Customs rules for travellers: Ukraine and the EU in 2025
Ukraine’s customs rules for individual travellers
Cash and currency
Entering Ukraine:
Up to €10,000 (or equivalent) — no declaration required [1][2]
Above €10,000 — written customs declaration required[2]
Leaving Ukraine:
Up to €10,000 — no declaration
Above €10,000 — written declaration required [2]
Personal belongings and gifts
Personal-use goods: limits are set by Ukraine’s Customs Code and clarified by the State Customs Service. Typically allowed: clothing/footwear for own use, basic electronics (e.g. 1 laptop, 1 phone), gifts within value thresholds. Always check current limits before travel [1][2].
Alcohol and tobacco
Statutory limits apply for alcohol and tobacco on entry/exit. Verify current quantities on official resources [1][2].
Foodstuffs
Industrial food products for personal consumption are allowed within value limits. Restrictions apply to fresh meat/dairy from third countries and plants without phytosanitary documents — see the State Customs Service guidance [1].
Parcels and online purchases (postal/express)
De minimis for international postal/express consignments — up to €150 (subject to statutory conditions) [2]
Above this threshold, taxes/duties apply under the Customs Code [2]
EU customs rules for travellers from Ukraine
Cash controls
When entering the EU, amounts of €10,000 or more must be declared (cash, traveller’s cheques, negotiable instruments) [3].
Personal belongings
The EU allows duty-free admission of personal belongings for own use; value thresholds for gifts/goods are set at EU level and may be detailed by Member States. Check the European Commission portal for current rules [3][4].
Alcohol and tobacco (entry from third countries)
Standard EU allowances apply for spirits/wine/beer and tobacco products. Consult official limits before travelling [3][4].
Online shopping and parcels to the EU
Since 2021 the EU abolished the VAT exemption for low-value imports: VAT is due from the first euro at the rate of the destination country. See IOSS and e-commerce rules on the Commission’s site [4].
Practical tips
When leaving Ukraine
Declare cash above €10,000
Keep receipts for valuables (jewellery, electronics)
Carry prescriptions/packaging for medicines
Respect alcohol/tobacco limits
When returning to Ukraine
Parcels up to €150 — duty-free (subject to statutory conditions)
Declare gifts exceeding the limits
Keep documents/receipts for possible checks
When entering the EU
Declare cash of €10,000 or more
Food — industrial products only; no fresh meat/dairy