Spain customs

Do you know what you can take with you to and from Spain? Below you will find the import duties and export duties for, among other things, alcohol, tobacco, money, food and pets.

Alcohol

• Travelers from the age of 17 may import alcoholic beverages into Spain. The stated quantities apply per person.

Import from an EU country (except Andorra)

• 10 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content of more than 22% and
• 20 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content of up to 22% and
• 90 liters of wine (including a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) and
• 110 liters of beer.

Import from a non-EU country

• 1 liter of drink with an alcohol content of more than 22% or
• 2 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content of up to 22%
• with in addition:
• 4 liters of non-sparkling wine and
• 16 liters of beer.

Import from Andorra

• 1.5 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content of more than 22% or
• 2 liters of dessert wine or sparkling wine and
• 5 liters of wine.

Particularities

• The minimum age for the consumption and / or purchase of alcoholic beverages in the country may differ from the minimum age for the import of alcoholic beverages.
• Please note: The same quantities apply to alcoholic drinks from the tax-free areas of Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands as from a non-EU country.

Tobacco

• Travelers from the age of 17 can import tobacco into Spain. The stated quantities apply per person.

Import from an EU country

• 800 cigarettes and
• 400 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each) and
• 200 cigars and
• 1 kg of tobacco.

Import from a non-EU country

• 200 cigarettes or
• 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each) or
• 50 cigars or
• 250 g of tobacco or
• a proportional distribution of the above products.

Particularities

• Tobacco brought from the Spanish tax-free areas of Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands is subject to the same quantities as from a non-EU country.

Pets in Spain

• Spain is a moderately dog-friendly country. There are holiday homes and guest houses where you can stay with a dog. There are also campsites where a dog is welcome, on the condition that he stays on a lead.
• Dogs are not allowed in restaurants.
• Dogs are also prohibited on busy beaches.
• In the mountains and numerous natural parks in the northern part of Spain your dog can run around to your heart’s content.

Identification

• A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available at the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (the standard ISO microchip 11784/11785 is inserted) and the proof of rabies vaccination. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Health

• Dogs and cats must have been vaccinated against rabies (rabies vaccination) at least 21 days before the trip. The validity period depends on the guidelines of the vaccine manufacturer (1-3 years).
• Note: the chip must be inserted before rabies vaccination (on the same day is allowed).
• No mandatory additional treatments are required in Spain.
• Dogs and cats do not have to be in quarantine in Spain.
• Spain is a risk area, a dog or cat can get sick during the holidays due to tick or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures. Contact the veterinarian about this at least 4 weeks before departure.
• The temperature in Spain can rise considerably in the summer. A dog can therefore quickly overheat. Always ensure that there is sufficient water and cooling.

Forbidden dogs

• Strict rules apply to Pitbull, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire terrier, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu or other ‘dangerous’ dogs.
• It is advisable to contact the embassy if you want to take one of these dogs

Pets and transportation

• Traveling with the dog in public transport is almost impossible in Spain.
• When transporting in the car, the dog must wear a special dog leash in the rear seat or sit behind a rack in the trunk.

Young animals

• From 29 December 2014, all puppies and kittens that are taken to Spain must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks. The legal waiting period after vaccination is 21 days, which means that animals younger than 15 weeks may no longer be imported.

Particularities

• If you travel by plane, you must report 24 hours in advance that you are taking a dog.
• Also remember to view the rules of the countries you travel through to Spain.

Money

Import

• Domestic and foreign payment methods can be freely imported from an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely imported from a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts in excess of the € 10,000 equivalent must be stated.

Export

• Domestic and foreign payment methods may be exported freely to an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment methods may be freely exported to a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts in excess of the € 10,000 equivalent must be stated.

Various customs rules

Groceries

Import from an EU country

• Food, fruit and flowers can be imported indefinitely, if intended for personal use.

Import from a non-EU country

• A limited amount of food can be freely imported for 1 to 2 days.
• Animal products may not be imported with the exception of products originating from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. To a limited extent, these may be imported if they come from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, if intended for their own use.

Other goods

Import from an EU country

• Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, can be imported indefinitely, if intended for personal use.

Import from a non-EU country

• Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, can be freely imported up to a value of € 430 if you travel through an airport or seaport, people under 15 to € 150 and other travelers up to a value of € 300.

Import from Andorra

• Per person, a total of € 525 worth of goods can be freely imported from Andorra, persons under 15 to € 270.

Medicines

• It is recommended that you bring a medical passport. The European Medical Passport contains information about medication use, diseases or disorders. It is available for a small fee, including at doctors and pharmacies.

Here you will find more information about Spain.