Customs and Tax refund

Customs agents check whether all necessary taxes have been paid and if goods comply with regulations. There are limitations on the exporting/importing amounts of certain goods. Rules vary according to the destination (EU/ Non-EU).

When travelling from one EU country to another, you can take tobacco and alcohol products with you for personal use but not for resale.  

Under EU law, you do not have to prove that the goods are for your personal use, if you are carrying smaller quantities than the ones included in the EU website. 

For further information on alcohol and tobacco, please see Alcohol, tobacco and excise duties - Your Europe.

There are no general restrictions on carrying any animal origin products if you are travelling within the EU, since all EU countries have to respect strict common veterinary standards. 

There are strict procedures and veterinary controls on the import of products of animal origin into the European Union (e.g. meat, meat products, milk and milk products) by travelers. 

For further information on restrictions on products of animal origin please see Taking animal products, food or plants with you in the EU - Your Europe.

There are strict procedures and phytosanitary controls on the import of plants (flowers, seeds) plant products (fruits, vegetables) and other plant derived products (such as wood packaging material) into the European Union by travelers. For further information on restrictions concerning plants, plant products and plant derived products, please see phytosanitary instructions here.

You may carry animals or plants when you are travelling within EU countries. But most EU countries do have strict rules on transporting endangered species or products derived from them. You may need a permit to travel with certain species.

Any person entering or leaving the EU (i.e. any traveler or crew member that enters or leaves the EU) and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more is required to declare that sum to the competent authorities of the Member State through which he/she is entering or leaving the EU. 

Arrivals - Upon your arrival at Athens Airport and before you exit the Baggage Reclaim Area, you must proceed to Customs Office for Currency Declaration. 

Departures - If your flight is to a non-EU destination, and after you have passed through Passport Control, you must proceed to Customs Office for Currency Declaration. 

For further information on Currency declaration please see How to declare.

Personal Property declaration: Declare to the airport customs authorities, at the time of departure to non-EU countries, personal property items of higher value, such as video cameras, cameras etc., so that upon return customs fees will not be required. 

Tips: 

Never carry anything on behalf of someone else.  

In case you need to contact Greek Customs authority at Athens airport, you may send an e-mail at: tel.el-venizelos@aade.gr.

Passengers eligible for tax (VAT) refund need to proceed with the respective purchased items to the Customs office which is located opposite Check-in Counter No. 61 (public access area), prior to Check-in & baggage drop-off, in order for the Tax Refund form to be stamped by Customs. This is accepted only after the opening of the check-in counters of your flight.

 Tax refund is applicable at the following units: Global Blue and Planet at the ONExchange currency exchange units located at the Departures Level in the Non-Schengen & Schengen Area of the main terminal building (right after the Security control points) and at the Departures Level of the Satellite terminal building. 

Attention! Passengers with final destination outside the European Union, departing from Athens via an EU Country, can obtain the Customs stamp on their Tax Refund form only at the last Country prior to exiting the European Union. For further information you may contact Customs Tax Refund Office at (+30) 210 3532216 (Departures – 24hour operation) or send e-mail at tel.el-venizelos@aade.gr.