To ensure a smooth tax refund process when leaving the European Union (EU), it is crucial to follow certain guidelines :
Barcode Tax-Free Form : Before departing the EU, it is essential to scan your barcode or have your tax-free form stamped.
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW :
If you plan to visit another EU country before returning home, such as Italy or Spain, you need to PRINT THE TAX-FREE FORM. Countries other than France have to stamp the printed form, as they cannot scan the barcode. Read carefully the different scenarios below to find out what you should do.
After obtaining the necessary stamp, you can send us a picture of the stamped tax-free form to initiate the refund process.
Example 1 : If you drive to Switzerland before returning to the USA, you must get your form stamped or barcode scanned at the French border since Switzerland is not part of the EU.
Example 2: If you fly to Italy, then Greece, and finally back to the USA, you need to print the form and have it stamped by a Greek customs officer since Greece is the last European country you visited before leaving.
Rules for Flights and Stopovers
Non-stop Flight or Short Stopover : For travelers leaving the EU directly to a third country or with a stopover of less than three hours at another EU airport, they must scan their barcode or stamp their tax-free form at the airport of departure. This applies even if the flight has a stopover of less than three hours at a different EU airport.
Stopover without Access to Tax-Free Counter : If you have a stopover of at least three hours at another EU airport, during which you cannot access the tax-free counter or your goods, you must scan your barcode or stamp your tax-free form at the airport of departure.
Stopover with Access to Tax-Free Counter : If you have a stopover of at least three hours in another EU member state and have access to both the goods in question and the tax-free counter, you must have your tax-free form stamped there (printing the form is required as other countries cannot scan the barcode).