You'll pass French Customs after baggage reclaim, before you enter the public arrivals area. Passengers who have not exceeded the duty-free allowance and have nothing to declare should go directly through the exit doors. All other passengers, or passengers who are unsure should stop at the French Customs office.

Getting through Customs at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) in 2026 is a two-step process involving Passport Control first, then Customs. After deplaning, you first follow signs to "Sortie/Bagages" and pass through Immigration (Passport Control). If you have an e-passport and are from a "Trusted Traveler" country (like the US, UK, or EU), you can use the PARAFE automated gates for a faster exit. After retrieving your checked bags, you walk through the Customs area. Most travelers will take the "Green Channel" (Nothing to Declare), which simply involves walking through the exit. You only use the "Red Channel" if you are carrying more than €10,000 in cash, commercial goods, or items exceeding the duty-free limits (like more than 200 cigarettes or 1 liter of spirits). While most people aren't stopped in the Green Channel, French Customs (Douane) officers perform random spot-checks for counterfeit goods, protected species, or prohibited medications, so always ensure you have prescriptions for any specialized drugs.