Goods Transport Restrictions within the EU Territory

Travel Within the EU (Excise Goods Purchased in Another EU Country)

If goods are purchased and taxes are paid in another EU country for personal use, the following are the EU’s mandatory minimum guidelines (each country may have higher thresholds but not lower):

• 800 cigarettes

• 400 cigarillos (each up to 3 g)

• 200 cigars

• 1 kg of smoking tobacco

• 10 liters of spirits (>22% ABV)

• 20 liters of fortified wine (e.g., port, sherry)

• 90 liters of wine (of which up to 60 liters can be sparkling)

• 110 liters of beer

 

Bringing Goods into the EU from Non-EU Countries or EU Territories Outside the Customs Area

If traveling from outside the EU (e.g., USA, Norway, or special EU territories such as the Canary Islands), you may bring in goods tax-free within the following limits:

Alcohol (categories):

• Spirits (>22% ABV): 1 liter

• Alcohol ≤22% ABV (e.g., sparkling or fortified wine): 2 liters

• Still wine: 4 liters

• Beer: 16 liters

Tobacco (for individuals aged 17+):

• 200 cigarettes or

• 100 cigarillos or

• 50 cigars or

• 250 g of smoking tobacco
  (combinations allowed)

Other Goods (gifts, souvenirs, etc.):

• Up to €300 when traveling by land

• Up to €430 when traveling by air or sea

• Children under 15 – limited to €150

Fuel:
You may carry fuel duty-free in your car’s standard tank plus up to 10 liters in a portable container.

 

Special EU Territories With Customs Restrictions

Some EU territories are not part of the EU customs area, so non-EU rules apply. In such cases, the stricter limits are enforced (see section 2), such as:

• Åland Islands (Finland)

• Canary Islands (Spain)

• Livigno, Campione d’Italia, Lake Lugano (Italy)

• Helgoland and Büsingen (Germany), Channel Islands, French overseas departments

 

Goods Value Limits

When entering Latvia from a non-EU country, goods carried in personal luggage are exempt from customs duty and VAT if their total value per person does not exceed:

• €300 – when traveling by land

• €430 – when traveling by air or sea

• Children under 15 – up to €285 regardless of transport mode

Personal luggage – includes goods bought in third countries intended solely for the personal use of the traveler or their family, or as gifts, provided the type and quantity do not indicate commercial use.

Excluded from the total value:

• Goods temporarily exported and brought back

• Medications required for personal use

• Tobacco, alcohol, and fuel carried within personal luggage, within quantity limits specified in Article 21, Part 4 of the “Excise Tax Law”

🔗 More info from the Latvian Tax Authority (VID)

 

Important!

Please note that EU sanctions on imports/exports to/from Russia and Belarus also apply to individuals and their baggage. See the Latvian Tax Authority (VID) website for details.

Additional Notes and Examples

• EU countries may set higher limits than the EU minimum guidelines.

• If you exceed the guidelines, customs officials may require proof the goods are for personal use; otherwise, they may apply duties or confiscate the goods.

• If you’re under 17, alcohol and tobacco cannot be imported duty-free, even within limited amounts.

⚠️ Notes

• These are minimum guideline quantities valid across the EU; some countries have higher limits – always check the specific country’s customs regulations.

• Fuel, tobacco, and alcohol are usually not included in the total value limit.

• Values are in euros (€) – currency conversion (if needed) should be done using the current rates.

• Restrictions vary depending on mode of travel (land vs. air/sea) and traveler’s age.