If you like beef jerky, do you want to know if your favorite snack goes well on trips? The answer is yes, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Essentially, it’ll depend on where you’re headed and your means of transportation. What you need to know about taking beef jerky on trips so you can enjoy it wherever your next trip takes you
Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack for travelers. But can you actually bring beef jerky into France? There are specific regulations around importing meats that you need to be aware of. Here is a comprehensive guide on whether or not beef jerky is allowed, and tips for bringing it to France legally.
EU Rules on Importing Meats
France is part of the European Union (EU), which has strict laws regarding bringing meats into any EU country. In general fresh dried, cooked, or other meat products cannot be brought into France or any other EU country from a non-EU nation.
This is to prevent the spread of diseases So meat products like beef jerky from the USA, Canada, or other non-EU regions are prohibited. You cannot bring beef jerky in your luggage when flying directly into France from those destinations
However, there are exceptions if the beef jerky originates from an EU country. For personal consumption you can carry unlimited amounts of meats like beef jerky between EU countries.
Can I Transit Through an EU Country?
Some travelers hope to get around the fresh meat import laws by transiting through one EU country first before arriving in France. For example, flying into the UK then taking a train to France.
Unfortunately this does not work. The meat import restriction applies when entering the first EU border, not your final destination. UK customs would still confiscate American beef jerky.
Buying Beef Jerky While Inside the EU
The good news is that once you are inside the EU zone, beef jerky can move freely. So if you fly into France and then visit the UK, you can return to France with British beef jerky.
You can also buy beef jerky while traveling within France itself. Search for dried meat specialty shops or gourmet food stores in major French cities. There are local producers making quality beef jerky you can enjoy during your stay.
Duty Free Beef Jerky
Can you buy US beef jerky in the duty free shop at the airport when departing from America? You will be able to purchase it, but it will still be taken away by customs when landing in France.
Duty free shops do not override the standard import laws for meats, so do not try to use them as a loophole when flying directly into France.
Shipping Beef Jerky Ahead
Some travelers opt to ship beef jerky packages ahead to their destination in France. This is only permitted if shipping from within the EU. International mail is still subject to customs inspection.
Your best option may be to ship beef jerky to your accommodation from an online shop located inside France or elsewhere in Europe. Then it will await your arrival.
Hiding Beef Jerky in Luggage
A very risky option is trying to conceal US beef jerky somewhere in your luggage to avoid inspection. This is absolutely not recommended or condoned.
If caught, you could face confiscation, fines, or even imprisonment for smuggling illegal meat products. It’s best to err on the safe side and not attempt this.
Alternatives to Bring to France
While fresh US beef jerky is prohibited, there are some alternative meat snacks travelers can consider instead:
- Canned fish like tuna, sardines, or salmon
- Hard cheeses sealed in wax (not soft or fresh cheeses)
- Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters
- Dried fruit leathers or 100% fruit roll-ups (check labels for meat additives)
- Vegetable-based protein chips made from peas, lentils, etc.
- Granola bars, energy bars, crackers and other snacks without meat ingredients
These do not face the same import restrictions as meat products. Just make sure to double check the ingredients. Some snack brands may add small amounts of meat powders or extracts like beef or chicken stock.
Purchasing Beef Jerky in France
If you have your heart set on savoring some beef jerky during your travels in France, look for these options to purchase inside the country:
- Grocery store deli sections often have dried saucisson sausage
- Butcher shops or charcuterie vendors may offer housemade jerky
- Outdoor sporting goods stores can have locally-made jerky in stock
- Order from French beef jerky companies online and ship to your location
- Search for specialty dried meat shops in cities like Paris or Nice
With some research and planning, you’ll be able to get your beef jerky fix legally and safely on your trip to France. Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions on Import Regulations
Can I bring beef jerky from the USA to France?
No, beef jerky and other meat products cannot be brought directly into France or the EU from the USA or other non-EU countries. They will be confiscated on arrival.
What if I fly into the UK then take a train to France?
It does not matter, the meat import rules apply as soon as you enter the EU border. Beef jerky will still be taken away in the UK.
