Stay informed before you fly, a quick look at duty-free alcohol and tobacco limits for UK travellers in 2025.
When planning your next getaway, understanding duty-free limits can help you avoid unexpected fines at customs. Below, we break down the alcohol and cigarette allowances for the UK’s top 20 travel destinations.
While many European countries follow standard EU duty-free rules, others, like Australia, Turkey, and the UAE, have unique regulations worth noting. Always check local requirements before you fly.
Quick Reference: Duty-Free Allowances
| Destination | Alcohol Allowance (on arrival) | Cigarette / Tobacco Allowance (on arrival) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2.25L alcohol (18+) | 25 cigarettes or 25g tobacco |
| Austria | 1L spirits (>22% ABV) or 2L lower-strength alcohol + 4L wine + 16L beer (17+) | 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 100 cigarillos / 250g tobacco |
| Belgium | Same as Austria (EU standard) | Same as Austria (EU standard) |
| Croatia | EU standard | EU standard |
| Cyprus | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| France | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Germany | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Greece | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Ireland | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Italy | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Malta | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Mexico | 3L spirits + 6L wine (18+) | 20 packs / 25 cigars / 200g tobacco |
| Morocco | 1L wine + 1L spirits | 200g tobacco |
| Netherlands | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Poland | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Portugal | EU standard (17+) | EU standard |
| Spain | EU standard (17+); can split allowance | EU standard |
| Turkey | 1L >22% ABV + 2L <22% ABV (18+) | 600 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos / 50 cigars / 250g tobacco |
| UAE (Dubai) | 4L alcohol OR 2 cartons beer (18+) | 400 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 500g tobacco |
| USA | 1L alcohol (21+; varies by state) | 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 2kg smoking tobacco (state rules apply) |
Key Takeaways
- EU destinations (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.) share standard allowances: 1L spirits, 4L wine, 16L beer, and 200 cigarettes ((minimum age 17+).
- Long-haul favourites like Australia, the USA, and the UAE impose stricter limits, and age restrictions can vary.
- Turkey offers generous tobacco limits but smaller alcohol quotas.
- Always check before you travel, duty-free rules can change without notice, especially for connecting flights.
Traveller Tip
Pack smart: keep your receipts, declare items if in doubt, and check your airline’s baggage policy. Staying within duty-free limits ensures your trip starts and ends stress-free.
FAQs
For most EU countries (such as France, Spain, Italy, and Germany), travellers aged 17 or over can bring in:
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV or 2 litres of lower-strength alcohol
4 litres of wine
16 litres of beer
200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco
Non-EU countries often have stricter or unique limits:
Australia: 2.25L of alcohol (18+) and 25 cigarettes
USA: 1L of alcohol (21+) and 200 cigarettes (rules vary by state)
Always verify the latest rules for each destination before travelling.
Countries like Turkey and the UAE allow larger tobacco quantities:
Turkey: Up to 600 cigarettes or 250g tobacco
UAE: Up to 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco
Check duty-free limits before flying.
Keep receipts for proof of purchase.
Declare items if unsure about limits.
Stay within age restrictions (typically 17+ or 18+ depending on country).
Yes. Duty-free allowances may change due to new regulations or flight connections. Travellers should always check official customs websites or their airline’s guidance before departure.
Disclaimer: Duty-free allowances vary by country and may change without notice. This guide provides general information for UK travellers in 2025 and should not replace official customs or government advice.
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