Destination guide  

Prohibited/restricted items: The UK is one of the few regions of the world completely free of rabies and, until recently, all cats and dogs imported into the country must spend six months in quarantine. To bring animals and birds into the UK, an import licence must be obtained at least six months in advance. Some animals may now qualify for the PET Travel Scheme (PETS) and can be brought into the UK without being put into quarantine. At present, this is limited to certain travel carriers and animals. Severe penalties are imposed on persons attempting to smuggle domestic animals into the country. An illegally imported animal is liable to be destroyed.
Other prohibited items include firearms, drugs and pornography.
For further information about importing animals contact the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Area 201, 1a Page Street, London SWIP 4PQ (website: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm), the PETS helpline (tel: 0870 241 1710; fax: 020 7904 6834; e-mail: pets.helpline@defra.maff.gsi.gov.uk) or the nearest British mission abroad.

Abolition of duty free goods within the EU: On June 30 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another, travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.