France visa and travel health insurance guide
February 15, 2019
Travel France with these must-know tips
France has it all. With its world-renowned attractions, stunning landscapes and rich culture, your journey will be unforgettable. We’re here to help you plan and organize your French adventure. This article will guide you through pretravel planning, things to do in France, health and safety considerations and travel medical insurance and trip protection options.
Pre-plan for a worry-free trip
Before you go, do some sleuthing. Learn about some of the customs, culture and language. Although English is spoken in many places, knowing some French will hold you in high esteem by the locals. France is considered to have an overall healthy environment for travelers. Food and tap water are considered safe and air quality is good. To help ensure a safe trip, check out these tips:
- Learn what vaccinations and other preventive treatments you need to travel to France by visiting US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Keep these emergency numbers handy, just in case.
- 112 Ambulance and medical emergency services;
- 15 (SAMU – emergency ambulance service)
- 18 Fire
- 17 Police
- 114 Emergency number for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals
Passport and visa requirements
France is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, which allows free movement of travelers among the signatory countries within Europe. If your country of citizenship is not part of the Schengen Agreement, you are required to have a passport for entry into the first Schengen country you visit. It is also recommended you bring with your passport if you plan to travel between Schengen countries, as it may be required for identification.
Travelers only need a visa if they plan to stay in France more than 90 days within a 6-month period. This is true for leisure or business travelers from multiple countries including Australia, Canada, Croatia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. For citizens of other countries, we recommend checking your visa requirements here.
If your travel plans exceed 90 days, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. Submit your application form, 2 passport photos, pay the applicable fees and carry adequate medical insurance (minimum coverage of 30,000 euros). Note that specific visas may have additional requirements. To meet the medical insurance requirement, travelers must provide a letter from their insurance company stating that they’re covered for any medical and repatriation expenses throughout the Schengen for the duration of the stay.
Health care and safety in France
Health care
Call 112 for a direct line to emergency services. In general, hospitals are well-staffed with a full range of highly trained clinicians, and specialists are present in most facilities. Many facilities do experience nursing shortages, a problem that is expected to worsen in the future. Many physicians, especially those in Paris and other urban areas, speak English, while other health care professionals may not be as proficient in English.
Pharmacies are in hospitals and shops with a neon green cross. Pharmacists can consult and recommend treatment and medication, more so than in the U.S. Outpatient care is provided by general practitioners and specialists. Payments for care and services can be made in cash or by credit card.
Security
Demonstrations and protests are common in major French cities and often disrupt traffic or result in violence. Crime, mostly in the form of petty theft, is the security concern that is most likely to affect travelers in France. Racially motivated crime has also become a growing problem in recent years. The threat of terrorism remains a significant concern across France, although no significant attacks have occurred over the past several years.
Best places to visit in France
From medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches, France has a rich and varied history. Paris, the capital of France, is known for sophisticated cuisine, fashion houses, classical art museums, including the Louvre, and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The Mediterranean city of Nice, features a beach-lined promenade, art galleries and museums. Lyon is known for its Roman ruins and the Loire Valley is home to chateaux and vineyards.
Top attractions in Paris
When in Paris, there’s a lot to see and do. But here are 3 must-see sights:
- Eiffel Tower – This technological masterpiece in building-construction history, is a 300-meter (984-foot) tower built almost entirely of open-lattice wrought iron. It was completed in 1889 to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution. Climb the 674 steps or take the lift to the second tier for exceptional views. However, you’ll need to use the lift to get from the second tier to the observation deck at the top.
- Champs-Élysées – The best way to visit the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes. It stretches 1.3 miles (2 km) from the Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles de Gaulle all the way to Place de la Concorde on the banks of the Seine River. Take in striking architecture and an epic shopping street lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels and fine restaurants. At the Paris tourist information center close to the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll find information on guided or private walking tours, bike or Segway tours, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, or a tour from the passenger seat of a classic French 2CV car.
- Palace of Versailles – Just 19 km (12 mi) outside of Paris, the former French royal residence and center of government is now a national landmark. The original residence, a hunting lodge for Louis XIII (1610 – 1643), was transformed by Louis XIV (1643 – 1715) into an extravagant complex, complete with stylized French and English gardens. The king’s grandiose opulence eventually led to the 1789 French Revolution.
Explore the Mediterranean city of Nice
This history-laden seaport is located approximately 30 km (20 mi) from the Italian border and is the heart of Mediterranean tourism. Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice and the Musée Masséna to bask in the art of 19th-century and contemporary artists. Enjoy beaches, shopping, dining, cultural facilities and architecture. Take in the transformation between the new town on the west and old town, the harbor and business district on the east. Travel to Nice from Paris by driving the national motorway network or using the high-speed train.
Tour Lyon, the third largest city in France
Known for its Roman ruins, baroque architecture and vibrant nightlife, Lyon offers something for everyone. It has morphed from producing and weaving silk to gaining a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France. While there, take a walking, boat or guided culinary tour. Explore its secret passageways (traboules), which run through the old town. Of course, visit the museums. There is so much to see and do.
Discover the Loire Valley
Home to many chateaux and wineries, immerse yourself in the richness of France and its history. Get the full impact of the region’s vibrant cities, stunning castles, medieval towns, wineries and natural wonders by taking a bus or train from Paris. It’s one of the easier regions to visit without renting a car.
Cultural tips for travel to France
These tips will help you avoid an etiquette faux pas while visiting France.
- The French are formal and use titles for business or social interactions, addressing women as Madame — not Mademoiselle — because the latter can be deemed condescending or offensive.
- Tips are included in the bill at eating establishments, although it is OK to leave more for exceptional service. Tip taxi drivers 5-10% of the metered charge and porters 1 euro per bag.
- Smoking is banned in all indoor gathering places. You can be fined for breaking the ban.
- It’s illegal to be without identification in France — always carry your passport.
- French dress formally in cities, especially Paris. A foreigner wearing athletic shoes is a beacon to thieves.
For business travelers:
- The French value formality in business. Eye contact is important.
- When shaking hands, use a light grip with one quick shake.
Purchase travel protection* in case things go awry
Even the best-laid travel plans can go asunder, people can be injured, trips can be cancelled or other unexpected medical or non-medical events can change everything. So it’s wise to think about buying travel protection. With UnitedHealthcare Global’s SafeTrip travel protection plans you have 24/7 assistance and support from the Emergency Response Center and a large network of vetted providers. Lost your passport or travel documents? SafeTrip has your back 24/7. You can find plans that combine medical insurance and travel protection. International Travel Medical coverage will take care of an accident or unexpected illness. If an adrenaline rush is on your agenda, you can even purchase an extreme sports coverage add-on to go parachuting in Normandy, mountain climbing in the Alps or other once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Travel smart, savvy and safe while you discover the wonders of France.
*Policy availability varies
Sources:
https://www.viator.com/Paris-attractions/Avenue-des-Champs-Elysees/overview/d479-a582#overview
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eiffel-Tower-Paris-France
https://www.eiffeltickets.com/eiffel-tower-stairs/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Palace-of-Versailles
https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/versailles-heart-french-revolution
https://www.britannica.com/place/Nice
http://www.issmys.eu/local-information/the-city-of-lyon#:~:text=The%20city%20is%20known%20for,capital%20of%20gastronomy%20in%20France.
https://www.globe-gazers.com/is-lyon-worth-visiting/#:~:text=Lyon%20is%20the%20Gastronomic%20Capital%20of%20the%20World&text=If%20you%20consider%20yourself%20a,something%20to%20experience%20for%20yourself.
https://travelfrancebucketlist.com/loire-valley-itinerary/#:~:text=TIP%3A%20To%20get%20the%20most,but%20ideally%205%2D6%20days.
https://www.etiasfrance.com/requirements/americans/#:~:text=Do%20US%20citizens%20need%20a,ETIAS%20to%20travel%20to%20France.
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