Recently I read somewhere that when entering the EU Russians can have not only their cars confiscated, but also phones, laptops, cosmetics and even suitcases. We’re flying soon, and to be honest I’m a bit scared. What if they literally empty our bags at the border and take things? Has anyone had this experience when moving to Italy or just entering the EU — how does this even happen?
Honestly, I’ve flown through Turkey several times and nothing like that happened, they never even asked about my electronics. It seems they’re talking about sanctioned goods being transported for sale, and a personal phone and laptop are a completely different story. Also, I have a carta di soggiorno (residence permit), so maybe it’s easier with a residence permit in general, but I don’t think tourists need to worry about their personal stuff either)
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Look, I’ve flown back and forth so many times and nobody ever even opened my bag, let alone confiscated any electronics. That’s about commercial shipments of goods, not your personal iPhone. If you’re not carrying 10 laptops in boxes, just relax )
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As for the sanctions, they’re about goods worth above a certain amount and specifically intended for resale or transfer to third parties. Personal items you use — phone, laptop, makeup bag — are a totally different category; they aren’t affected. If I were you, I honestly wouldn’t worry)
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It really sounds scarier than it actually is. The law is about commercial consignments and resale, not your personal suitcase of belongings. Fly easy — in three years I haven’t once seen anyone’s personal stuff taken at the border.
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I also thought it was unlikely that they’d confiscate a personal phone and computer because of an RF passport. Besides, how would they prove exactly where my devices were bought? They’re not brand-new sealed items in boxes, after all.
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