Country Guide

United Kingdom customs import limits

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

Alcohol allowance

This is one real customs example for travelers entering United Kingdom.

Category Alcohol
All arrivals Adult travelers (17+)
Still wine 18 liters
Duty-free limit
Age 17+.

More United Kingdom 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
Beer ••• liters
Duty-free limit
Tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipe) ••• pieces / grams
Duty-free limit
Cash (GBP or equivalent) Declaration from ••• GBP
Declaration required
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 United Kingdom and 59 other countries.

Know before you go

Surprising restriction for United Kingdom

Prohibited from all countries, including EU member states, due to Foot and Mouth disease risk (from April 2025). Includes all fresh, chilled, frozen, cooked, dried, or cured meat and meat products, sandwiches or pastries containing meat, and dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, cream, yoghurt). Exception: powdered infant formula and infant food (up to 2 kg, in original sealed packaging). Fines up to GBP 5,000 apply.

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

About United Kingdom customs

United Kingdom's customs rules are administered by UK Border Force / HMRC / gov.uk. 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 United Kingdom before travel.

United Kingdom customs — frequently asked questions

How much still wine can I bring into United Kingdom?
18 liters is the real traveler example shown on this page for United Kingdom. The CustomsLimit app shows the rest of the country guide, including other categories, declarations, and restrictions.
What is the duty-free alcohol allowance for United Kingdom?
United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom.
Do I need to declare cash when entering United Kingdom?
GBP 10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent) in cash or monetary instruments must be declared when entering or leaving Great Britain. Includes bearer bonds, notes, and cheques. Failure to declare: seizure and penalties up to GBP 5,000. The CustomsLimit app shows the declaration rule in the context of the rest of your trip.

Check all United Kingdom limits free in the app

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