Armenian brandy is the most common thing people bring home from Yerevan. The good news is that Armenia itself does not set a limit on how much you take out for personal use. The limits come from two other places: the customs rules of the country you are flying to and your airline.
Leaving Armenia
According to the State Revenue Committee guide for travellers, goods for personal use are exported from Armenia without customs duties, regardless of their value or quantity. The quantity should still look like personal use, not a shipment for sale.
Arriving home: duty-free allowances
The allowance is set by the country of arrival. The most common ones:
- European Union: 1 litre of spirits over 22% per adult traveller arriving from outside the EU, without duty.
- United States: 1 litre of alcohol duty-free for travellers aged 21 and over. More is allowed, but customs duty and state rules apply.
- China: 1,500 ml of alcoholic drinks over 12% per traveller.
Rules change and may differ for residents and visitors, so check the official customs website of your country before you travel.
On the plane
Hand luggage. Bottles bought in the city cannot go through security in hand luggage: the limit is 100 ml per container. A bottle bought at Zvartnots duty free after security can be taken on board in its sealed bag.
Checked baggage. Under IATA rules, drinks between 24% and 70% alcohol can travel in checked baggage up to 5 litres per passenger, in their retail packaging. Your airline may set its own rules, so check them when you book.
How to pack a bottle
- Keep the bottle in its box. TUFF XO and Heritage come in rigid gift packaging.
- Wrap the box in clothes and place it in the centre of the suitcase, away from the edges.
- Put the bottle in a sealed plastic bag in case of a leak.
- Keep the receipt in case customs asks for it.
Questions and answers
Is there a limit on taking brandy out of Armenia?
Armenia does not limit goods for personal use. The limit that matters is the duty-free allowance of the country you are flying to.
Can I take brandy in hand luggage?
Only if you buy it in duty free after security and keep it in the sealed bag. Bottles from city shops go in checked baggage.
Where can I buy TUFF before my flight?
In Yerevan and at Zvartnots duty free. The full list is on where to buy TUFF.
The sale of alcohol to persons under 18 is prohibited. Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.
