Spain tightens Travel Restrictions: What You Can & Can’t Bring Into the Country
Madrid, Spain – Travelers to Spain should be aware of updated customs regulations regarding what items are permitted, and what are prohibited, when entering the country. Rules vary depending on origin – EU vs. non-EU – and cover everything from cash and alcohol to pets and tools. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before your trip:
Cash Declarations Required
Anyone traveling to or from Spain, whether from within the EU or internationally, must declare cash amounts exceeding €10,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) to customs officials.
Limits on alcohol and tobacco vary significantly based on your country of origin.
From outside the EU: Travelers can bring 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 grammes of tobacco. Alcohol allowances include 1 litre of beverages over 22% alcohol, 2 litres of alcoholic beverages under 22%, 4 litres of wine, and 16 litres of beer. These amounts require declaration and payment of corresponding taxes.
From within the EU: Permitted quantities are 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine (maximum 60 litres sparkling), 20 litres of fortified wine, and 110 litres of beer (16 litres in the Canary Islands).
Critically important Note: According to Spanish airport operator Aena, these alcohol limits apply to purchases made after security checkpoints or onboard planes. Otherwise, standard hand luggage liquid restrictions apply. Aena also advises travelers to “declare tobacco and alcohol even if you’ve not gone over the limits.”
Household Goods & Personal Items
Goods in personal luggage are exempt from VAT if not for commercial use. Though, value limits apply:
Land travel: €300 per person.
Sea & Air travel: €430 per person.
Travelers under 15: €150, irrespective of transport method.Counterfeit goods, including fake designer items and pirated media, are strictly prohibited.
Flora & Fauna Restrictions
Species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – including ivory, turtle shells, certain hunting trophies, and parrots – cannot be imported without mandatory permits. Limited exceptions may apply.
Pet Travel Requirements
EU Travel: Cats, dogs, and ferrets require a European pet passport.
Non-EU Travel: An official health certificate confirming up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies) is required for each trip.
Prohibited Weapons & Tools
A wide range of weapons and tools are banned from entry, including revolvers, shotguns, gun replicas, air guns, axes, harpoons, rifles, razor blades, drills, knives, pliers, and screwdrivers.
For more detailed facts, travelers are encouraged to consult the following resources:
Cash Regulations: https://www.thelocal.es/20241118/how-much-cash-can-you-travel-with-carry-and-deposit-in-spain
Alcohol & tobacco: https://www.aena.es/en/passengers/baggage-controls/customs-vat-refund/alcohol-tobacco.html
