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    Why are the alcohol limits smaller on ferries via Åland?

    How Åland's special tax status affects Stockholm and Turku ferries.

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    Short answer

    This topic is for adults aged 18 and over. Åland belongs to the EU customs territory but not to the EU tax territory. Ferries between Finland and Sweden that call at Åland can therefore sell tax-free goods, and when you arrive in Finland the same limits apply as from outside the EU: 16 litres of beer, 4 litres of still wine and 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of milder drinks.

    Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)

    Why

    1. Finnish Customs explains that Åland is part of the EU customs territory but not part of the EU fiscal territory.
    2. In its cruise advice, Customs says these ferries allow the same tax-free alcohol quantities as from outside the EU.
    3. Customs lists 16 l of beer, 4 l of still wine and 1 l of spirits or 2 l of other drinks as those quantities.

    Details

    You can bring more than the allowance if the extra alcohol was bought taxed, but then you pay Finnish tax on the part that goes over. Tobacco from Åland has quantity limits too.

    Tip

    Check whether your ferry calls at Mariehamn or Långnäs before you shop. The route decides which limit applies, not the ship.

    What may differ

    On the direct Helsinki to Tallinn route, which does not call at Åland, there is no tax-free sale, and the EU limits apply.

    Common misconception

    Sweden is in the EU, so on the Stockholm ferry the large EU limits always apply.

    What actually happens

    Most Stockholm ferries call at Åland, and then tax-free purchases fall under the smaller non-EU allowance.

    People also ask

    • Why is there tax-free on the Stockholm ferry?
    • How much alcohol can I bring from a Viking Line cruise?
    • Is Åland part of the EU?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Customs rules can change, so check Finnish Customs (Tulli) before you travel.

    Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)
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