Spain Airport Customs Rules [2026]: Food, Cash & Pet Restrictions

Red Channel vs. Green Channel

Spain’s customs (Aduanas) operate a strict two-channel system at all international airports, including Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), and Palma de Mallorca (PMI).

• Green Channel (Nothing to Declare): Walk through here if you have nothing exceeding the limits listed below.

• Red Channel (Goods to Declare): You must stop here if you have commercial goods, excess cash, or items over the duty-free limit.

Strict Warning: "I didn't know" is not a valid defense. Civil Guard officers (Guardia Civil) frequently perform random X-ray checks on passengers in the Green Channel. If caught with banned items, you face immediate confiscation and fines.

Customs Limits & Allowances

Crucial Distinction:

• EU Arrivals: If you are flying from another EU country (e.g., France, Germany), there are generally no limits on goods for personal use.

• Non-EU Arrivals (Includes UK & USA): Strict quotas apply. If you exceed these, you must pay import duty (approx 2.5%) plus VAT (21%).

Table: Duty-Free Limits (Non-EU Arrivals)

Warning - No Pooling: Allowances are individual. A couple cannot combine their quota to bring in a single expensive item or a 2-liter bottle of Vodka.

The "Big Ban": Meat & Dairy

Since Brexit, this is the #1 reason for fines for British travelers.

The Rule: You cannot bring any meat, meat products, milk, or dairy products into Spain from a non-EU country.

• Banned: Ham, sausages, cheese, yogurt, pastries with meat fillings, milk.

• The Risk: Officers at airports like Alicante (ALC) and Málaga (AGP) strictly enforce this to prevent animal diseases. Your items will be seized and destroyed.

Exceptions:

1. Powdered infant milk or baby food (up to 2kg).

2. Special medical pet food (up to 2kg). Items must be shelf-stable (not require refrigeration before opening).

Restricted Items: Pets, Meds & More

It is not just about alcohol. Be aware of these specific categories to avoid delays:

1. Traveling with Pets

Spain is strict about animal entry. If you are bringing a dog, cat, or ferret from outside the EU:

• Microchip: Mandatory (ISO 11784/11785).

• Vaccination: Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old).

• Documentation: You need an EU Animal Health Certificate signed by an official vet.

• Entry Point: You must enter through a designated "Travelers' Point of Entry" (most major airports are qualified).

2. Medications

• Personal Use: Allowed for the duration of your trip (up to 3 months).

• Prescription: You MUST carry the official prescription and a letter from your doctor (translated into Spanish or English) verifying the need for the medication, especially for psychotropic drugs or strong painkillers.

3. Intellectual Property

• Counterfeit Goods: Wearing or carrying fake designer bags/watches can lead to confiscation.

Official Source: For the most detailed legal text on all restrictions, refer strictly to the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) - Airport Customs Page

Fines & Penalties

If you fail to declare items in the Red Channel:

• Cash Fines: If you are caught with over €10,000 undeclared, authorities can seize the money. The minimum fine is €600, but it can range from 50% to 100% of the total cash value depending on intent.

• Seizure: Prohibited food items are thrown away immediately.

• Tax Penalty: For excess goods (like extra cigarettes), you will pay the owed tax plus a penalty surcharge.

Avoid Customs Delays: Stay

When you are stopped at customs, you may need to download a banking app to pay a fine, translate a medical prescription for an officer, or show digital pet documents. Airport Wi-Fi is often insecure or requires SMS verification you can't receive.

Don't risk it. Secure your connection before you land.

If you are researching options, you might be reading How to Get Internet in Spain (2026) – Airport, Local SIM Cards, eSIM & Wi-Fi, but the fastest solution is already here. We have compared the providers in our guide to the Best eSIM for Spain and Roafly offers the most seamless arrival experience.

Get your Spain eSIM now.

• Instant Connectivity: Connect as soon as the plane lands.

• Privacy: Secure connection for banking and documents.

• Easy Setup: No physical SIM card swapping required.

Summary Checklist

Before you fly to Spain, ensure you have ticked these boxes:

1. Check Origin: Are you arriving from Non-EU (UK/USA)? Strict limits apply.

2. Clear the Fridge: Remove all ham, cheese, and dairy from your bag.

3. Pet Papers: Ensure the Health Certificate is dated within 10 days of travel.

4. Meds & Scripts: Carry doctor's notes for all prescription drugs.

5. Cash Form: Fill out the 'S1' form if carrying >€10k.

6. Connect: Install your Spain eSIM to handle any digital document needs at the border.

Disclaimer: Information is based on current 2026 regulations. Customs laws can change without notice. Always verify with the official Spanish authorities linked above.