Cyprus Customs & Quarantine Prohibited Items

The following items are all strictly prohibited and cannot be brought into Cyprus.

• Fresh Meat

  You cannot bring any unprocessed fresh meat from non-EU countries over animal disease concerns. There are also strict restrictions around processed meat such as dried meats, sausages, salami, etc from certain countries.

• Firearms

  Firearms are generally prohibited unless you have specific permits or licenses to prove the intended use of the firearms. This includes explosives, cartridges for hunting guns, fireworks, and similar goods. You will need police permits for any gun you try to bring and an import licence from the Cyprus Mines Service for cartridges for hunting guns.

• Hazardous Materials

  All toxic substances, chemicals, and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited due to severe health, safety, and environmental risks. This also includes corrosive chemicals, certain pesticides, toxic gases, and industrial solvents.

• Unapproved Medication

  Any medicines or devices that are not approved by health authorities in Cyprus or are unlicensed are strictly prohibited. This also applies to certain prescriptions that include controlled substances or if you fail to provide a prescription note.

• Endangered and Dangerous Animals

  Under EU legislation, all non-native animals such as boas, pythons, and iguanas and endangered animals like monkeys, tigers, and lions are strictly prohibited from entering Cyprus. There are concerns that these animals could become invasive, threaten local wildlife, and affect local biodiversity and public safety.

• Counterfeit Items

  Fake designer goods, counterfeit items and pirated media are all strictly prohibited from entering Cyprus. However, if you unknowingly bring a counterfeit bag or accessory intended for personal use, customs will assess and assign the appropriate consequence. Penalties will be less harsh if you declare this upfront. If you have a genuine designer item, it’s best to bring receipts/documentation and declare it.

Finally, these are the items that are allowed without having to declare them.

• Personal Items

  You can bring clothing, shoes, books, electronics, and other items that are clearly for personal use without having to declare them.

• Alcohol

  You are allowed to bring a certain amount of alcohol with you before you have to declare it and pay duties. You can bring 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine or 16 litres of beer.

• Tobacco Products

  You can bring up to up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco duty-free. Any amount you bring in addition needs to be declared and the correct customs duties paid.

• Money

  You are allowed to carry up to €10,000 or the equivalent in another currency without having to declare this.

• Gifts

  Any personal gifts under the value of $300 do not need to be declared in Cyprus customs. It must be clear they are for personal use and not intended for resale.

• Personal Equipment

  Personal equipment such as musical instruments, sports equipment or photography equipment does not need to be declared provided it is for personal use.

• Personal Food

  You can bring small quantities of food that is for personal use such as sweets, chocolate, dry goods, and typical travelling snacks. As long as the food is clearly for personal use and doesn’t contain any restricted ingredients, it does not need to be declared.

• Prescription Medication

  You can bring a reasonable amount of prescribed medication and over-the-counter tablets without having to declare it. This applies if the medication doesn’t include any controlled substances in Cyprus and it doesn’t need a permit.