Customs Stamp for Passengers Traveling by Train, Ferry, Car, or Tour Bus

If you’re traveling out of the EU or Norway by train, ferry, car, or tour bus, the process for obtaining a customs stamp for your VAT refund varies depending on the country. It’s important to understand the difference between countries within the EU and Norway, as the procedures differ.

Traveling from EU Countries by Train, Ferry, Car, or Tour Bus

For countries within the EU, you must obtain a customs stamp to validate your VAT refund claim. Here’s what you need to know based on your mode of transport:

• Train:

  If you’re traveling by train, customs offices can usually be found at major international train stations, such as Paris Gare du Nord or Brussels Midi. You’ll need to:

  • Visit the customs desk before boarding your train.

  • Have your VAT refund form, receipt, and passport ready, along with the goods for inspection.

• Ferry:

  If you’re leaving by ferry, you’ll find customs offices near the departure gates or inside the terminal. You should:

  • Visit customs before boarding.

  • Present your VAT form, receipt, passport, and ferry ticket.

  • Keep your goods with you, as customs officers may request to inspect them.

• Car:

  When traveling by car, customs checkpoints are located at major border crossings. You’ll need to:

  • Stop at a customs office or checkpoint at the border.

  • Have your VAT form, receipt, and passport ready.

  • Be prepared to show the goods you purchased to the customs officer for inspection.

• Tour Bus:

  If traveling by tour bus, the customs process usually happens at border crossings or designated customs stops. Ensure that you:

  • Confirm with your tour operator when and where the customs stop will take place.

  • Have your VAT form, receipt, and goods ready, along with your passport.

  • Be prepared to disembark temporarily for customs clearance.

Once you have received your customs stamp, you can upload a photo of the stamped receipt via the Pie VAT app to submit your VAT refund request.

Traveling from Norway by Train, Ferry, Car, or Tour Bus

When departing from Norway, the process is different. Norway is not part of the EU but is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). For VAT refunds on purchases made in Norway, you do not need a customs stamp.

Instead, once you’ve returned home, you’ll need to take a live photo of the goods you purchased, with geolocation data enabled, to prove that the items have been exported from Norway. This photo serves as proof for your VAT refund, and you’ll need to upload it via the Pie VAT app, along with your receipt.

Key Differences to Remember:

• EU countries: You must visit a customs office to get your receipt stamped before you leave, regardless of whether you’re traveling by train, ferry, car, or bus.

• Norway: No customs stamp is required. Instead, take a live photo of your purchased goods once you’re home to confirm their export.

Final Steps

Once you’ve completed the customs process (or uploaded your live photo for Norway), submit your VAT refund request through the Pie VAT app. Ensure you do this within the required timeframe (30 days for Norway, 90 days for EU countries).

For any additional questions or assistance, feel free to reach out to us via live chat—we’re happy to help!