Personal Effects Customs Clearance Greece
Due to restrictions imposed by customs due to COVID-19, our courier partner is unable to assist with clearing shipments into Greece at this time and clearance will need to be done in person by the receiver or by hiring a third party broker.. This is outside of the control of Send My Bag and as such time sensitive shipments such as baggage for a holiday should not be sent on this route.
Clearance in person is normally only available at the main port of arrival in Athens and not other areas. A fee of 45-60€ + VAT must also be paid to our courier partner to process the paperwork to the receiver or their chosen broker to complete clearance. Duties and taxes may also be applied on top of this fee by customs and will need to be settled with customs directly if self cleared, or the consignee's broker in addition to the broker's own handling fees if cleared by a broker. Send My Bag are unable to assist with hiring a broker to clear shipments and this will need to be researched by the consignee.
On this route, you are also required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes, or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival at the destination, you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request, and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Greece
Due to restrictions imposed by customs due to COVID-19, our courier partner is unable to assist with clearing shipments into Greece at this time and clearance will need to be done in person by the receiver or by hiring a third party broker.. This is outside of the control of Send My Bag and as such time sensitive shipments such as baggage for a holiday should not be sent on this route.
Clearance in person is normally only available at the main port of arrival in Athens and not other areas. A fee of 45-60€ + VAT must also be paid to our courier partner to process the paperwork to the receiver or their chosen broker to complete clearance. Duties and taxes may also be applied on top of this fee by customs and will need to be settled with customs directly if self cleared, or the consignee's broker in addition to the broker's own handling fees if cleared by a broker. Send My Bag are unable to assist with hiring a broker to clear shipments and this will need to be researched by the consignee.
On this route, you are also required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes, or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival at the destination, you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request, and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Greece
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Greece
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations and toys of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Greece
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations and toys of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Greece
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Greece?
The baggage you take on holiday has become a big issue over the past few years, especially when using budget airlines, which will charge extortionate fees for baggage that exceeds their limits. Send My Bag can help by collecting your baggage at home and delivering it to your destination for a low price.
Families, groups and sports teams can all take advantage of our safe and secure delivery service, meaning that they can travel with the minimum of hassle.
Our service is also great for students who are relocating for their studies and want to take their stuff with them, or for those who just don’t want the hassle of carting their heavy luggage around the airport or onto public transport.
Send Luggage to Greece
Sending your luggage and boxes to Greece with Send My Bag is an excellent option if you are going on holiday to Greece and you need to bring lots of clothing or sporting equipment with you. It’s also a great solution for students relocating to Greece who need to bring enough of their possessions with them to set up home in Greece for a term, or longer. Sending your luggage to Greece with Send My Bag means you can bring many more of your favourite things with you than you could on the plane. To find out more about sending luggage to Greece, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Greece
If you are relocating to Greece to live there permanently, you will have to consider international removals to Greece to bring all of your possessions with you. Make sure you choose a reputable removal company and pack everything up well before you hand your items over to the movers.
Student Shipping to Greece
Greece is an attractive location to spend time studying, whether as part of a year abroad or for a full degree programme. Greece has a number of good universities to choose from, such as the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Crete and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. If you are a student moving to Greece, you will need to bring a lot of things with you, such as your course textbooks and many other everyday items, like fiction books, clothes and DVDs, so shipping your possessions is a handy option. Read more about student shipping on our student removals page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Greece
Sending a parcel to Greece with Send My Bag is very useful if you realise you have left some items at home. You can just ask a friend or family member to put the forgotten items in a box and send them on to you in Greece. Or, friends can send you care packages and gifts. Just make sure they are aware of restrictions on sending brand new items. When sending a parcel to Greece, choose a sturdy box and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Find out more about sending a parcel and learn what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Greece
If you are going on holiday to Greece, or if you are moving to Greece to study or to live, you will need to transport your possessions. To make a decision about the most appropriate way to do this, you should be aware of the various options available for shipping items to Greece. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Greece.
Send Golf Clubs to Greece
Although Greece doesn’t have a large number of golf courses, the ones it does have are well worth a visit. Try the new courses at Costa Navarino or the Olive Grove course at Porto Carras. If you want to try out some of these courses, you can do so using your own clubs by sending them to Greece with Send My Bag. This way, you can also avoid oversized baggage fees from your airline. Read more about how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how best to package your golf clubs.
Send your Bike to Greece
Greece is a great location for a cycling holiday. You can enjoy your break all the more by using your own bike, rather than renting one. You can send your bicycle to Greece with Send My Bag. This is much easier than checking your bike into the hold of your plane. You will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to carry the bike to and from the airport. Your bike will need to be taken apart and properly packaged before being sent to Greece. Check out our information on bike shipping to learn more.
About Greece
Greece is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 17 million visitors each year. Greece controls an array of islands in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, including Crete, Corfu and Rhodes, all famed for their sunny weather and historical attractions.
With a history dating back nearly 4000 years, Greece is home to some of the most awe-inspiring ancient ruins in the world, including Olympia, site of the Olympic Games in ancient times, the Acropolis in Athens and the monasteries of Mount Athos.
Due to its location, Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild to cool winters. The majority of locals avoid physical activities outside between 1pm and 5pm when the sun is at its strongest and it is recommended that visitors do the same. Spend the morning sightseeing before retiring to the beaches to relax in the afternoon.
The main draw to Greece is the range of first-class historical landmarks spread throughout the region, reminding you of a time when Greek scholars made their mark on science and architecture. The main language spoken in Greece is Greek, but as its part of the EU, you will also hear a wealth of other languages, including English. Greece uses the Euro as its currency.
Many of the smaller islands of Greece offer great photo opportunities for tourists, with their famed whitewashed coastal towns and sandy beaches. The bigger islands are great for those who want to experience a truly Greek lifestyle with water sports on most beaches and vibrant nightlife. And a must-visit for one of the best sunsets in the world is the Island of Santorini (Thira).
Mainland Greece is the place to go for adventure seekers, with outdoor activities possible throughout the region, including rock climbing, archery, kayaking and hiking.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Germany.
Air Freight to Greece
To send large bulky items you could try air freight. This type of service normally takes one to two days, making it a speedy option. But, it can be quite expensive, depending on the size of your item(s). You will likely have to pay for the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you, and you will need to consider how to get your items to and from the airport. The price could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Greece your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Athens, Heraklion or Thessaloniki.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Greece
Instead of air freight, you could choose sea freight, or container shipping, to move large items like a cooker or an armchair to Greece. Since sea freight can take a number of weeks, it is a good option if you don’t need to receive your items immediately. This option can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports. When using container shipping to Greece, your items will arrive at one of the major ports, such as Piraeus or Thessaloniki.
Shipping Goods to Greece
If you wish to ship goods to Greece, you need to be aware of any customs duties and taxes you need to pay, due to your items being brand new and not used personal effects. Also make sure you know what items are restricted and which are entirely forbidden from being shipped to Greece. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.