Tobacco and alcohol customs allowances in Switzerland (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Switzerland gives one duty-free allowance per person per day for goods for private use, with no separate figures by country of origin: 250 cigarettes or other listed tobacco units, 1 litre of drinks over 18% ABV and 5 litres of drinks under 18% ABV. Allowances apply from age 17.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes from an EU state: allowance or guide level (pieces)Personal allowance for travellers | 250 pieces [1] |
| Spirits from an EU state: allowance or guide level (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 1 litres [1] |
| Wine from an EU state: allowance or guide level (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 5 litres [1] |
| Beer from an EU state: allowance or guide level (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 5 litres [1] |
| Cigarettes from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (pieces)Personal allowance for travellers | 250 pieces [1] |
| Spirits over 22% vol. from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 1 litres [1] |
| Still wine from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 5 litres [1] |
| Beer from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 5 litres [1] |
Notes
- Switzerland applies one allowance per person per day to goods imported for private use or as gifts, whatever the country of origin; the page makes no EU/non-EU distinction. Allowances are granted only to people aged 17 or over. Alcohol under 18% ABV (wine, beer and similar) shares one 5-litre allowance; spirits over 18% ABV have a separate 1-litre allowance. The 250-unit tobacco allowance covers cigarettes, cigars, heated tobacco products and nicotine cartridges for e-cigarettes together. Above the allowances, customs duty is charged.
Sources
- Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS/BAZG): Duty-free allowances: foodstuffs, alcohol and tobacco (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.