Essential customs rules and
restrictions for entering France
Traveler’s Guide by Parlaxy | Updated: February 3, 2025
Experienced travelers understand the importance of knowing the current rules for crossing the French border. Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth and hassle-free customs process. Import and export regulations for goods, electronics, jewelry, and cash are updated regularly. To make it easier for you, we’ve gathered all the key information in one clear and comprehensive guide.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the limits on bringing money into and out of France, which items require declaration, and which are restricted or prohibited. We also cover customs procedures, applicable duties, and how fees are calculated.
Save this page for easy access to up-to-date information. Being informed in advance will help your travels through France go smoothly, whether for business or leisure. Planning ahead means more time to enjoy your trip without unexpected delays.
Complete guide to crossing the french border
| Documents Required for Entry | France, as a Schengen Area member, follows common EU entry rules. Most foreign visitors need a valid travel document, usually a passport, and some require a visa based on nationality and length of stay. Valid Travel Documents: A valid passport is required for most travelers. Passports must be issued within the last 10 years, have at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended Schengen exit date. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican may enter with a national ID card or passport without a visa. Visa-Free Short Stays (up to 90 days): Citizens of many countries—including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most Latin American nations—can enter France visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS Authorization (Starting Late 2026): Visa-exempt travelers will soon need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering France and other Schengen countries. ETIAS is an electronic permit valid up to 3 years or until passport expiration. Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Non-visa-exempt nationals must apply in advance for a Schengen short-stay visa, allowing stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, or studies. Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For stays over 90 days, a national long-stay visa is required, issued for work, study, family reunification, or cultural exchange. This must be obtained before arrival. Additional Entry Requirements: At the border, travelers must present valid documents and may be asked for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. |
| Currency Export and Import Restrictions | Since 2022, the export of euros from EU countries to Russia and Belarus has been prohibited. |
| Currency Export and Import Limits by Amount | €10,000 – Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared. |
| Restricted Items for Import | From Non-EU Countries Generally, meat and meat-based products, milk, and dairy products are prohibited from non-EU countries. Exceptions include small amounts of certain foods such as powdered infant milk, baby or medical foods, pet food, and honey, usually up to about 2 kg per person. These must be in branded, unopened packaging. From EU Countries Travelers from other EU/EEA countries may bring meat and dairy products for personal consumption. Quantities must be reasonable (non-commercial), and items should remain in their original, sealed packaging. Disease-Related Restrictions Due to outbreaks like lumpy skin disease, there are additional restrictions on certain bovine products (such as raw milk or unpasteurized cheeses) from affected regions. Travelers should check the latest health advisories before traveling. Personal Use and Packaging New, unopened products in factory packaging are generally allowed for personal use. Carry modest amounts to avoid suspicion of commercial intent. Keep receipts or proof of purchase and be prepared to explain the intended use. Customs Declarations All animal-origin foods must be declared upon entry to France. Customs officials may inspect these items to ensure they comply with the rules. Failure to declare can result in confiscation or fines, so always declare any meat or dairy products in your luggage. |
| Prohibited Items for Import | -Illegal drugs and psychotropic substances (narcotics, doping agents) -Counterfeit goods (fake designer items, pirated media) -Firearms, ammunition, weapons, and explosives — including certain knives, tasers, and pepper spray unless specifically authorized -Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials -Endangered species and related products (CITES-listed animals and plants, ivory, furs, corals, exotic skins) -Cultural heritage objects (artworks, antiques, artifacts over 100 years old) without the necessary import/export permits -Pornographic material involving violence, minors, or animals |
| Alcohol Import Regulations | From Non-EU Countries (travelers aged 17 and over): Up to 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages up to 22% alcohol (e.g., wine, aperitifs) Up to 4 liters of still wine Up to 16 liters of beer From EU Countries (for personal use only): Up to 10 liters of spirits Up to 20 liters of fortified or sparkling wine Up to 90 liters of wine (maximum 60 liters of sparkling wine) Up to 110 liters of beer |
| Alcohol Export Regulations | There are no specific French legal limits on the amount of alcohol you can export, provided it is for personal use and complies with the regulations of your destination country. |
| Tobacco Product Import Regulations | Up to 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigars, or 1 kg of tobacco. |
| Tobacco Product Export Regulations | For exports outside the EU, the same duty-free limits apply, but always check the import regulations of your destination country. The typical personal duty-free allowance for export from France is: 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco) |
| Restrictions on Importing Medications and Dietary Supplements | Medications (Personal Use) Prescription medicines are allowed if in original packaging with clear labels, accompanied by a doctor’s prescription or medical note, and in reasonable personal-use quantities (usually up to 30 days). Controlled drugs need extra authorization. Customs may inspect large amounts. Dietary Supplements & Herbal Products Supplements from non-EU countries must follow French and EU rules. Only approved ingredients are allowed, with strict labeling and safety standards. Some products may require prior notification. Border inspections are possible. |
| Restrictions on Importing Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Importing Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Cultural goods over 100 years old may face import restrictions if classified as national heritage by France or protected under EU laws. Prior authorization and documentation are required. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Same as import |
| Restrictions on Importing Pets | Check transport rules with your airline well in advance. Prohibited dog breeds: Some breeds considered dangerous – such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans – may be restricted or banned. Regulations vary by region; verify local laws before traveling. CITES-protected species: Importing endangered animals and plants requires special permits. This includes: -Tigers, lions, gorillas, panthers -Elephants, wild boars -Certain snakes, amphibians, and reptiles -Endangered orchids and rare plants -Only domesticated animals with proper documentation are allowed. Always confirm current rules with French customs and CITES authorities before bringing live animals or exotic species. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Pets | Animals protected under CITES or classified as dangerous are also subject to export restrictions from France. This includes certain wild species, exotic pets, and endangered plants. Transporting pets from France requires specific documents that may vary by airline. Always check with your airline in advance and ensure you have all necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and export permits. |
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