) exceeds £390 (approx. USD 500). You must declare them on the red channel or use the red point phone. If under £390, you can use the green channel.
Yes, for personal use. If the medication contains a controlled substance (e.g., morphine, codeine, diazepam), you need a personal licence from the UK Home Office (apply at least 10 working days before travel) or a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining your condition and dosage. Carry the medication in original packaging.
You must declare the goods and pay duty and VAT on the full value (not just the excess). For example, if you bring goods worth £500, you pay duty and VAT on the entire £500. If you don't declare, goods can be seized and you may be fined.
Yes, but if you are carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency, including GBP, USD, etc.) you must declare it. There is no limit on how much cash you can bring, but undeclared amounts over the threshold can be seized.
No, personal electronics for your own use are generally fine. However, if you bring multiple items (e.g., 5 laptops), customs may consider them commercial goods and charge duty. Drones with cameras may require a licence for the radio transmitter.

Official source

UK Government – HM Revenue & Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with UK Government – HM Revenue & Customs before travelling.