Essential customs rules and
restrictions for entering Greece
Traveler’s Guide by Parlaxy | Updated: July 18, 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, staying up to date with the latest customs regulations can help you avoid unnecessary delays, fines, or even confiscation of your belongings at the border.
Whether you’re flying into Athens International Airport, arriving by ferry from Italy, or crossing land borders from neighboring Balkan countries, knowing what you can and cannot bring into Greece is essential.
Greek customs laws cover a wide range of items – from cash limits and electronics to alcohol, tobacco, food, and jewelry. These rules are frequently updated, especially in the context of EU and Schengen regulations, so a quick review before your trip can save you serious trouble.
This guide answers the key questions for anyone entering or exiting Greece:
- How much cash can you legally bring into or out of Greece?
- Which items must be declared at Greek customs?
- What goods are restricted or completely prohibited?
- What are the duty-free limits for travelers to Greece?
- How are customs duties and taxes calculated in Greece?
Whether you’re a tourist, a returning Greek citizen, or a business traveler, this essential guide will help you navigate Greece’s border control smoothly and legally.
Here’s what you need to know about Greek customs regulations
Staying informed about Greek customs regulations could save you time, money, and unnecessary stress when entering or leaving Greece.
| Documents Required for Entry | To enter Greece, you must carry a valid passport or an accepted international travel document. Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can enter Greece freely without a visa, using only a valid national ID or passport. Many non-EU travelers – including those from Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, and several Caribbean and Pacific nations – can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, under Schengen Area rules. However, travelers from certain countries listed in Annex I of the Schengen Agreement are required to obtain a Schengen visa before arrival. If you’re from one of these countries, you’ll typically need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) at the nearest Greek consulate or embassy. To avoid travel disruptions, always check the official Greek immigration website or contact a Greek embassy or consular office to confirm the latest visa requirements based on your nationality. |
| Currency Export and Import Restrictions | Since 2022, the export of euros from EU countries to Russia and Belarus has been prohibited. |
| Currency Export and Import Limits by Amount | $10,000 Amounts exceeding this must be declared. |
| Restricted Items for Import | Adults entering Greece are allowed to bring in new goods in their original packaging without declaring them at customs, as long as the total value does not exceed €430 for air or sea travelers, and €300 for those arriving by landor inland waterways. When it comes to personal electronics – such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets – the typical allowance is one item per person, provided it is clearly intended for personal use and stays within the value limits. To avoid delays or issues with Greek customs authorities, it’s highly recommended to keep purchase receipts readily available, in case you’re asked to provide proof of value. |
| Prohibited Items for Import | When entering Greece, certain items are strictly prohibited by Greek customs laws and may be confiscated or lead to legal consequences if found in your possession. The following items cannot be brought into Greece: –Illegal drugs and narcotics of any kind -Weapons, firearms, and ammunition, unless properly licensed and declared –Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials –Counterfeit goods (e.g., fake designer products, pirated software or media) –Pornographic material involving minors or content that violates Greek obscenity laws –Antiques and cultural artifacts without valid export/import documentation –Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, drones, and similar communication devices without prior authorization from Greek authorities To avoid fines or confiscation, always consult the official Greek Customs website or contact a Greek embassy or consulate for the latest list of restricted and prohibited items. |
| Alcohol Import Regulations | If you’re traveling to Greece in 2025, you are permitted to bring in limited quantities of alcoholic beverages for personal use, as long as you are aged 17 or older and are arriving from a non-EU country or duty-free zone. You may bring either of the following: -1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content over 22% ABV, such as whiskey, vodka, or rum OR –2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other beverages with 22% ABV or less (e.g., vermouth, prosecco) In addition, you are allowed to bring: –4 liters of still wine (non-sparkling) –16 liters of beer These limits apply only to items intended for personal consumption and must not be for resale. Greek customs officials may confiscate excess quantities or charge duties on over-limit imports. Always check with the official Greek Customs Authority for any updates or changes to duty-free allowances before your trip. |
| Alcohol Export Regulations | If you’re leaving Greece and exporting alcohol for personal use, the quantity you’re allowed to take depends on the destination country’s import regulations, not just Greek law. Greek authorities generally allow travelers to export alcohol for personal consumption, but the limits and duties are determined by the customs rules of the country you are entering. Typical Alcohol Export Limits (Personal Use, Non-EU Destinations): Most non-EU countries allow incoming travelers to bring: –1 to 2 liters of spirits (over 22% ABV), such as ouzo, whiskey, or vodka –2 to 4 liters of wine, including Greek varieties like Assyrtiko or Agiorgitiko –Up to 16 liters of beer (in fewer cases, depending on the country) These amounts are considered duty-free and must clearly be for personal use only, not for commercial sale or gifting in bulk. |
