Customs Regulations in Spain

Certain items must be checked in at customs in Spain.

The sunny beaches of Barcelona and the flamingo dancing in Madrid are just two of the many reasons thousands of visitors flock to Spain every year. Regardless of whether you are traveling from another European Union country or a different part of the world, there are a number of restrictions on items that can or cannot be brought into Spain. These items must be checked in at customs, and if an item is not allowed or over the size limit, customs can confiscate it.

Food and Commercial

Commercial products may not be brought into Spain through customs. Any gifts for family members or friends are allowed but in reasonable quantities. Personal items such as clothes and similar goods are also allowed into Spain. Some food can be brought in, but it cannot be animal products. This means no meat or dairy products. Any other food can be brought in as long as it weighs around 2 lbs. (one kilogram).

Tobacco

Tobacco can be brought into Spain as long as the person bringing it is 18 years old. No more than 200 cigarettes can be claimed as customs as well as 100 small cigars and 50 large cigars.

Alcohol

Alcohol is also allowed if the person is 18 years old. No more than 2 liters of alcohol is permitted. This includes beer, wine and hard alcohol. Any alcohol claimed by minors will be confiscated. Also, the it cannot exceed 22 percent alcohol by volume.

Money

Anyone entering the country with more than $10,000 in cash must claim the money at customs as well. This protects money laundering from occurring, which is a federal offense in the United States as well as Spain.

Pets

For people who travel with their pets, Spain allows animals to enter the country. Dogs and cats must have an international certificate from a government-approved veterinarian (for example, a Department of Agriculture-approved vet in the United States). The certificate must be completed one to 10 days prior to arrival and states that the pet is up to date on shots. All animals must also have rabies shots. Animals that are endangered species are not allowed to enter Spain under federal law.

References

• Directory of International Movers: Spains Customs Regulations
• Department of State: Spain