Can I Bring Beef Jerky from the US to the UK? A Guide to Importing Meats

As a beef jerky fan you likely want to bring your favorite protein-packed snack wherever you travel. But what if your travels take you across the pond to the United Kingdom? Can you pack beef jerky in your suitcase to munch on during your British adventures? Or are there rules about bringing meat products into the UK?

Unfortunately, bringing beef jerky from the US to the UK is prohibited. The UK has strict regulations regarding the importation of meats and animal products from outside the European Union. While beef jerky is shelf-stable and cooked, it still falls under the restricted items list.

However, all hope is not lost! Read on to learn more about importing meat products into the UK, whether any exceptions exist for beef jerky, and tips for finding jerky during your time abroad

Why Can’t I Bring Beef Jerky from the US to the UK?

The UK maintains restrictions on bringing in meat and dairy products from outside the EU to prevent the spread of animal diseases like foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).

While commercial beef jerky is cooked and shelf-stable, according to the UK Government’s guidelines, it is still classified as a restricted meat product. This means beef jerky from the US cannot legally be brought into the UK for personal consumption.

The prohibited meat products include:

• Fresh, dried, or cured meats
• Meat extracts and meat juices
• Foods containing meat, including beef jerky

Only meat and dairy from EU countries meets the import requirements, which allows these products to move freely. Unfortunately, American beef jerky doesn’t make the cut.

Are There Any Exceptions for Beef Jerky?

According to the regulations, there are no exceptions that allow US beef jerky to be brought into the UK, even in small personal amounts. All meat products originating from outside the EU are banned.

Some travelers report success sneaking small amounts of beef jerky in their luggage. However, this violates the regulations and could result in the jerky being confiscated if caught. It’s best not to attempt this, as the penalties can be steep for prohibited food items.

The only exception is for beef jerky imported by an approved establishment that meets strict requirements. But these commercial shipments don’t help travelers wanting to bring jerky for personal use.

Can I Buy Beef Jerky in the UK?

Luckily for jerky lovers, many brands of packaged beef jerky are sold within the UK itself. You can purchase these during your visit to still enjoy your favorite protein snack.

Popular UK beef jerky brands include:

• Jack Link’s
• Kings Elite Snacks
• Golden Valley Natural
• The Beef Jerky Co.
• The Proper Food Co.
• Off the Hoof
• Well Hung Foods

Major American brands like Jack Link’s operate facilities in the EU, allowing their products to be imported and sold legally in the UK marketplace.

You can find beef jerky in many UK grocery stores, convenience stores, health food shops, and online. Shopping in-country is your best (and only legal) option for getting your beef jerky fix while visiting the UK.

Can I Bring Jerky From Other Meats Like Turkey or Salmon?

The restrictions apply to all meats, not just beef jerky. So jerky products made from turkey, chicken, pork, salmon, venison, or other meats are also prohibited from being brought into the UK from the US for personal use.

Meat is defined broadly by the regulations, so unfortunately all types of meat jerkies fall under the banned imported food list.

What Other Foods Can’t Cross the UK Border?

In addition to all meats and dairy, there are other foods prohibited from entering the UK:

• Honey – Due to risk of spreading brood diseases to UK bees

• Eggs – Raw egg products can spread salmonella

• Certain fruits & vegetables – Produce restrictions prevent insect infestations

• Soil or plant materials – Could contain foreign pests or diseases

• Endangered animals – Banned under CITES regulations

Make sure to carefully check all of your belongings before crossing the UK border. Even leftover sandwiches with meat or dairy, fruits still in the peel, or hiking boots caked in mud could get you in trouble if contaminated. When in doubt, declare any questionable items to customs officers.

Can I Bring Beef Jerky on My Flight to the UK?

You should not attempt to bring beef jerky in either your carry-on or checked baggage when flying directly to the UK from the US (or another non-EU country).

While the TSA rules allow beef jerky to be transported domestically, the UK customs guidelines prohibit beef jerky upon arrival regardless of your mode of transport.

Leave the jerky at home, and purchase your stash once you arrive in the UK. This avoids any hassles when going through customs after your transatlantic flight.

Can I Travel With Beef Jerky Once I’m in the UK?

Once you are within the UK, you can freely transport beef jerky purchased from UK stores between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The internal borders between these countries are open without restrictions on movements of goods. So beef jerky bought in England can go with you on a plane, train, or automobile when traveling elsewhere in the UK.

You can also pack UK-bought beef jerky in your luggage on flights within the EU. Just don’t attempt to bring it back to the US, or you may face importation issues on that end!

What About Other Countries Like Canada or Australia?

Each country sets its own rules regarding food products that foreign visitors can bring into the country. Some other countries with restrictions on imported meat products include:

• Canada – Bans U.S. beef jerky for personal use
• Australia – Limits amount of dried meat visitors can bring in
• Argentina – Requires valid health certificate for meat imports
• Russia – Restricts meat lacking proper veterinary certification
• Jamaica – Prohibits beef imports due to mad cow disease concerns

Always research regulations for your specific destination before attempting to bring any meat products. Declare any questionable items to avoid penalization.

Can I Bring UK Beef Jerky to the US?

If you end up buying beef jerky within the UK during your travels, you can pack it in your luggage to bring back home to the US. American customs allows the importation of commercially packaged beef jerky.

However, be prepared to declare your UK jerky purchases when going through US customs. They may want to inspect it before allowing it into the country.

Make sure the beef jerky packaging is sealed and untampered with. Products that appear homemade or contaminated run a higher risk of getting confiscated. But properly packaged and declared jerky should get the green light.