Is beef jerky confiscated if I buy it duty free?
Yes, duty free shops do not exempt travelers from standard import laws. Buying beef jerky duty free still results in confiscation.
Can I mail US beef jerky to my hotel in France ahead of time?
No, international shipped packages are still subject to customs processing and meats will be detected.
What if I hide beef jerky at the bottom of my luggage?
Do not attempt this, as large penalties apply if caught illegally smuggling prohibited meats.
Can I bring beef jerky bought inside the EU back to France?
Yes, beef jerky from elsewhere in the EU can be brought into France with no restrictions.
Are there processed meats I can bring from the USA?
No meat, poultry, fish or their products may be brought from outside the EU, regardless of processing method.
What snacks without meat can I bring from the USA to France?
You can bring items like nut butters, dried fruit, vegetable-based chips, cheese, and crackers.
Can I Take Beef Jerky on an International Flight?
If you are going on a trip with other people, you should check with the airline to see if they have any rules. Some airlines dont allow certain types of food on their planes. But most airlines will let you bring beef jerky as long as it’s in a package and doesn’t have any liquids or gels in it.
You’ll also need to check the restrictions for the country you’re traveling to. Some countries have bans on certain types of meat. Others may have quarantine regulations that require you to declare any food items you bring into the country.
If you’re going to a country with strict rules about bringing food in, you might want to check with the embassy before bringing beef jerky. It’s better to be safe than sorry (and wasting beef jerky is a shame).
Well, we’ve got your questions covered in terms of international travel. Here are a few guidelines on country-specific regulations for those of you traveling to certain destinations. And luckily, you can buy beef jerky practically anywhere.
While the U. K. allows the importation of meat from European Union (EU) countries, you can’t bring meat from the U. S. or other countries outside the EU. So if you’re asking yourself, “Can I bring beef jerky into the U. K. ?” the answer lies in where your flight originates.
Each European country has its own food import regulations. If you’re going to another country, you should check with its embassy to see if beef jerky is allowed there.
Switzerland has strict regulations about products containing meat. You should call the Swiss Embassy to find out what the rules are and if they apply to beef jerky.
You can indeed take beef jerky to Germany. Nonetheless, always read the latest regulations before packing your beloved bag of beef jerky.
Unfortunately, you can’t bring beef jerky to Iceland. Beef jerky doesn’t quite fit Iceland’s meat importation requirements unless it’s fully cooked (in this case, boiled).
Nope. Japan doesn’t allow you to bring in any kind of meat — including beef jerky.
Yes! You can take beef jerky to Hong Kong. Just make sure the jerky’s fully cooked to meet its regulations.
No, you can’t bring meat of any kind (including beef jerky) to Taiwan.
Korea has strict regulations on importing meat. You’ll need to check with its embassy before packing any beef jerky. That way, you can find out its specifications and declare the foods you’re carrying upon arrival.
No, you can’t. Cuba has a ban on all beef products, so you can’t bring beef jerky into the country.
Mexico doesn’t allow the importation of meat. But some people say they were able to bring beef jerky; it usually depends on how it was packed and how it was transported. We advise thoroughly checking the specifics before you head to Mexico with beef jerky.
You can take beef jerky into Argentina. Of course, you can as long as it’s properly packed (you could ask its embassy what that means) and stays closed.
Fun fact: Archaeologists believe beef jerky originated in South America.
Canada doesn’t let you bring fresh, dried or cured meats into the country. So no, you can’t bring beef jerky to Canada. But the country has some specifications that jerky might fall under, so always check first.
If you’re traveling to the U. S. from another country, you can bring beef jerky as long as it’s commercially packaged and cooked. So can you bring beef jerky into the U. S. ? Yep — especially if the beef jerky’s from an American brand.
Can You Take Beef Jerky on a Plane?
Yep, you can take beef jerky on a plane. The TSA has no problem with you packing your favorite protein-packed snack. If your flight is domestic, then you can take beef jerky in either your carry-on or checked luggage.