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What can I bring into the UK?

This section explains the restrictions on what you can bring into the UK. You must comply with these restrictions, even if you are British citizen who is returning from a trip abroad.

Certain goods are restricted or banned completely from entering the UK, even if you are travelling from within the European Union. These include firearms, offensive weapons, endangered species (and items made from them), and some types of food and plants. See Banned and restricted goods for more information.

There are restrictions on cigarettes, alcohol, gifts and products of animal origin. These depend on where you are travelling from. See What are my allowances? for more information.

If you are travelling from outside the European Union and you are carrying 10,000 euros or more (or equivalent in another currency), you must complete a cash declaration form. More information on declaring cash is on the website of HM Revenue & Customs.

See the website of HM Revenue & Customs for information on importing and exporting goods, including merchandise in baggage, live pet birds, importing personal possessions, and taking medicines abroad.

For information on bringing a pet or other animal to the UK, see the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

You can also download a booklet from the right side of this page, which explains what you can and cannot bring into the UK.

If you are in any doubt, contact us or ask our officers when you arrive.

Terms explained

  • European Union

    Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

All glossary terms

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