What are the customs allowances for entering France?
Travellers entering France from outside the European Union are subject to customs allowances on goods such as alcohol, tobacco and cash, with different limits for travel by air compared with other means. Amounts above the allowances must be declared, and cash above a set threshold must be declared regardless of the goods allowance.
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How it works
Declarations for goods above the allowance are made at the customs point on arrival, either verbally at a red channel or through a formal declaration where required. Cash declarations, which cover cash and equivalent instruments above a set threshold, are handled through a separate declaration procedure required when entering or leaving the EU.
Commonly mixed up with
The duty-free allowance for goods is often confused with the cash declaration threshold. They are separate obligations, one about the value and quantity of goods carried and the other about cash and cash-equivalent instruments.
What are the customs allowances for entering France?
| Knowledge, Paris | Legal, visa and entry |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Travellers entering France from outside the European Union are subject to customs allowances on goods such as alcohol, tobacco and cash, with different limits for travel by air compared with other means. Amounts above the allowances must be declared, and cash above a set threshold must be declared regardless of the goods allowance. |
| How it works | Declarations for goods above the allowance are made at the customs point on arrival, either verbally at a red channel or through a formal declaration where required. Cash declarations, which cover cash and equivalent instruments above a set threshold, are handled through a separate declaration procedure required when entering or leaving the EU. |
| Commonly mixed up with | The duty-free allowance for goods is often confused with the cash declaration threshold. They are separate obligations, one about the value and quantity of goods carried and the other about cash and cash-equivalent instruments. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Do allowances differ between air and land travel?
- Yes, allowances for alcohol and tobacco can differ depending on the mode of transport.
- Is there a cash declaration requirement?
- Cash and equivalent instruments above a set threshold must be declared when crossing the EU external border.
- What happens if I exceed an allowance?
- Goods above the allowance must be declared, and duties or taxes may apply.
- Do EU travellers have the same limits?
- Different rules apply to travel within the EU compared with arrivals from outside it.
- Where are current allowances published?
- The French customs administration (douane.gouv.fr) publishes current allowances and thresholds.
Sources
More in this track
- What are the Schengen entry rules for a trip to France?
- What is a long-stay visa for France?
- Does a foreign worker need a work permit for France?
- How is a French residence permit renewed?
- How does family reunification work for a resident of France?
- What is the talent passport (passeport talent) scheme?
- What visa and residence rules apply to international students in France?
- What are the rules for bringing a pet into France?
- What is the difference between a carte de séjour and a visa?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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