What can I not bring into London?

Prohibited items to bring into London (and the UK) include controlled drugs, offensive weapons (flick knives, TASERs), self-defense sprays, endangered species, rough diamonds, and obscene materials. Strict bans apply to bringing meat and dairy from most non-EU countries. As of April 2025, bringing meat/dairy from the EU is also restricted.

What is not allowed to bring into London?

Banned and restricted goods

controlled drugs. offensive weapons, for example flick knives. self-defence sprays, for example pepper spray and CS gas. endangered animal and plant species.

What items cannot go through customs?

USA Customs & Quarantine Prohibited Items

• Drugs. ...
• Weapons and Dangerous Items. ...
• Animal Products and Endangered Wildlife. ...
• Agricultural Products. ...
• Cultural Artefacts. ...
• Chemicals and Hazardous Materials. ...
• Counterfeit and Pirated Goods. ...
• Gambling Devices.

Can we carry food to London?

You are allowed up to 2kg combined weight per person of other animal products (i.e. other than meat, dairy and fish products) such as honey, eggs and egg products, snail meat and live bivalves. Please check the rules before travelling www.gov.

What items need to be declared at customs in the UK?

Goods you must declare in advance – you or your appointed customs agent must submit a full declaration before you travel to the UK and:

• their value is over £873.
• they weigh more than 1,000kg.
• they are excise goods.
• they need a licence.
• they are restricted goods.

8 HUGE packing mistakes to avoid when visiting London

What do UK customs check for?

What is Customs Clearance?

• Declaring the goods to UK Border Force and HMRC.
• Ensuring all import duties, VAT, and customs charges are paid.
• Checking if the goods comply with UK laws and restrictions.

What food items are prohibited to bring into the UK after Brexit?

From 12 April 2025, you are no longer allowed to bring cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This applies to raw and cured meats, cheese and milk – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing rule?

The 54321 packing rule is a travel strategy for creating a versatile capsule wardrobe, suggesting you pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layering pieces/shoes, 2 bags/dresses, and 1 of each accessory (like sunglasses, hat, or swimsuit) to simplify packing, reduce overpacking, and easily mix-and-match outfits for a trip, often fitting into a carry-on. It's a flexible formula, easily adjustable for different trip lengths, destinations, and weather by swapping categories, like adding more swimsuits for a beach trip or more outerwear for cold weather.
 

What is the 3-5-7 rule in packing?

The 3-5-7 packing rule is a guideline for creating a versatile capsule wardrobe for travel, suggesting you pack 3 bottoms, 5 tops, and 7 layering/accent pieces (like jackets, scarves, bags, etc.) to maximize outfit combinations with minimal items, perfect for carry-on travel by focusing on mix-and-match essentials. It helps avoid overpacking by focusing on coordinating items, allowing for numerous looks from fewer clothes, though variations like the 5-4-3-2-1 method (5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layers, 2 shoes, 1 accessory) are also popular.
 

What items do I have to declare at customs?

When entering the United States, what items must I declare?

• Food and Agriculture.
• Alcohol.
• Tobacco.
• Currency.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Additional Resources.

What not to say at customs?

“I don't have proof of medical examinations or vaccination proof.” “I don't know how to comply with visa conditions during my stay.” “Do I look like a terrorist to you?”

What food can't go through customs?

You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States. Also, you may not import food products that have been prepared with meat.

Can I pack a suitcase full of food?

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

Which food items are prohibited?

Prohibited foods

• Amphibians.
• Bats.
• Birds.
• Camels.
• Cattle.
• Chewing gum.
• Chickens.
• Crustaceans and other seafood.

Can I put my phone charger in my hand luggage?

Standard charging cables and wall plug adapters can be packed in either, but portable chargers (power banks with batteries) are restricted to carry-on bags only​. Here's a breakdown of official guidelines from global aviation authorities (IATA, TSA, EASA) on where to pack your phone charging gear when flying.

Why is toothpaste not allowed on airplanes?

For carry-on bags, toothpaste is considered a liquid and must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All your small liquid containers must fit into a single, quart-sized, clear, resealable bag for airport security screening.

What is the 7 rule for outfits?

It is a very simple set of parameters to help you build better outfits. The goal is to get to seven or eight points in your outfit. Each item in your outfit is worth one point. Statement pieces are worth two points.

What to pack when going to London?

London Packing Checklist

• Clothing. Shirts / t-shirts. ...
• Clothes (Cold Weather additional items) Warm winter Coat. ...
• Clothing (Warm Weather additional items) Short sleeve t-shirts / tank tops. ...
• Reusable water bottle.
• Toiletries. Toothpaste / toothbrush. ...
• Photography Gear. Camera. ...
• Electronics. Smartphone. ...
• Luggage. Checked bag.

Do I need to declare snacks at UK customs?

It is important that you declare any food products that you are bringing in from outside the EU. If you are unsure about any of the food products you are bringing in, speak to a Customs Officer in the red channel or on the red point phone.

Can I take Cadbury's chocolate into the EU?

*Confectionery, chocolate or cakes (including Christmas cake, Simnel cake or cakes containing nuts) are permitted from any country as long as they are for your personal consumption and do not contain fresh cream or high levels of dairy products.

What foods are banned from the UK?

Which foods are banned in the UK?

• Some food colourings (including yellow no. 5 and 6, and red no. 40).
• Potassium bromate.
• Sudan dyes.
• Certain drugs used on animals, such as bovine growth hormone.
• Brominated vegetable oils.
• Chlorine-treated poultry.
• Rhodamine-B.
• Azodicarbonamide.