Heraklion Airport Customs Guide
Customs at Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is simple for most travellers: if you have nothing to declare you walk straight out. What you are allowed to bring depends on whether you arrive from inside or outside the EU. Here is what you need to know about allowances, the channels, and declaring cash.
How does customs work at Heraklion?
On arrival you may see a green channel (nothing to declare) and a red channel (goods to declare); at some times there is little or no staffed check, but officers can stop anyone. Choose the correct channel honestly — the green channel is for travellers within their duty-free allowance.
Arriving from another EU country
For travel within the EU there are no duty-free limits as such, because you are inside the single market; you can carry goods for personal use. Very large quantities of alcohol or tobacco can still prompt questions about whether they are genuinely for personal use, so keep it reasonable.
Arriving from outside the EU
Coming into the EU from a non-EU country, duty-free allowances apply. As a general guide these cover a set amount of alcohol and tobacco per adult and a value limit on other goods; amounts over the allowance must be declared and may be taxed. Check the current figures before you travel, as they are set by EU rules.
Declaring cash
If you enter or leave the EU carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent), you must declare it to customs. There is no limit on how much you may carry — only a requirement to declare at or above that threshold. Travel within the EU does not require a cash declaration.
Restricted and prohibited items
- Meat and dairy from outside the EU are generally not allowed
- Limits apply to bringing plants, seeds and some foods
- Counterfeit goods, weapons and protected wildlife products are prohibited
- Medicines for personal use are fine; carry a prescription for larger amounts
Tax-free shopping on departure
If you live outside the EU and bought goods during your stay, you may be able to claim the VAT back when you leave. Keep receipts and any tax-free forms, and allow time before your flight for the refund desk or validation. See the duty-free guide for airport shopping.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to go through customs at Heraklion?
If you have nothing to declare you use the green channel and usually walk straight out; officers may still check.
How much alcohol or tobacco can I bring?
No fixed limit within the EU for personal use; duty-free allowances apply when arriving from outside the EU — check the current amounts.
Do I have to declare cash?
Yes, if carrying €10,000 or more in or out of the EU.
Can I bring food into Crete?
Food for personal use from the EU is fine; meat and dairy from outside the EU are generally not allowed.