Arriving at Frankfurt Airport from outside the EU, you pass through customs — and there are limits on what you can bring duty-free. Stay within them and you walk straight through the green channel; go over and you should declare. Here is the practical rundown.
The Two Channels
After baggage claim you choose a channel: green ("nothing to declare") if you are within your allowances, or red if you exceed them or carry restricted goods. Choosing green while over the limit is a fineable offence, so when in doubt, declare.
Alcohol & Tobacco (travellers 17+)
Typical duty-free allowances for arrivals from outside the EU:
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco.
- Spirits: 1 litre over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of fortified/sparkling wine under 22%.
- Wine & beer: 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer, on top of the above.
Other Goods — the Value Limit
For other items (electronics, gifts, perfume, souvenirs), there is a value allowance of around €430 for air travellers (lower for under-15s). Above that, the goods are subject to import duties and VAT — declare them in the red channel.
Cash
Carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent) into the EU? You must declare it — failing to is a serious offence.
It is not a tax, just a declaration, but the threshold is strictly enforced.
What's Restricted or Banned
- Meat and dairy from most non-EU countries are not allowed.
- Counterfeit goods, weapons, protected species/products (ivory, certain leathers) are prohibited or restricted.
- Medicines for personal use are fine in reasonable quantities; carry a prescription for controlled drugs.
A Smooth Exit from the Airport
Allowances change, so check the German customs (Zoll) website before a trip with a lot of goods. Once you're through customs and into arrivals, your pre-booked driver is waiting — see how arrivals work in our first-time arrivals guide and book your ride on the routes page.
