Planning a trip to France? Knowing the customs regulations can make your travel smoother and less stressful. Let’s explore the dos and don’ts when entering and leaving France.
Bringing Goods into France
What can you bring into France duty-free? The good news is that U.S. and Canadian travelers can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying taxes or duties.
- Air and Sea Travelers: If you’re flying or sailing, you can bring in up to €430 (about $498) worth of goods.
- Land and Inland Waterway Travelers: If you’re driving or traveling by boat on inland waterways, the limit is €300 (about $347).
Some items have specific limits:
- Tobacco and Alcohol: Individuals over 17 can bring in a limited quantity of tobacco and alcohol products.
- Medications: You can bring in enough medication for a three-month treatment without a prescription, or longer with a prescription.
- Motor Fuel: The fuel in your vehicle’s tank and a 10-liter spare can are exempt.
Important Notes:
- Age Restrictions: Travelers under 17 are not allowed to bring in any tobacco or alcohol products.
- Individual Limits: The duty-free allowances are per person and cannot be combined.
- Exceeding Limits: Goods exceeding the duty-free limits will be subject to customs duties and taxes.
Bringing Goods Out of France
What can you take out of France? While France has restrictions on what you can bring in, you can usually take out most personal items without any issues.
- Personal Items: Items like guitars or bicycles are allowed for personal use but cannot be sold or disposed of while in France. These items must be declared to customs upon entry and brought back out with you.
- Cash Declarations: If you’re carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to customs upon arrival or departure.
- Prohibited Items: Certain items are strictly prohibited from being imported, exported, or possessed, such as narcotics, attack dogs, counterfeit goods, and certain plants and plant products. Always check with the EU website for the most up-to-date information.
Bringing Pets to France
Planning to bring your furry friend? There are some specific requirements for pets entering France:
- Age and Vaccination: Dogs and cats must be at least three months old or traveling with their mother. They must have a microchip or tattoo identification, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and a veterinarian health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. A rabies antibody test is also required.
Don’t forget about the regulations for bringing your pet back home! In the U.S., for example, pets from other countries may require quarantine.
Returning to Your Home Country
Remember that customs regulations apply when you return home too.
U.S. Customs Regulations:
- Duty-Free Allowance: Most people can bring in up to $800 worth of goods duty-free as long as they are for personal use, the trip lasted at least 48 hours, and the exemption hasn’t been used within the past 30 days.
- Tobacco and Alcohol: You can bring in up to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. Cuban cigars can only be brought in if purchased in Cuba. One liter of alcohol is allowed for personal use or as a gift, but it must not be prohibited in your state.
Further Information:
- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Website: This website has more detailed information on U.S. customs regulations.
- French Embassy Customs Publication and French Customs Website: These resources provide information on French customs regulations and how to contact authorities.
Additional Tips
- Keep all your receipts. This will help with customs officials and may entitle you to a tax refund when you return home.
- Complete your U.S. customs form online before returning to the U.S. to save time.
By understanding these customs regulations, you can make your trip to France smoother and avoid any surprises at the airport!
