Can You Take Cured Meats to the United States?
Anyone living outside Spain will know how difficult it can be to go without jamon iberico, cured meats or other Spanish delicacies for a long period of time. That’s why many travellers try to take them back in their suitcase 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 very clearly a resounding NO — and at Enrique Tomás we are going to explain why.
Why can’t you bring jamon iberico into the USA?
If you have ever asked yourself whether you can take jamon iberico or other cured meats into the USA, the reality is that US regulations on meat and animal-origin products are extremely strict, with very tight security controls. It is strictly forbidden to bring meat in either hand luggage or checked baggage.
The US Embassy in Spain and Andorra makes it very clear that meat products are not allowed under any circumstances — even for personal consumption. This includes products such as jamon iberico, chorizo, salchichón, lomo, and even traditional canned dishes containing meat. We know this may be disappointing for fans of iberico ham, but these rules are strictly enforced at US borders.
Instead, we suggest staying connected with us — and who knows, maybe in the near future you’ll be able to buy jamon iberico directly in the USA through our stores.
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.
