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Most people love to bring back home a piece of their vacation when they travel abroad, whether that is a local art, some traditional snacks, or handmade crafts from the local market. These souvenirs serve as memories of the trip long after.
However, not everyone remembers that not everything is safe to carry through customs. Some items may seem harmless in the country where you bought them, but they could cause problems when you land in your own.
In today’s blog, let's take a deep dive into what souvenirs will get you stopped at the UK customs in 2025.
Many travellers love buying local snacks, spices, or drinks. However, not all food is allowed, especially from non-EU countries. The UK has very strict rules about what can enter the country.
Animal products such as meat and dairy are almost always banned unless they come from a few specific countries, with certain agreements. Even a small sandwich with meat or cheese can be confiscated.
Fruits and vegetables may also seem harmless, but they can carry pests or diseases that harm UK farms. These are only allowed if they come from specific EU countries, and even so, they still have to be properly packaged and even certified.
Souvenirs made from animals are one of the most popular items sold in markets in tourist destinations. Most of them often look very unique and beautiful, but many are not legal to bring into the UK.
Items like Ivory, turtle shell, or coral jewellery are banned because they come from endangered animals. Stuffed animals or animal skins are also risky unless you have special permits, which most travellers don’t. Even small things like shark teeth, shells, or exotic feathers can cause issues if they come from protected species. If you are not sure, it is best to buy replicas made from safe materials instead.
We all love shopping on vacation, especially for “designer” bags, watches, sunglasses, or shoes, which are often at unbelievably cheap prices. However, these fake goods could be a problem, as UK customs take this very seriously.
If you are carrying several items, it can even be riskier. Customs may think you are planning to resell them, and that could get you into legal trouble. Even if you only bought one item for yourself, it could still be seized at the border.
It is always safer to buy things from authorised shops or local brands rather than risk having your souvenirs taken away.
Many cultural treasures, old coins, and historic artefacts are protected by international laws and taking them out of the country where you found them could be considered illegal, even if you bought them in a shop.
Before you buy a beautiful antique or artefact that you think will make the perfect souvenir, do your research first. Not all items are illegal, but instead of risking it if you are not sure, buying modern crafts made by local artisans may put you on the safer side.
Souvenirs are not just beautiful items. For many travellers, they carry a meaning, a happy reminder of the trip. But with tighter checks in place, it is important to be extra careful about what you carry.
Stick to safe souvenirs like clothes, jewellery made from safe materials, local artwork, or packaged snacks that meet UK standards, and avoid risky items such as meat, dairy, plants, animal products, fakes, or cultural artefacts.
A quick check online with the UK government’s travel advice before you fly home can also save you a lot of stress and disappointment. If you are unsure, don’t risk it.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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