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16 October 2025
New Travel Rules for the United Kingdom
If you are heading to the Isles, you had better forget about sandwiches and cheese. The new rules for travelers entering the UK came into effect this autumn. In October 2025, the British government launched strict controls—and even purchasing food in the duty-free zone does not exempt you from a fine.
Attention: Customs officers will not make exceptions—the ban also covers products with the original seal and manufacturer’s packaging.
What You Cannot Bring into the UK
The new rules hit Polish residents in the UK the hardest. You can no longer bring Polish sausage, cheese, twaróg (quark), or “on-the-go” sandwiches from home. Many people previously brought food from Poland for family or friends, but now even an innocent sandwich for the journey can be seized during inspection. Customs officers have the right not only to confiscate the item but, in extreme cases, also to impose a fine.
You can no longer bring these products to the Isles:
- Meat products—raw, cooked, smoked, vacuum-packed.
- Dairy—milk, cream, yogurt, twaróg, butter.
- Cheese—including hard cheeses (Gouda, Cheddar, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Camembert).
- Homemade food—sandwiches, tortillas, salads, wraps.
- Cold cuts and lard.
- Ready meals containing meat or dairy.
That’s not all. The ban also applies to composite products—even if they contain just one forbidden ingredient. This means customs officers can also seize a simple salad, a tortilla, or a roll with ham and cheese. It does not matter if the product is factory-packed, bought at the airport, or prepared at home—if it contains meat or dairy, it will not pass inspection.
Do you have relatives or friends who need to know the latest UK food import restrictions for travelers? Share this guide with them.
The Official Statement from the UK Government
Why did they introduce these restrictions? The British government explains that the goal is to stop Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)—a highly contagious disease affecting livestock. The risk of its spread increased following recent outbreaks in Europe, including Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary. According to authorities, the uncontrolled transport of meat and dairy products poses the greatest threat.
Cloven-hoofed animals, such as cows, sheep, pigs, goats, deer, and roe deer, are particularly vulnerable. And people can contract the disease from them. This is precisely why the British government introduced new prohibitions.
Who Do the New Rules Affect?
The new rules apply to all travelers arriving in the UK from European Union countries—including Poland. The restrictions also concern popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Greece, Italy, and France. Even British citizens returning from vacation now face difficulties. Despite criticism, the government remains firm. Minister Daniel Zeichner emphasized in an official statement:
“This government will do everything in its power to protect British farmers from Foot-and-Mouth Disease. That is why we are further strengthening protection by introducing restrictions on meat and dairy imports. We do this to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the food security of the United Kingdom,” states the Ukpol.co.uk website.
Severe Penalties for Breaking the Rules
The penalties for breaking the new rules are very severe—you face fines of up to £5,000 for transporting prohibited products. Everyone planning to travel to the UK must know the rules, as lack of knowledge will not serve as an excuse during inspection.
Importantly, customs officials will immediately confiscate items that travelers cannot bring into the UK right at the airport, and they can additionally issue a warning.
New Rules in the UK: Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring a sandwich for my own consumption? No. It will be confiscated.
- Are hard cheeses allowed? No. The ban applies to all cheeses.
- Are duty-free products safe? No, if they contain meat or dairy.
- Is yogurt for a child on the plane permitted? No.
- What can I bring in without risk? Bread, dairy-free sweets, biscuits, crisps, coffee, tea.
The new UK food import restrictions apply to almost all animal products.
Read more about: Red meat health: Scientists challenge WHO on cancer risk
Read this article in Polish: Wysokie kary za bułkę z serem. Nowe przepisy dla podróżnych
