For arrivals into France in 2026, non-EU travellers aged 18+ may bring up to €430 worth of goods duty-free (€150 for under-15s). Cash of €10,000 or more must be declared. Strict prohibitions include narcotics, counterfeit goods, endangered species products, and most meat/dairy from non-EU countries. Alcohol and tobacco allowances are per person and cannot be combined to exceed the equivalent of 200 cigarettes or 1 liter of spirits.
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount of cash or equivalent negotiable instruments of €10,000 or more must be declared. The threshold in USD is approximately $10,000 (check current exchange rate). Use the online declaration form or a paper form at the border.
Goods duty-free
$430
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is €430 per adult (€150 for travellers under 15). Goods above this value are subject to duty and VAT. This applies to non-EU residents arriving from outside the EU.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except for medical use with a permit)
Endangered species and products made from them (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, coral)
Meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries (except limited quantities from certain approved countries)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray, tasers, and knives over a certain length)
Obscene or racist materials (including child pornography)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropic substances (must carry a prescription or medical certificate in French or English)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin)
Pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or health certificate
Drones (must comply with French drone registration and insurance rules; commercial use may require a permit)
Cash or negotiable instruments over €10,000 (must be declared)
Rules worth knowing
EU vs. Non-EU Arrivals
If you are arriving from another EU country, you can bring unlimited goods for personal use as long as they are not for resale. The duty-free limits above apply only to arrivals from outside the EU.
Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit
You must be at least 18 years old to bring in tobacco or alcohol duty-free. Customs may ask for ID.
Cultural Goods and Art
Importing cultural goods (e.g., antiques over 50 years old, archaeological items) may require an export certificate from the country of origin. This is strictly enforced for items from conflict zones.
Medicines for Personal Use
For a 3-month supply or less, no permit is needed for most medicines. For controlled substances, carry a doctor's prescription in French or English. For more than 3 months, you need a special import authorization from the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM).
Frequently asked questions
For non-EU residents arriving from outside the EU, the duty-free allowance is €430 worth of goods per adult (€150 for under-15s). This includes gifts and personal items. If the total value exceeds this, you pay duty and VAT on the full amount.
Yes, if you are carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in any currency, including traveler's cheques, money orders, or negotiable instruments), you must declare it to customs. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Generally no, unless the product comes from an EU-approved country (e.g., Andorra, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein). From most other countries, meat and dairy are prohibited. Small quantities of powdered infant milk, infant food, and pet food are allowed if they do not require refrigeration and are in sealed commercial packaging.
For a 3-month supply or less, no special permit is needed for most medicines. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds), carry a doctor's prescription in French or English. For more than 3 months, you need prior authorization from the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM).
Yes, but you must register it with the French civil aviation authority (DGAC) if it weighs over 800g. You must also follow French drone rules: no flying over people, near airports, or in restricted zones. Commercial use may require a permit. Check the official DGAC website before travel.
You must declare the goods and pay customs duty and VAT (20% on most goods) on the full value. If you don't declare and are caught, you may face fines, seizure of goods, and possible legal action. The customs officer will assess the value based on your receipt or market value.
For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (French Customs) before travelling.