How many companion animals can I bring into France?
- Official classification
- Pets (companion animals)
Restricted
You can bring companion animals into France only within the stated limits.
What you need to know
- 5 piece
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects
- Démarche : Importer des marchandises soumises à réglementation vétérinaire Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects
Questions about Pets (companion animals) in France
- How many companion animals can I bring into France?
- France allows 5 pets (companion animals) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare companion animals at France customs?
- Only above the allowance. Up to 5 pets (companion animals) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
- What happens if I do not declare companion animals in France?
- If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
- Can I post or ship companion animals to France instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Can I take companion animals out of France?
- France publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the France limit for companion animals apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
- How does France compare with other countries on companion animals?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — Vous rapportez du tabac, de l'alcool ou d'autres marchandises achetées hors de l'Union européenne · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — france postOrCourier · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires · verified 2026-09-19