Duty Free Allowances in the Canary Islands
December 3rd, 2007 | 
Author: Despite being part of the EU, the duty free allowance in Lanzarote is somewhat different.
The Canary Islands are much cheaper to buy tobacco, alcohol and perfume than anywhere else in the EU. However the duty free allowance is a lot lower.
The bargains are much more often found in the supermarkets, or specialist shops in the resorts, rather than the airport or on the plane itself.
So when travelling back to the UK – these are the limits that apply.
Tobacco - 200 Cigarettes OR 250grms Tobacco OR 50 Cigars.
Alcohol – 1 Litre of Spirits OR 2 Litres of Sparkling or fortified wine, plus 2 litres of still wine.
60cc of Perfume OR 250cc of Eau de Toilet.
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Dear Sir/Madam,
I understand the duty free allowances from Lanzarote to the U.K. but can anyone tell me what the allowance is coming back into mainland Spain from Lanzarote?
Thanks
Steve Sparrow
Hi Steve, and thank you for taking the time to ask a question.
The Canary Islands, are regarded as being outside of the EU for Duty Free allowances. So the limits for carrying duty free from Lanzarote to Spain is the same as if you were travelling to the UK unfortunately. So for example, you can still only carry 200 ciggies into Madrid from Lanzarote.
However, if you are then going on to the UK from Spain – you can take as many ciggies as can be deemed “personal use” if they were purchased in mainland Spain. Despite Lanzarote being Spanish – they are outside of the EU for tax purposes… so the “friendly” men with rubber gloves would know the difference if they picked you up at UK Customs. People have been caught buying too many duty free goods in Lanzarote – not getting stopped on the internal flight – but getting caught at UK Customs. Security for things such as this is less on domestic flights – but try it at your own risk.
Hope that makes sense – travel safely!
Elle xx
If I buy 200 cigarettes at UK airport when going to Lanzarote. keep receipt, and do not smoke them all, can I bring them back to UK with me, in addition to 200 purchased in Lanzarote?
I’m afraid not, David. Officially you can only take back 200 in total. This includes the ones that you bought at the UK airport.
Of course what you choose to do and risk is up to you – but they may get conviscated.
Elle x
Ok, so ive gatherd that you can only bring back 200 cigs from Lanzarote but whats the limit on alchol?
Hi Josh. The limit on alcohol is in the article above hon.
“1 Litre of Spirits OR 2 Litres of Sparkling or fortified wine, plus 2 litres of still wine.”
Elle x