There are certain things that you should not take with you when traveling to Europe from the U.S. Most countries have strict customs regulations, and you should always take them into consideration when you travel.
Below we outline what you can safely bring into the EU from the United States, and what you should avoid.
What You Can Bring to Europe from the U.S.
If you are traveling to the EU from the United States, there are certain goods that you can take in your personal luggage. The following are products that can be brought to the Schengen Zone but should not exceed the limits set by each member country.
Tobacco products: Limits can range depending on the port of entry you choose, although EU guidelines state a maximum allowance of:
- 800 cigarettes
- 400 cigarillos
- 200 cigars
- 1 kg of loose tobacco
Alcoholic Beverages:
- a total of 1 liter of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol, or indentured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol and over, or
- a total of 2 liters of alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol, or
- a total of 4 liters of still wine, or
- 16 liters of beer (only for VAT and excise duty)
Other goods (including perfume, coffee, tea, electronic devices etc.):
- Up to a value of €430 for air and sea travelers
- Up to value of €300 for other travelers
It should be noted that the amounts concerning tobacco and alcohol allowed do not apply in the case of travelers under 17 years of age.
What Not to Pack for Your Trip to Europe
Even though traveling to the Schengen Zone is simple, we strongly advise you to follow the rules set at each airport or port of entry. Below, you can find a list of things to avoid that will save you trouble, time, and space in your luggage:
- Beauty products: Only pack the essentials and remember that liquids in your carry-on bag should be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Each liquid container should not exceed the 100 ml. Otherwise, it will be thrown away.
- Sharp objects: Everyday objects like a corkscrew knife, scissors, or a nail file will be taken from you through the security checkpoint. If you really need to travel with these items, it is best you pack them in your hold luggage.
- Explosives and inflammable items: Fireworks and aerosol paint are strictly forbidden. They cannot be carried in the cabin or checked baggage. A lighter, on the other hand, can be packed on the checked bags.
Be practical when you pack for your journey. Make a list of the essential items you need, like a toothbrush, deodorant, etc. Avoid traveling with too many valuables and electronic devices. Choose the essentials and take into consideration the remarks listed above.
Remember to pack your passport and as of 2025, make sure you apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to enter the Schengen Area visa-free from the U.S.
FAQs
Sharp objects: Everyday objects like a corkscrew knife, scissors, or a nail file will be taken from you through the security checkpoint. If you really need to travel with these items, it is best you pack them in your hold luggage. Explosives and inflammable items: Fireworks and aerosol paint are strictly forbidden.
What questions are asked in the ETIAS application form? ›
ETIAS Application Questions
- Full name.
- Address and other contact information, including email.
- Date and place of birth.
- Passport information, including number and issuing and expiration date.
- Country of intended first entry.
Starting in 2024, an $8 ETIAS application will be required for U.S. travelers to enter E.U. countries.
What are ETIAS requirements? ›
Important ETIAS Requirements
- Valid E-Passport: Travelers must possess a machine-readable e-passport.
- Purpose of Visit: ETIAS authorization is granted for short-term visits, including tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes.
- Duration of Stay: The visit should not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not have specific restrictions on the amount of food that can be brought on board a plane from the US to Europe. Liquid food, such as soup or sauce, must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule though - and should be packed in a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less.
What is not allowed in hand luggage Europe? ›
Such articles would include: gases and sprays such as pepper sprays; sharp objects such as knives or razor blades; drills or saws; baseball bats or clubs.
What does the ETIAS check? ›
How ETIAS functions. ETIAS will be a largely automated IT system created to identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen States, whilst at the same time facilitate crossing borders for the vast majority of travellers who do not pose such risks.
Who will be denied ETIAS? ›
All you need is a Schengen visa waiver. Applicants who have been in jail for over 36 months, imprisoned for over 24 months for drug offences, or were charged with human trafficking or black marketing may be refused entry into ETIAS-supported countries.
Do you need fingerprints for ETIAS? ›
When applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation, travellers will need to provide their personal information, including address, passport details, current occupation, and information about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions. No biometric data, such as fingerprints, is collected with ETIAS.
Is ETIAS delayed to 2025? ›
ETIAS was originally scheduled to launch in 2022 but has been postponed multiple times. The most recent change pushes the launch from 2024 to 2025. ETIAS is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the U.S.
Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first. It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
What is the grace period for ETIAS? ›
All other travellers will be refused entry if they do not hold an ETIAS travel authorisation. The grace period will last at least six months. There is only one official ETIAS website: europa.eu/etias .
What can you not bring through customs? ›
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Absinthe (Alcohol) ...
- Alcoholic Beverages. ...
- Automobiles. ...
- Biological Materials. ...
- Ceramic Tableware. ...
- Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property. ...
- Defense Articles or Items with Military or Proliferation Applications. ...
- Dog and Cat Fur.
- Good amount of medicine Excessive amount of medicine is not allowed there. ...
- Sharp objects objects such as knives ,needles, screwdriver are not allowed in the luggage. ...
- Excessive gold as described before , excessive amount of gold is not allowed while travelling abroad as you could be caught in smuggling kind of things.
You can take solid food such as sandwiches and fruit through security and on board. All liquid food must be packed in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml (3,4 oz) each and the containers must fit into one transparent and re-sealable plastic bag that is no larger than 1 liter.
Can I bring food through security Europe? ›
Can you take food in hand luggage? Yes, you are allowed to take food on the plane. But be aware of packaged food that fall under the liquid rules, such as a jar or tube of yoghurt, mayonnaise, peanut butter or chocolate spread.