| Tobacco Product Import Regulations | Adult travelers aged 18 and over are permitted to bring tobacco products into Greece without a customs declaration, as long as the items are for personal use and within the allowed duty-free limits. The current tobacco allowance for non-commercial, personal import into Greece includes: –200 cigarettes –100 cigarillos (small cigars weighing no more than 3 grams each) –50 cigars –250 grams of smoking tobacco (e.g., rolling or pipe tobacco) –Up to 200 cigarette papers, if bringing rolling tobacco You may also carry a proportional combination of these products, as long as the total quantity does not exceed the set limits. All tobacco items must be carried in your personal luggage (either hand luggage or checked baggage) and must not show signs of commercial intent or repackaging. |
| Tobacco Product Export Regulations | Exporting Tobacco Within the EU While Greece does not impose strict limits on tobacco exports for personal use within the EU, the following commonly accepted guidelines apply: -Up to 2 to 3 cartons of cigarettes (approximately 400 to 600 cigarettes) -A reasonable amount of cigars or loose tobacco, generally not exceeding 250 grams These quantities are intended for personal consumption and should not suggest commercial resale. Greek customs typically allow these amounts without requiring declaration. Exporting Tobacco Outside the EU When traveling from Greece to a non-EU country, you must comply with the import regulations of your destination country. Import limits vary widely, so it’s essential to: -Check the customs rules of the destination country before you travel -Ensure you do not exceed their allowed tobacco quantities to avoid fines, confiscation, or additional duties |
| Restrictions on Importing Medications and Dietary Supplements | -Prescription medications must be accompanied by a valid doctor’s prescription or a medical certificate, preferably translated into Greek or English. -Carry medications in their original packaging with clear labeling. -Importing controlled substances or large quantities may require prior approval from Greek health authorities. -Over-the-counter supplements for personal use are generally allowed but should be declared if exceeding typical personal quantities. -Avoid importing unapproved or banned substances to prevent confiscation or legal issues. |
| Restrictions on Importing Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Non-EU travelers entering Greece may bring personal jewelry without declaring it at customs if the following conditions are met: –Value allowance: Total value of new goods, including jewelry, does not exceed €430 for air or sea travelers, or €300 for those arriving by land – all duty- and tax-free. –Gold jewelry weight limit: There is no specific legal weight limit for gold jewelry, but the amount must be reasonable for personal use and not intended for resale. Jewelry exceeding these limits must be declared upon arrival in Greece and may be subject to import duties and VATaccording to Greek customs regulations. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Jewelry and Luxury Goods | If you are traveling from Greece and want to export personal jewelry, the following guidelines apply: -You may export jewelry for personal use without declaration as long as the total value does not exceed €430 if traveling by air or sea, or €300 if traveling by land. -There is no specific weight limit for gold jewelry, but the amount should be reasonable for personal use and not intended for commercial purposes. -Jewelry exceeding these thresholds should be declared at customs and may be subject to export duties or require additional documentation. -To ensure a smooth customs process when leaving Greece, always carry proof of purchase or documentation confirming ownership. |
| Restrictions on Importing Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Starting in 2025, Greece follows strict EU regulations to protect cultural heritage by controlling the import of artistic and historical items. –Category B goods: Items over 250 years old, such as archaeological objects and parts of monuments, require an import license. –Category C goods: Items over 200 years old valued above €18,000, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and coins, require an importer statement. All necessary documents must be submitted through the EU’s centralized Import of Cultural Goods (ICG) system. Exemptions include temporary imports for research, education, exhibitions, returned EU goods, items at imminent risk of destruction, and goods temporarily imported for art fairs. Importers must prove that the items were legally exported from their country of origin. Non-compliance may lead to seizure and legal penalties. Travelers and importers should consult the Greek Customs Authority for the latest detailed requirements and procedures. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Items of Artistic and Historical Value | In 2025, exporting artistic and historical items from Greece is strictly regulated to protect cultural heritage. -Export licenses are required for cultural goods over 250 years old, including archaeological objects and monuments. -Items over 200 years old with a value exceeding €18,000, such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and coins, also require formal documentation before export. -Exporters must prove legal ownership and that the items were not unlawfully acquired. -Certain exemptions apply for temporary exports related to exhibitions, research, or restoration. Failure to comply with export rules can result in confiscation, fines, or legal action. |
| Restrictions on Importing Pets | To enter Greece with pets, you must have a valid EU Pet Passport showing up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, and microchip details. A Veterinary Health Certificate issued shortly before travel is also required. In some cases, a rabies antibody titer test may be needed, especially for recently vaccinated pets. Greece enforces specific rules on certain dog breeds, so check if your pet is affected. Airlines have their own pet transport policies – confirm requirements and notify them in advance to ensure smooth travel. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Pets | Same documentation is required |
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