Alcohol allowances: what you can bring home tax-free

Check current rules. This summary was checked against the official pages linked below in November 2026. It is not legal advice. Governments can change allowances at any time, and special rules may apply to your circumstances.

Arriving in Great Britain

When arriving in England, Scotland or Wales from outside the UK, including from the EU, GOV.UK's guide to bringing goods into the UK for personal use sets your personal alcohol allowance. At the time of writing, it is:

• beer and cider: 42 litres;
• wine, still or sparkling: 18 litres;
• and either 4 litres of spirits and other alcoholic products over 22% ABV, or 9 litres of alcoholic products up to 22% ABV such as port and sherry (not counting beer, cider or wine). You can split this last allowance, for example 2 litres of spirits plus 4.5 litres of fortified wine.

If you go over an allowance, you must declare your goods, and tax and duty are charged on everything in that category, not just the excess. You cannot combine your allowance with a travelling companion's. Different rules apply when arriving in Northern Ireland. Check GOV.UK.

Arriving in the EU from outside the EU

The EU sets minimum personal allowances for travellers arriving from non-EU countries (for example, from the UK). At the time of writing, the EU's Your Europe guidance lists 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer, plus either 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine (this last allowance can be split). Age limits apply. Individual countries may apply different rules. Check the official page and your arrival country's customs service.

Travelling within the EU

Between EU countries, there is generally no fixed limit on alcohol for your own personal use, provided duty was paid in the country where you bought it. Customs can ask questions if the quantities look commercial, and they use guide levels. See the same Your Europe page.

Arriving in the United States

US Customs and Border Protection generally allows one litre of alcohol duty-free for personal use for travellers aged 21 or over, as part of the personal exemption, which can normally be used only once every 30 days. You can usually bring more, but you must declare it and duty and tax may be charged. State laws may also limit quantities. See CBP's guidance on exemptions.

Everywhere else

Check your own national customs authority's official website before you travel. Allowances, age limits and declaration rules vary widely.