When entering Ukraine you choose the "green" or "red" channel yourself. By choosing green, you confirm that you are not carrying anything that requires a written declaration or duty, or anything prohibited or restricted for import.
Green channel: what you can bring without a declaration
- personal belongings (clothes, shoes, toiletries, used jewellery, up to two phones and two laptops, sports gear, etc. — listed in Article 370 of the Customs Code);
- other goods worth up to €1,000 through airports, up to €500 and 50 kg through other checkpoints;
- cash and bank metals up to the equivalent of €10,000;
- alcohol (18+): 1 l of spirits, 2 l of wine, 5 l of beer;
- tobacco (18+): 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco;
- food for personal use up to €200;
- medicines — up to 5 packs of each item or as prescribed in your name (except narcotic and psychotropic ones).
Green-channel allowances apply once per 24 hours.
Red channel: when a written declaration is required
- cash and bank metals from the equivalent of €10,000;
- goods above the allowances — 10% duty plus VAT (up to €10,000) or full rates;
- medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances;
- pets and goods that require permits.
If you were abroad for less than 24 hours or bring goods more often than once in 72 hours through land checkpoints, the value above €50 is taxed.
Customs rules change — check with the State Customs Service before travelling: customs.gov.ua. Main rules: Articles 370–376 of the Customs Code of Ukraine.