Germany Customs Regulations
Import & export rules, duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and traveler health advisory
Import Regulations
Although there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco one can bring in from EU countries, customs officials are more likely to ask you questions if you have more than:
These quantities can be seized if customs are satisfied that they are of a commercial nature.
Over 17 years olds can bring (in personal luggage) the following quantities:
The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
Over 17 years old that belong to the following categories:
may bring (in your personal luggage) alcohol in the following quantities:
The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
Note that the consideration of what constitutes frontier countries lies entirely with EU and the list outlined above may change.
When travelling by air or sea , over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
Each amount specified in above points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
When travelling by land , over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
Each amount specified in all the points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
Non-commercial item are of an occasional nature and consist exclusively of goods for the personal or family use of the traveller, or of goods intended as presents. The nature and quantity of the goods must not be such as to indicate that they are being imported for commercial reasons.
- Although there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco one can bring in from EU countries, customs officials are more likely to ask you questions if you have more than:
- 800 cigarettes;
- 400 cigarillos (max. 3g each);
- 200 cigars;
- 1kg smoking tobacco;
- 10 litres of spirits over 22%;
- 20 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%;
- 90 litres of wine (though no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine);
- 110 litres of beer.
- These quantities can be seized if customs are satisfied that they are of a commercial nature.
- Over 17 years olds can bring (in personal luggage) the following quantities:
- 1 litre of alcohol that does not exceed 22% volume of alcohol, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol 80% volume and over
- 2 litres of alcohol that does not exceeds 22% volume of alcohol
- 4 litres of still wine
- 16 litres of beer.
- The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
- persons residing in the frontier zone (region beyond the expanding borders of the European Union including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro)
- frontier-zone workers,
- the crews of means of transport used between third countries and the Community,
- may bring (in your personal luggage) alcohol in the following quantities:
- 0,5 litre of alcohol exceeding 22% volume, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol of 80% volume and over
- a total of 0,5 litre of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% volume
- 0,5 litre of still wine
- 2 litres of beer.
- The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
- Note that the consideration of what constitutes frontier countries lies entirely with EU and the list outlined above may change.
- , over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
- 200 cigarettes or
- 100 cigarillos or
- 50 cigars or
- 250 g of smoking tobacco.
- Each amount specified in above points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
- , over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
- 40 cigarettes or
- 20 cigarillos or
- 10 cigars or
- 50 grams of smoking tobacco.
- Each amount specified in all the points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
- Medication – for personal use only
- Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 430 euro when travelling by air or sea
- Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 300 euro when travelling by land
- Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 150 euro for travellers under 15 years of age.
- Non-commercial item are of an occasional nature and consist exclusively of goods for the personal or family use of the traveller, or of goods intended as presents. The nature and quantity of the goods must not be such as to indicate that they are being imported for commercial reasons.
- Meat and milk and any items thereof from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.
- pets need to be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system), vaccinated against rabies and have a health certificate. For more information please refer to the nearest embassy.
- maximum of 10 kg of meat, milk and dairy products coming from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland
- powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pets food) may be allowed if they need not to be refrigerated prior opening and that it is brand packaged food and the packaging has original seal (unless in use at the time) and its quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries.
- fish only if it is disembowelled and does not exceed the weight of 20 kg,
- currency - no restrictions if coming from EU country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
- coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization
Export Regulations
- No restriction for the quantity and value of exported items when leaving to non-E.U. country.
- See Import (when travelling to another EU country)
- Currency - no restrictions if leaving for another EU country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
Health & Security
Basic health information for travelers to Germany
Basic security information for travelers to Germany
🩺 Basic Health Information for Travelers to Germany
- Tick-borne encephalitis is reported present in the forested southern areas of the country and travellers are advised to obtain all necessary vaccinations prior to beginning their journey.
- HIV/Aids may pose a danger and all travellers should take great care when dealing with bloody needles or when engaging in sexual activity during their visit. HIV testing is required for foreigners staying more than 180 days in Bavaria
- Rabies is a remote danger and travellers should take care if encountering any wild animals whose bites may contain the disease. If bitten, travellers should immediately clean the wound and seek immediate medical attention to check for signs of infection.
- The overall standard of medical assistance is generally very good with plenty of hospitals and emergency services throughout the country. Travellers should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before beginning their journey. The card will entitle the holder to emergency medical care but travellers are also advised to keep a copy of their passport with them at all times in the event of a serious accident or injury. Most doctors, hospitals and pharmacies do not accept credit cards.
🛡 Basic Security Information for Travelers to Germany
- Although relatively safe, travellers should still take care to keep their valuables in a secure location and to avoid obvious displays of wealth which could attract unwanted attention. Acts of theft and occasional violence against tourists in busy and popular tourist locations are still a serious concern and travellers should take care when if travelling alone in large public spaces or in big cities after dark.
- Travellers should also avoid any large protests or gatherings which could turn violent and keep updated regarding the countries current social and political situation prior to beginning their journey.
- Road standards and conditions are generally excellent but drivers will need to be aged 18 or over regardless of any licences obtained in other countries. All motor vehicle races and rallies are illegal and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in heavy punishments and possible imprisonment.
Contact Information
For further assistance please contact the German Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.