A valid passport is required of all U.S. citizens and foreign
nationals entering France. No visa is needed for American
visitors staying less than 90 days.
French Customs
For detailed information on what you may bring to France,
visit the French Embassy's website customs page.
Minors traveling alone must carry authorization for traveling
signed by their parents.
No vaccinations are required for entering France.
U.S. Customs
Returning U.S. citizens who spent more than two days in
France may bring back $800 worth of duty-free merchandise.
If you wish to bring more than this amount, a flat rate of
3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. Always
retain the receipts from your purchases should they be
requested by a Customs Inspector upon your return to the
United States. For details visit the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
VAT (Value Added Tax) refund
The VAT can be refunded for goods, but not services. You
should check with the store, prior to your purchase, that
it is participating in the tax free scheme (not all stores are).
After making a minimum purchase of 175€ in the same store, ask
for a Retail Export Form ("bordereau de détaxe") that you must
sign and which must be endorsed by Customs within three months
of the purchase, when you leave the European Union.. Fill out
the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure and
allow ample time. The forms need to be stamped at airport
customs desks. Do not forget to keep the goods with you at all
times. Customs officers may want to check them. Mail the
stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope).
If you do it from the US, the process will be much longer and
might end up costing more than the refund itself, so it’s best
not to forget to take care of it at the airport. For additional
information on the VAT refund click here.
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