Travel warning for Brits returning from Europe with more items banned from the UK
RULES for Brits returning home from Europe with souvenirs have changed and it isn't good news if you want to bring some food home.
As of April 12, 2025, travellers have been stopped from bringing certain meat and dairy products into the country.
The UK Government has taken measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe.
As a result, from April 12 travellers can no longer bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into the UK for personal use.
This is to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.
Other items include sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meat, or milk into Britain.
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And it doesn't matter whether it is packed or packaged, or whether it has been bought at duty-free.
These rules apply across all international travel, including flights, rail, and ferry operators.
Rules state that a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods, and certain composite products like bread and pasta continue to be allowed.
You can also bring in cakes without fresh cream as well as chocolate and confectionery, but not those made with a lot of unprocessed dairy ingredients
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Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: "This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot & mouth.
"That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security."
Always read the rules on bringing goods back into the country as each country has their own restrictions which are subject to change.
In March 2025, one US traveller was shocked when he was stopped for bringing in a banana into Europe.
Travelling back from Southeast Asia, Dylan O'Byrne packed a banana in his bag during his airport layover in Germany.
But after landing - and saying he had nothing to declare - he was stopped by sniffer dogs.
Customs officers then said he had violated the rules of bringing in agricultural produce, and said he would "face a penalty".
Mr O'Byrne said that while he is yet to get the fine, he found out that he could face paying up to $500 (£394).
Read More on The Sun
Plus, the new passport changes that have come into play, and it’s bad news if you need a new one.
And the major airline introducing new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks.
