When entering France or any country in the European Union, there is a limit on the items that tourists can bring to the country they are visiting without paying taxes. With a country like France, it is also important that many travelers know how much wine they can bring home. Here are some tips on customs regulations in France that you should know before you travel.
American and Canadian citizens can bring goods to or from France and the rest of the European Union up to a certain value before having to pay customs duties, excise duties, or VAT (Value Added Tax; called TVA in France).
Bringing goods to France without paying taxes
- Visitors under the age of 15 can bring goods worth up to € 150
- Visitors can enter with items worth up to € 300 euros if traveling by car
- Visitors can enter with items worth up to € 450 if entering by air or sea
Tobacco products
When entering France by air or sea , those over the age of 17 may bring the following tobacco products for personal use only:
- 200 cigarettes or
- 100 cigarettes or
- 50 cigarettes or
- 250 g of smoking tobacco.
If you have a combination, you must split the allocation. For example, you can bring 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars. Depending on how much these items cost where you live, you might consider taking cigarettes with you. French cigarette prices are set by the government and are quite high.
When entering France by land , those over the age of 17 may bring the following tobacco products for personal use only :
- 40 cigarettes or
- 20 cigarettes or
- 10 cigarettes or
- 50 grams of smoking tobacco.
The rules for combinations of any of these are the same as above.
Alcohol
Those 17 and over can bring the following for personal use only:
- 1 liter of alcohol over 22 degrees of volume or
- 2 liters of fortified wines not exceeding 22% by volume of alcohol or
- 4 liters of still wine or
- 16 liters of beer
Other goods
- Fragrances, coffee and tea can be imported into the EU with no restrictions on the amount coming in, but you must ensure that the value does not exceed the monetary limits mentioned above.
- Medicinal drugs are allowed for personal use, which is specified as quantities for a 3-month treatment without a prescription (or for more than 3 months, with a prescription) and if they are carried in your luggage.
- Personal items such as musical instruments or bicycles are allowed for personal use. But you cannot sell or dispose of them while you are in France. Remember that all personal items declared to customs upon entering France must be transported back with you.
If you exceed these limits, you must declare it and you may have to pay a customs duty. You will likely be given a customs form while on board the plane, which will help simplify this process.
Money
If you are coming from outside the EU and carrying an amount of money equal to or greater than € 10,000 (or its equivalent value in other currencies), you must declare this to customs upon arrival or departure from France. In particular, the following must be declared: cash (banknotes)
Restricted goods
- Plants and plant products.
- Coats, furs and leather shoes made from animals protected according to the CITES (Washington Convention) list that includes ivory, turtle shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from the Amazon forests.
- Counterfeit products . While you are unlikely to be stopped if you have bought a mock Prada bag on the beach in southern France, it is possible. Keep in mind that if you buy one of those, you could be fined twice the actual price or even jailed. It is extremely unlikely, but keep in mind.
Bringing your pet to France
Visitors can also bring pets (up to five per family). Each cat or dog must be at least three months old or travel with its mother. The pet must have a microchip or tattoo identification, and must have proof of vaccination against rabies and a veterinary health certificate less than 10 days before arrival in France. A test that shows the presence of the rabies antibody will also be required.
However, keep in mind that you must check the regulations to bring your animal back home. In the United States, for example, you may be required to quarantine pets from other countries for weeks.
Save your receipts for customs
While you’re there, save all your receipts. Not only is it useful for dealing with customs officials when you return home, but you may also be entitled to a refund of taxes spent in France upon your return.
Customs regulations when you leave France
When you return to your home country, there will also be customs regulations there. Be sure to check with your government before you go. For the US, here are some highlights of the entry customs regulations:
- Most people can import items worth up to $ 800 tax-free, as long as these items accompany you. Items must be for your personal use, your trip must have lasted at least 48 hours, and you cannot have used the waiver in the last 30 days.
- You can bring up to 200 cigarettes and up to 100 cigars, although you can only bring Cuban cigars to the US if you have purchased them in Cuba.
- One liter of alcohol is allowed if you are at least 21 years old, it is for personal use or a gift, and is not prohibited in your state.
More detailed information on what you can bring to France, as well as information on how to stay in France.
More information before traveling to France
- Advance Travel Planning for an Affordable Vacation
- France packing planner
- Packing light for your French holidays
- Check out these essential items for your French vacation
- Saving tips in France
- Smoking in France
- Restaurant etiquette and tips in France
- Guide to traveling by train in France
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
