Holidaymakers hand luggage ban starts 'this week' for 5 items (2025)

The Government has taken measures to prevent the spread of a disease following a rising number of cases across Europe. Here are the items banned from entering the UK

See Also

Harbourside rooftop terrace faces rejection because it will 'spoil the view'

UK returnees are now required to check their luggage or hand baggage for five key items which are now prohibited. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued new regulations in an attempt to prevent a devastating disease from reaching the UK.

The ban implies that anyone attempting to enter the UK with certain food items will be denied entry until they are disposed of. The Government has implemented measures to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), following a surge in cases across Europe.

As of this week, travellers will no longer be permitted to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This is to safeguard the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK's food security.

This includes bringing items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk into Great Britain—regardless of whether they are packed or packaged or whether they have been purchased duty-free. The ban applies to cattle, pig, sheep, and goat meat and cattle dairy, pig, sheep, and goat dairy.

DEFRA officials state that FMD poses no risk to humans and there are no cases in the UK, but it is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas. The outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock, reports the Liverpool Echo.

FMD can cause significant economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy. In response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, the Government banned personal imports of cattle, sheep, other ruminants, pig meat, and dairy products from those countries earlier this year.

The new restrictions apply only to travellers arriving in Great Britain, with exemptions for personal imports from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated: "This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and 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.UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: "Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission. ""Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security.

This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion. I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."

Information for travellers entering GB

Starting from Saturday 12 April, travellers from EU countries will be prohibited from bringing certain food items into Great Britain, including sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk. This applies irrespective of whether the items are unpacked or packaged, or purchased at duty-free shops.

The public can access detailed information outlining a few exceptions to these rules. For instance, small quantities of infant milk, medical foods, and specific composite products such as chocolate, sweets, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta will still be permitted.

Those caught carrying prohibited items will be required to either give them up at the border or face having them confiscated and disposed of. In severe cases, individuals could be fined up to £5,000 in England for non-compliance.