Pet Travel Requirements: United States to France
Official requirements for flying companion dogs and cats from the United States to France. Covers USDA APHIS VEHCS electronic endorsement, Paris CDG entry, and French dangerous breed laws.
Can I travel with my pet from United States to France? Yes. Companion dogs and cats can enter France from United States under non-commercial regulations established by French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty (DGAL) & USDA APHIS (Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 Annex IV). Entry requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination with a 21 days minimum waiting period, exempt / not required, and an endorsed EU Non-Commercial Health Certificate (Annex IV). Compliant pets are eligible for 0 days quarantine.
Key Route Factors at a Glance
Exempt / Not Required
The United States is listed as an Annex II rabies-controlled third country. No rabies titer test is required for direct travel.
0 Days Quarantine
Direct release upon customs declaration at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), or Nice (NCE).
21 Days Minimum
21-day rabies latency period + USDA VEHCS endorsement issued within 10 days of landing.
EU Non-Commercial Health Certificate (Annex IV)
Must be issued by USDA-accredited vet and endorsed electronically via USDA APHIS VEHCS within 10 days of EU arrival.
Statutory Requirements Checklist
Every requirement must be met in strict chronological order before departure.
10-Day USDA Endorsement Mandate
Sequence Protocol: Customs Verification at CDG / ORY.
The 4-Step Preparation Timeline
Follow this verified corridor timeline to prevent border delays or invalid document rejections.
ISO 11784/11785 Microchip
Implant 15-digit microchip prior to rabies vaccination.
Rabies Immunization
Administer vaccine; wait 21 days for primary vaccination latency.
USDA Vet Exam & VEHCS Submission
USDA accredited vet submits EU Annex IV certificate via VEHCS for federal approval.
Customs Declaration
Proceed through the Red Customs Lane ("Douane / Marchandises à déclarer") for microchip scan.
Frequently Asked Questions: United States to France
Q:Can my small dog fly in the cabin on flights to France?
Yes! Air France, Delta, United, and American Airlines permit small dogs and cats up to 8 kg (including soft carrier) in the passenger cabin on flights from the US to Paris.
Q:Is a rabies titer test required for travel from the US to France?
No. The United States is an Annex II listed country. Direct flights do not require a rabies antibody titer test.
Q:Does France recognize a 3-year rabies vaccination from the US?
Yes, provided the primary vaccine was followed by boosters administered within the manufacturer’s licensed duration and recorded on the USDA certificate.
Government regulations strictly prohibit or restrict the import of specific dog breeds into France:
- Category 1 (Pitbulls, Staffordshire crosses without pedigree, Boerboels - strictly banned from France)
Traveling from United States to France with your pet?
Upload your pet's vaccination records and microchip certificate. We verify vaccination dates, 21-day latency windows, and USDA health certificate deadlines against official French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty (DGAL) & USDA APHIS rules in seconds.
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