France Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, travelers must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay in France, and proof of repatriation (a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination). Note that Schengen visas, if required, are also valid for French Guiana, French West Indies and Reunion, provided that the Schengen visa is endorsed "Also valid for French territories being in observation of the respective French territories".

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of the USA, but ONLY when traveling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for stays of up to three months for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of Canada, but ONLY when traveling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter France. Note that entry and transit will be refused to holders of Temporary passports.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Healthcare

French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travelers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

Safety

Following the London and Madrid bombings, security has been heightened particularly in the transport sector. Unattended luggage left in public places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions against petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves and pickpockets operate on the metro and around airports. Theft from cars is prevalent, particularly in the south, around Marseilles, and in Corsica. A Corsican nationalist group FLNC have been responsible for a series of bomb attacks on public buildings and holiday homes in Corsica and visitors should take care, particularly in Ajaccio the capital, and other town centers. Several recent cases of burglary have been reported while visitors were asleep in their caravans or motorhomes and motorists are asked to avoid parking in isolated or darkened areas of camping sites or parking lots. Tourists are advised to conceal bags and purses even when driving, and to never leave valuables unattended in the car. Bag snatching is also common, particularly on public transport and in shopping centers, and visitors should also be vigilant of luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports.