Travelling to the UK with this sandwich could land you a €6,000 fine

Since 12 April 2025, a law requires travellers coming from the European Union not to cross the Channel with certain foods in their bags. 

Are you coming from an EU member country and planning to visit the UK? Then pay close attention to this new rule. 

No matter which means of transport you choose, you are now banned from travelling with cheeses, raw meats, sandwiches, cured meats (so forget about the famous “jambon-beurre” sandwich), and dairy products, whether bought in duty-free zones, vacuum-packed or wrapped, according to Demotivateur. 

Why such restrictions?

Since the emergence of animal diseases—especially foot-and-mouth disease, which affects sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs in the UK and Europe—these rules have been temporarily put in place by the British government to protect the agricultural sector.

Poultry, duck, fish, eggs, honey, as well as powdered milk for infants and products for medical use, are permitted, however. 

The British government points out that anyone from the European Union entering the country with these banned items will be required to hand them over to customs officers to be seized and destroyed. In the most serious cases, travellers who do not comply with the law risk a fine of £5,000 (about €5,900).

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Demotivateur - Illustration: ©Unsplash)