What can I bring into the United Kingdom?
This section explains the restrictions on what you can bring into the United Kingdom. These restrictions apply even if you are British citizen who is returning from a trip abroad.
Certain goods are restricted or banned completely from entering the United Kingdom, 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 informtion.
If you are carrying 10,000 Euros or more (or equivalent in another currency), and you are travelling from outside the European Union, 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 United Kingdom, see the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
You can also download a booklet that explains what you can and cannot bring into the United Kingdom from the website of HM Revenue & Customs.
If you are in any doubt, contact us or check with our officers when you arrive.
Terms explained
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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.