Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[33] (1) 43-12-22-22; US Embassy in Paris, 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France; https://fr.usembassy.gov/; Citizeninfo@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
33
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 15; Fire: 112, 18; Police: 112, 17
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for France: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasionally strong, cold, dry north-to-northwesterly wind know as the mistral
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French
Major Religions
Christian (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic), Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Eiffel Tower; Louvre Museum; Notre-Dame de Paris; Palace of Versailles; Côte d'Azur; Mont Saint-Michel; Loire Valley Châteaux; Provence; Normandy; Brittany; Carcassone; Avignon; Alsace (includes Colmar and Strasbourg); Notre-Dame de Chartres; Caves of Vezere Valley; Grotte Chauvet, Ardeche River and Pont d'Arc
Major Sports
Soccer, tennis, cycling, basketball, handball, rugby
Cultural Practices
French people are proud of their country and language and prefer to communicate with one another in their native tongue.
Tipping Guidelines
Tips are not necessary, but appreciated and you may always round up for good service. In nicer restaurants, a tip of 5% is sufficient. Tip taxi drivers 10% of a total fare. Bellhops, room service, and housekeeping appreciate a tip between 1-3 euros.
Souvenirs
Designer fashion, perfumes, wine, porcelain items, lavender goods, soap, kitchen items
Traditional Cuisine
Crêpes — thin wheat or buckwheat flour batter pancakes filled with either sweet (chocolate, preserves, cream etc.) or savory (ham, sausage, cheese, mushroom, etc.) ingredients
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, June 04, 2024
