Customs Regulations in Spain: What You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to Spain, it’s important to be aware of the current customs regulations in Spain. This includes what items you can bring, what you must declare at the border, and how you can recover VAT in Spain on your purchases. Understanding these rules ensures a smooth travel experience and helps you avoid unexpected issues at customs.

What Can You Bring into Spain and With What Limitations?

When entering Spain from outside the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, there are several product restrictions you must follow. These include:

• Cultural goods
• Wild animals and plants, and their derived products
• Vegetables and plant-based items
• Weapons and ammunition
• Medicines
• Tobacco and alcohol

Be mindful of Spain customs restrictions that apply when crossing the border.

Tobacco and Alcohol Limits in Spain Customs

If you’re carrying tobacco or alcoholic beverages, and the quantities exceed the following limits, you are required to declare them at customs and pay the corresponding taxes:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 50 cigars
• 250 grams of smoking tobacco
• 1 liter of spirits over 22%
• 2 liters of alcohol under 22%
• 4 liters of wine
• 16 liters of beer

Medicine in Your Luggage?

You can only bring the medication you personally need, and it must be accompanied by a prescription or medical report.

What are the customs rules for Spain? You must always declare restricted goods and follow limits strictly to avoid penalties.

Customs and VAT Refund in Spain: What Is VAT and How to Get It Back?

Recover VAT in Spain: TAX-FREE Shopping for Tourists

VAT in Spain (Value Added Tax) is an indirect tax on consumer goods and services. If you are a non-EU resident, you are eligible to claim a VAT refund in Spain on eligible purchases made during your trip.

Here’s how the VAT refund process in Spain works:

1. Request an electronic tax-free form (DER) at the time of purchase.
2. The store will ask for your personal information such as name and passport number.
3. Before departing Spain (and before checking in your luggage), validate the DER forms at self-service kiosks or Tax Free validation offices at the airport or port.
4. Show your boarding pass, passport, and the purchased goods.
5. Once validated, you can collect your refund either at the store or through a tax-free provider.

Where Can You Get a VAT Refund in Spain?

You can process your refund with one of the authorized Spain VAT refund agencies, such as:

• Global Blue España SA
• Planet Payment Spain SAU
• Epay Taxfree
• Open Refund SL
• Wiblink SL
• WOONIVERS SPAIN SL
• S21 TAX FREE SL
• And many others…

Two Ways to Claim Your VAT Refund in Spain

At the airport or port upon leaving the EU, within 3 months from the purchase date.

Early Refund Service (offered by Global Blue & Planet): Claim a VAT refund before customs validation, directly in the city, using a credit card as a guarantee. You must leave the EU within 15 days.