Before you go to France

Tips, advice and essential travel information you should know before you travel to France.

Passport & visa requirements for France

Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with embassies or consulates well in advance of travelling.

France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 3 months for travellers holding a passport endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.
French Embassy in London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000
British Embassy in Paris, France +33 (1) 44 51 31 00

Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months. French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 277 5000

US citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months. French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6000

Canadians must hold a valid passport for entry to France. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months. French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795

Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months. French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6216 0100

New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months. French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 2555

South Africans must have a valid passport and a visa for travel to France. French Embassy, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 422 1338

Note: Passport/Visa Note: Visitors are advised to hold a return or onward ticket and proof of financial means. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Extra Health Precautions & Vaccinations

Health care in France is excellent, the hospitals and health facilities are first class. Visitors from EU countries are entitled to reduced cost medical treatment and medicines. British visitors should present a completed and stamped E111 form. An E111 however does not cover all medical fees (you will still have to pay for treatment by the French State health service, but you can claim back up to 70% on return to the UK), or medical repatriation, or on-going medical treatment of a non-urgent nature. We therefore recommend that you also obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

* The E111 form is no longer valid. You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to an European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. UK travellers can apply online from the Department of Health website.

Cases of rabies occur occasionally and there are reports of an increased occurrence of hantavirus (caused by rodents) particularly in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. More information can be obtained from the French Ministry of Health.

Currency in France

The Euro (€) is the official currency in France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are Euro travellers cheques, particularly in major tourist destinations.

Travel Advice for All Countries

• Ensure that your passport and/or visa is valid and in good condition.
• Obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance with an appropriate level of cover.
• Make copies of your passport, visa and insurance policy and leave them with someone at home along with an itinerary and contact number.
• Familiarise yourself with your destination and its local laws and customs.
• Ensure you have sufficient funds for your stay.
• Check if vaccinations are required at least 6 weeks prior to travel.