Travelling and plants

Are you planning to travel? There are a few important factors to consider to ensure plant health and to protect ecosystems.

When travelling you should remember to:

Not bring plants or plant products when travelling to the EU

When returning from a trip outside the EU, it is important not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables. These items may unknowingly harbour plant pests or diseases that can endanger plants in the EU. Help us protect our agricultural and natural environments by leaving these items behind.

When we talk about plants or plant products, we are referring to living plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, and any other parts of plants that can potentially carry pests or diseases. These items may seem harmless, but they can pose significant risks to plant health in the EU.

Check the requirements

Going on holiday? Make sure to check the requirements for travelling with plants or plant products in your destination – the apple in your bag may carry unwelcome guests. You could also read up about any plant health risks in the regions you visit and take precautions to avoid spreading pests or diseases.

If we all practice responsible travel and keep an eye on plant health guidelines, we can contribute to safeguarding our food security and protecting the environment.