Every year, at the beginning of the summer season, information about food confiscation at the Evzoni border crossing appears in the media. This brings into focus the debate on how many cigarettes are allowed to be carried across the border, with figures reaching up to 2.3 boxes per person, which is not accurate.
Although controls are often milder towards travelers from Serbia, there are clear rules that must be respected to avoid inconvenience, seizures, or fines.
Below, read the regulations for 2025:
What you can and cannot bring into Greece from non-EU countries. Rules on food, alcohol, and tobacco import, allowed quantities, and penalties. Inform yourself before the trip and avoid inconvenience at the border.

Food you MUST NOT bring across the border with Greece

According to the current regulations of the European Union, which apply in Greece, it is strictly prohibited to bring in:

  • All types of meat and meat products
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Cooked and fried dishes containing meat or dairy products
    These regulations can also be checked on the official website of the European Commission:
    Importing food into the EU from non-EU countries
    Customs officials may seize and destroy prohibited products, and in some cases, fines or criminal proceedings may be imposed.

Food you CAN bring across the border with Greece

Some types of food are allowed, but only if they meet the following conditions:

  • The product is non-perishable and does not require refrigeration.
  • The product is in factory-sealed, undamaged packaging.
  • It is used for health reasons or for infants.
  • Pet food if necessary for the pet’s health.

Allowed quantities of food per traveler

Infant milk formula, medical food - up to 2 kg
Pet food (for health reasons) up to 2 kg
Other packaged food without meat and dairy (e.g., honey, pasta, rice) - up to 10 kg

Detailed rules can be found on the European Commission’s website:
Rules on food import into the EU from third countries

Allowed quantities of alcohol for personal use

Travelers from non-EU countries, such as Serbia, can bring the following amounts of alcoholic beverages into Greece:

  • 4 liters of light wine
  • 16 liters of beer
    In addition, it is allowed to bring one of the following combinations:
    -1 liter of strong alcoholic beverage with over 22% alcohol (e.g., vodka, gin)
    -Or 1 liter of alcohol with at least 80% alcohol
    -Or 2 liters of fortified wine (sherry, port) or sparkling wine
    These quantities can be combined, but must not exceed the allowed limits within each category.

More about the rules for alcohol can be found here:
EU rules on permissible amounts of alcohol

How many cigarettes can be brought across the border into Greece?

Greece enforces stricter limits on tobacco products for land entry, allowing:
- 40 cigarettes or
- 20 cigarillos or
- 10 cigars or
- 50 grams of tobacco
These products can be combined, but the total quantity must not exceed the allowed limits.

There is often speculation in the public about the figure of 800 cigarettes. While this is indeed the correct figure for travelers from EU countries, for travelers entering Greece from non-EU countries, which includes our region (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia), the allowed number is 40 cigarettes - 2 packs per adult traveler. Minors are prohibited from carrying tobacco and alcohol.

More about the rules for tobacco can be found here:
EU Customs policy for tobacco products

Other important information for travelers

Restrictions apply per traveler, not per vehicle.

Unreported goods can be valued at up to 300 EUR per person (150 EUR for those under 15 years of age).
Not declaring expensive devices (laptop, camera) is generally tolerated, but may cause issues when leaving the country.

Cash over 10,000 EUR must be declared when crossing the border.

Seasonal tourist experiences with border controls

Based on years of experience, the most intensive checks are carried out at the beginning of the season, before the crowds build up. According to the frequency of messages sent by our followers, this is indeed the case, but this impression should not mislead you, as there are checks even during the peak season, i.e., when it’s busiest. Therefore, our advice is always to adhere to the rules and you will not experience inconvenience or stress when crossing the border.

Is it worth bringing food from Serbia to Greece?

Although travelers often bring food to save money, the prices of products in Greek supermarkets, especially in Lidl stores, are not significantly higher than in Serbia.

  • Water and local juices are often cheaper in Greece. A bottle of water has a legally limited price and ranges from 60 cents for a small one or 1.5 EUR for a 6l pack.
  • Fruits and vegetables cost approximately the same as in Serbia.
  • Quality and affordable meat, dairy products, and fresh produce can be found in markets and local shops.
    Instead of fresh meat and cooked dishes, you can bring more pasta, rice, and similar products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring homemade prosciutto or cheese?
No, bringing meat and dairy products from non-EU countries into Greece is prohibited.
Are all cars checked?
Controls are selective, and we cannot say that every car is checked, but it’s unpredictable which ones will be checked.
Can I bring baby food?
Yes, up to 2 kg, if it’s in factory-sealed and undamaged packaging.
Can I bring larger quantities of food?
Up to 10 kg of food without meat and dairy is allowed, but larger quantities may lead to more detailed checks.
What if I have more cigarettes than allowed?
Confiscation and fines are possible.

Although Greek border guards often turn a blind eye and have not caused problems for minor rule violations so far, like half a pack of cigarettes over the limit, a sandwich eaten on the way, we advise you to still adhere to the rules and regulations and not exceed the allowed quantities. The prices are almost the same as in Serbia, and some groceries are even cheaper, so there really is no reason to risk your nerves, time, and money at the border on the way to the sea.

Read more about the experiences of crossing the border in our article here: Food Seizure at the Greek Border.

How to prepare for the trip, everything you need to know, read here: Recommendations before leaving for the trip

Before departure, inform yourself thoroughly and pack responsibly.

Updated: June 2025 | Sources:
EU regulations on food import into the EU
EU rules on permissible amounts of alcohol and tobacco

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