Important customs information for summer travel: How to avoid problems!

Important customs information for summer travel: How to avoid problems!

The summer holidays in Baden-Württemberg start on July 4, 2025, and many travelers are heading off on vacation. But before setting off, holidaymakers should find out about important customs regulations. In its online brochure “Travel time – your way through customs”, the Federal Ministry of Finance explains which souvenirs can be brought from abroad and which tax exemption limits apply.

Specific regulations apply to imports from non-EU countries: Travelers over 17 years old are allowed to bring the following quantities of tobacco products with them:

• 200 Zigaretten oder
• 100 Zigarillos oder
• 50 Zigarren oder
• 250 Gramm Rauchtabak oder
• anteilige Zusammenstellung.

With regard to alcoholic beverages, the allowances are as follows:

• 1 Liter Spirituosen (über 22% Alkohol) oder
• 2 Liter alkoholische Getränke (max. 22% Alkohol) oder
• 4 Liter nicht schäumende Weine oder
• anteilige Zusammenstellung.

Goods value limits and prohibited souvenirs

The value limits for importing goods are different: for air and sea travelers this is 300 euros, for travelers under 15 years it is 430 euros and for other travelers it is 175 euros. There are no specific restrictions on the import of goods within the EU, except for luxury goods such as alcohol and tobacco products. Customs also advise parents to avoid souvenirs made from protected animals or plants, as trade in protected species is strictly regulated.

Marcel Schröder, press spokesman for customs, recommends finding out about customs regulations before you travel in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return from vacation. Information can not only be found on the customs website, but can also be reached via the central customs information desk on +49 228 303-26020 or by email at info.privat@zoll.de. Further useful tips are also available on the Federal Foreign Office's “Travel Safely” app, which provides information on the current situation in the holiday destination.

In conclusion, it can be said that if you are well informed and prepared, your vacation time can be used for relaxation and your return from vacation will not involve any conflict with the law. Full information on travel regulations can be found on the customs website and in the online material mentioned, which is available on the websites news.de and bundesfinanzministerium.de to find.