British expats and holidaymakers travelling from Spain to the UK are being warned they could face fines of up to £5,000 if they attempt to bring back popular Spanish foods including jamon iberico, chorizo and Manchego cheese.
The warning comes from Staysure Expat following the continuation of strict UK biosecurity rules introduced after outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) across parts of Europe.
Under the measures, which were first introduced in April 2025 and extended throughout 2026, travellers are banned from bringing personal imports of meat and dairy products from EU countries into Great Britain, including England, Scotland and Wales.
That means many of Spain’s most iconic culinary products are now prohibited from being carried in luggage – even if they were purchased legally in supermarkets, local markets or airport duty free shops.
The restrictions apply to all pork, beef, lamb and goat products, including cured meats such as jamon serrano, jamon iberico and chorizo.
Dairy items including Manchego cheese, milk, butter and yoghurt are also banned.
According to Staysure Expat, anyone caught carrying undeclared prohibited products could see the items immediately confiscated and destroyed by Border Force officers.
In more serious cases, travellers could face fines of up to £5,000 or even prosecution.
The company advises anyone unsure about items in their luggage to voluntarily declare them at customs via the red channel or red point phone on arrival into the UK.
‘If you declare a banned item voluntarily, Border Force will simply dispose of it and you will not be fined,’ the insurer explained.
However, not all Spanish food products are affected by the restrictions.
Travellers are still allowed to bring back popular items including olive oil, saffron, pimentón, honey and traditional Spanish turrón sweets.
Staysure Expat also reminded passengers that standard airport liquid restrictions continue to apply in most Spanish airports, meaning larger bottles of olive oil or honey should be packed into checked luggage.
The company said many British expats living in Spain remain confused about the post-Brexit customs rules, particularly because restrictions do not apply when travelling between EU countries.
Someone travelling from Spain to France, Italy or Germany, for example, can still freely transport meat and dairy products for personal consumption under EU single market rules.
The UK measures are officially classified as temporary emergency biosecurity controls, although ministers have already confirmed they will remain in place throughout 2026 while concerns over animal disease outbreaks persist across Europe.
Staysure Expat urged travellers to check the latest UK government guidance before flying and ensure they are fully aware of current customs restrictions to avoid delays, confiscations or financial penalties at the border.
