Country Guide

Switzerland customs import limits

Official duty-free allowances for alcohol, tobacco, cash, medicines, and other goods when entering Switzerland. See what you can bring before you fly.

Cash declaration threshold

This is one of the most important declaration rules travelers check before entering Switzerland.

Category Cash
All travelers Declaration rules
Cash and monetary instruments Declaration from CHF 10,000
Declaration required
Cash, monetary instruments, and equivalent value checks can apply above the threshold shown for CHF.

More Switzerland customs limits

Exact thresholds for all categories are available in the app. Download CustomsLimit to check your full trip before you fly.

Spirits (over 22% alcohol) ••• liters
Duty-free limit
Spirits & liqueurs (up to 22%) ••• liters
Duty-free limit
Still wine ••• liters
Duty-free limit
Beer ••• liters
Duty-free limit
Tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipe) ••• pieces / grams
Duty-free limit
Medicines (uncontrolled / OTC) Personal use only — conditions apply
Restricted
Controlled substances / narcotics Authorization required
Restricted
Meat, dairy & animal products See app for conditions
Restricted / Prohibited
General food items ••• kg limit
Duty-free limit
Live plants & plant products Phytosanitary cert. may apply
Restricted
Cultural artifacts & antiques Authorization may be required
Restricted

Exact limits, declaration thresholds, age restrictions, and combined rules for all categories are available free in the CustomsLimit app for Switzerland and 59 other countries.

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Know before you go

Surprising restriction for Switzerland

Firearms, weapons, and ammunition are prohibited without prior authorization and notification before import. Fireworks and pyrotechnic items also require authorization. Violations result in seizure, fines, and criminal prosecution.

The CustomsLimit app shows the full traveler context for Switzerland before you travel.

About Switzerland customs

Switzerland's customs rules are administered by Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, FOCBS. Traveler allowances and restrictions can vary based on where you are arriving from, your age, and the type of goods you carry.

Traveler rules can change based on route, age, item type, and whether goods are for personal use. CustomsLimit helps you check the full country guide for Switzerland before travel.

Switzerland customs — frequently asked questions

How much cash can I carry into Switzerland without declaring it?
Switzerland applies the declaration rule shown above for cash and equivalent monetary instruments. Travelers carrying more than the threshold must declare it before continuing through customs.
What is the duty-free alcohol allowance for Switzerland?
Switzerland has country-specific alcohol limits that can change based on the type of alcohol and the traveler route. The page above shows one example, while the CustomsLimit app shows the full alcohol breakdown for Switzerland.
Do I need to declare cash when entering Switzerland?
No mandatory declaration for cash (unlike the EU). However, if questioned by customs (particularly for amounts of CHF 10,000 or more), you must provide truthful information about your identity, the origin of the funds, the purpose, and the beneficiary. Providing false information or refusing to cooperate may result in an administrative fine. The CustomsLimit app shows the declaration rule in the context of the rest of your trip.

Check all Switzerland limits free in the app

CustomsLimit covers Switzerland and 59 other countries with exact thresholds, combined limits, age restrictions, and declaration rules. Free to download.

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