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Citizens and travellers, get prepared to Brexit!

Mise à jour le 01/10/2021

On 17 October 2019, EU and UK negotiators reached an understanding on the draft withdrawal agreement for the UK’s exit from the EU.

VERSION FRANÇAISE

The UK duly left the EU in an orderly manner at midnight on 31 January 2020. This signalled the start of a transition period to give both parties time to pave the way for implementation of the agreement and to shape future relations between the EU and the UK.

Without prejudice to any agreements that may be negotiated as part of this future relationship, this page provides answers to customs-related questions in the event of the reintroduction of procedures for individuals/travellers at the end of the transition period.

What effects will Brexit have on individuals/travellers at the end of the transition period?

Download the Brexit guide for travellers available in English

 

Tax-free purchases

If your primary residence is in the UK, you may be eligible for a refund of the value added tax (VAT) on the prices of goods you purchase in the EU. You can find information about this on the special page "Eligibility for VAT refunds".

Duty-free purchases

When British travellers leave France for the UK, they may purchase goods from duty-free shops onboard ferries and aircraft or in airports and ports. The values and volumes of product purchases will not be limited to a certain amount per person and per trip. You are, however, strongly advised to find out about the customs and tax allowances at your destination.

Travellers' ID

Since 1 October 2021 most EU, EEA and Swiss ID cards will not be accepted as a valid travel document to enter the UK. You have to to use a passport. For more information and exceptions visit gov.uk.

Travellers’ allowances

When you come back to France from the UK, value- and volume-based customs and tax allowances will apply according to the categories of goods you are carrying.

Over and above the value- and volume-based limits (€430 for air and sea travel, €300 for road travel and €150 for all means of transport for travellers under the age of 15), you will have to declare the goods you’re carrying and pay the relevant duties and taxes (VAT).

There are volume-based allowances for purchases of tobacco and alcoholic beverages:

Pets

Upon arrival in the EU from a non-EU country, pets must be declared and presented to customs officers so that they can carry out documentation and identity checks.

Your pet is a domestic carnivore (dog, cat, ferret)

You must declare it when booking your train or ferry ticket, stating:

  • the type of pet: dog, cat or ferret
  • the number of animals (maximum 5 per person, except proof of registration for a sporting or cultural event)
  • the microchip number
  • the date of rabies vaccination

When boarding, you must show your dog, cat or ferret to ferry company or Eurotunnel officials for:

  • scan the microchip
  • verify the passport of the sanitarian certificate issued by the British
  • identify your vehicule by a marking (sticker or hanger...).

When you arrive in France, go to Customs for a check.

For all other domestic animals (birds, rabbits, etc.) up to five per person

You must show Customs the necessary health certificates.

Other restrictions

Other restrictions apply for medicinal products, foodstuffs, plants, weapons, cultural goods, etc.

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