Part of the US to Europe guide
This page adds the France extras. Read the US to Europe guide for the shared EU rules.
Quick checklist
- Follow all hub rules (microchip, rabies, new EU certificate, USDA endorsement).
- Use a certificate in French and English if your pet enters the EU in France.
- Check your dog is not a banned type.
- Show your pet and certificate to customs on arrival.
- Register on I-CAD within 7 days of arrival if you are moving.
Country extras
- No rabies blood test for pets from the US. The USA is listed in Annex II of Reg. 2026/636 (Art. 17(1)(b) of Reg. 2026/131). Transiting a non-listed country can change this.
- The health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date the official vet (USDA) signs it. By sea, add the length of the sea journey.
- After entry, the certificate covers onward EU travel for 6 months in total, or until the rabies vaccine expires.
- The certificate must be in French and English if your pet enters the EU in France (Reg. 2026/705, Annex III, Part 2, note 3).
- Present the certificate to customs on arrival in France. They check the documents and the microchip. No appointment is needed.
- Category 1 dogs are banned from entering France, even in transit. Category 1: dogs without a pedigree that look like Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pit bull), Mastiff (boerbull) or Tosa.
- Category 2 dogs may enter with proof of pedigree registration. Dangerous-dog rules then apply. Category 2: Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and Tosa with a pedigree, and all Rottweilers or Rottweiler-type dogs.
- Every dog must have at least one adult tooth.
- Maximum 5 pets per owner (non-commercial).
- All cats may enter.
48-hour vet exam: not needed for US pets
- service-public.gouv.fr has a general sentence, placed after both its EU and non-EU tabs, saying a clinical exam must be done 48 hours before travel and recorded in section 10 ("Examen clinique") of the pet passport. It does not say which pets it applies to.
- EU certificate rules for pets from outside the EU (Reg. 2026/705) and France's DGAL note do not require it for 5 pets or fewer.
- For US pets: follow the EU certificate timing (vet issues it, USDA endorses within 10 days before arrival).
Timeline additions
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before booking | Check your dog's category with a vet if unsure. |
| 10 days or less before arrival | USDA endorses the certificate (French and English version). |
| Arrival day | Show your pet and certificate to customs before leaving the international area. |
| Within 7 days after arrival (if moving) | A French vet completes the temporary import ID certificate. Register on I-CAD (fee €12). Bring the original US health certificate. |
Common mistakes
Assuming a pit-bull-type dog can transit France. It cannot.
A certificate with no French text.
Forgetting I-CAD registration after a move.
Airlines
Checked 29 Oct 2026. See the hub table for all carriers.
- Air France: pet and carrier up to 8 kg in the cabin. 8 to 75 kg in the hold. Add your pet at least 24 hours before departure. French Category 1 and 2 dogs are not accepted. Snub-nosed dogs and cats are not accepted in the hold. Pets in the hold must be collected and checked in again when connecting at Paris CDG or Orly.
- Delta: pets allowed in the cabin to France. International fee USD 200 each way.
- United: cabin pets USD 150 each way. No checked pets.
- American: no carry-on pets on transatlantic trips.
Unverified / not covered Not covered on this page yet: Air France fees and snub-nosed list, ITA hold rules, Virgin Atlantic cargo, ferries. Ask the carrier directly before you book.
Questions people ask
Can I bring a pit bull to France?
Not a pit-bull-type dog without a pedigree. These are Category 1 and banned, even in transit.
Does my pet need a vet exam 48 hours before flying from the US?
No. EU rules for non-commercial dogs, cats and ferrets from the US have no 48-hour exam. A vet inspection within 48 hours of departure applies to commercial moves (and to pet birds).
Does my pet need a rabies blood test?
No. The US is listed in Annex II of Reg. 2026/636. Transiting a non-listed country can change this.
Which language must the certificate be in?
French and English, if your pet enters the EU in France.
Do I need to register my pet after arriving?
Yes, if you are moving. Register on I-CAD within 7 days. A French vet does the paperwork. The fee is €12.
Do I need to declare my pet at the airport?
Yes. Show the certificate to customs on arrival.
Can I bring a cat of any breed?
Yes. Any cat may enter France if it meets the health rules.
Guide checked: 29 October 2026
Official sources (checked 29 Oct 2026)
- https://www.douane.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2026-06/23/NI%20DGAL%20importation%20animaux%20cgnie%20MAJ%20Juin%202026.pdf (DGAL note, updated June 2026)
- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/636/oj (Implementing Reg. 2026/636, Annex II)
- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj (Delegated Reg. 2026/131, Art. 17(1)(b) and Art. 18(1))
- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/705/oj (Implementing Reg. 2026/705, Annex III, Part 2, note 3)
- https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F35788 (verified by publisher 23 Jul 2026)
- https://agriculture.gouv.fr/faq-modalites-dimportation-des-animaux-de-compagnie-en-provenance-de-pays-tiers
- https://direct.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-france (last modified 1 Sep 2026)
- https://wwws.airfrance.us/en/information/passagers/voyager-avec-son-animal-chien-chat
- https://img.static-af.com/m/28d3345af68762f/original/EN-Discharge-responsibility.pdf
- https://www.delta.com/us/en/pet-travel/overview
- https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/traveling-with-pets.html
- https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/pets.jsp
Guide checked: 29 October 2026
Pawperwork gives general information, not veterinary or legal advice. Official vets, the authorities and your airline have the final say.