Can You Take Cured Meats to the United States?
People living outside Spain often find it difficult to go without jamon iberico, cured meats or other Spanish products for a long period of time. For this reason, many travellers try to bring them back in their luggage when returning home. If you are wondering whether you can bring Spanish cured meats such as iberico ham into the United States, the answer is clearly a resounding NO — and at Enrique Tomás we explain why.
Why can’t you bring jamon iberico into the USA?
If you ask whether you can take jamon iberico or other cured meats into the USA, US regulations regarding meat and animal-origin products are very strict, with strong border controls. It is strictly forbidden to bring meat in hand luggage or checked baggage.
The US Embassy in Spain and Andorra clearly states that meat products are not allowed, even for personal use. This includes products such as jamon iberico, chorizo, salchichón, lomo, and even canned traditional dishes containing meat. We understand this is not ideal for lovers of iberico ham, but these rules are strictly enforced at US borders.
A safer option is to stay informed through our website. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, as in the future you may be able to buy jamon iberico directly in the USA if our stores open there.
What food can you take to the United States?
As mentioned, you cannot travel with jamon iberico, chorizo, salchichón or lomo. However, some Spanish products are allowed into the USA, such as cheese, traditional sweets (turrón, polvorones), and olive oil, provided they are carried in checked luggage and comply with customs regulations.
Which countries allow you to travel with jamon iberico?
One advantage of the European Union is that within its borders it is allowed to travel with jamon iberico and other cured meats in your luggage, as long as they are properly vacuum packed. These products can be carried in hand luggage or checked baggage, as long as airline rules regarding weight and size are respected.
For non-EU countries, regulations vary. Many Muslim-majority countries have strict rules regarding pork products, while some Latin American countries such as Argentina or Brazil may allow entry of meat products.
Each country sets its own food import regulations, so it is essential to check before travelling. Within the EU there is usually no problem, but when travelling outside the common market, always verify local rules. A good recommendation is to consult the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassy of the destination country. If information is not clear, contact them directly before travelling. And when you finally arrive, enjoying jamon iberico, iberico ham, or checking the iberian ham price will feel even more rewarding.
