Easter Travel Alert 2025: What Food You Can’t Bring Back to the UK

Name: Easter Travel Alert 2025: What Food You Can’t Bring Back to the UK | IaM (
Uploaded: 2025-04-17T16:00:00+00:00
Description: British travellers heading abroad should be aware of new restrictions that may affect their return to the UK.

Charlie Travel 17 April 2025 | Updated On April 21, 2025 | 0

British travellers heading abroad should be aware of new restrictions that may affect their return to the UK.

The UK government has updated its rules on bringing food and animal products back from continental Europe. This change, effective April 12, 2025, is due to the uptick in cases of foot-and-mouth disease on the continent and will impact travellers returning with certain food items.

Travellers returning from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) should know that some meat and dairy products are now banned from being brought into the UK. Specifically, beef, pork, lamb, mutton, venison, goat meat, and all dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt are no longer allowed.

This change is a big shift for UK travellers, who were used to more relaxed rules within the EU before Brexit. Many holidaymakers may not be aware of these restrictions, which could lead to confusion or delays when entering the UK.

What UK Tourists Can Still Bring Back

Not all food items are affected by these new rules.

Travellers can still bring back certain foods, such as:

Bread (but not sandwiches with meat or dairy)
Cakes (without fresh cream)
Biscuits, chocolate, and candy (with some restrictions on unprocessed dairy)
Pasta and noodles (without meat or meat products)
Packaged plant-based products like salads and frozen plant materials
Packaged soup, stocks, flavorings, and food supplements containing small amounts of animal products (like fish oil capsules)

While the range of permitted products is more limited than before, these options still allow travelers to bring home a variety of non-perishable items.

Travellers who bring back restricted items risk hefty fines for up to £5,000.

Potential Impact on UK-EU Tourism

These restrictions could make travel more complicated, especially for tourists who planned to bring food back as part of their holiday experience. This may lead some travellers to reconsider where they go or what they buy during their trips.

On the flip side, the new rules may encourage tourists to focus on souvenirs that are easier to bring back into the UK without breaking the rules. The tourism industry might also adapt, offering new products and services that align with the updated regulations.

For those planning to travel during the Easter holiday, understanding what food products can and cannot be brought back into the UK will help avoid confusion. Travellers should be aware that these rules may evolve, and staying flexible and informed is essential for navigating the new travel landscape.

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