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Visiting France

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With more than 90 million foreign visitors recorded in 2018 (including overseas destinations), France remains the world’s leading tourist destination (ahead of Spain, the United States, China and Italy). This continued success can be explained by the richness and diversity of France’s tourism offer.

A multi-faceted destination

Coming to France means having the chance to discover a variety of destinations and themed offers. Whether you are an urban tourist, a hiking or cycling enthusiast, an art lover, a wine and food lover or a beach lover, France is for you!

France is a sporting country

France also hosts many international sporting events. Some are regular fixtures, such as the French Open tennis tournament, the Tour de France or the 24-hour race in Le Mans. Others are exceptional events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2024…

How to prepare your visit?

To prepare your stay, the France.fr website (available in 15 languages) allows you to discover the treasures of mainland France and its overseas territories. The information is classified by destination, by theme and also covers the practical organisation of your trip (visas, transport, climate, etc.).

This site is developed by Atout France, the national tourism operator under the supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

(Update: July 2023)

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Q&A: all you need to know about UK's quarantine rules for France

Travellers across the Channel face growing uncertainty due to rise in Covid cases in the country

• Coronavirus – latest updates
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Why have travellers from France been ordered to quarantine on entry into the UK?

France has recorded post-lockdown record highs of daily cases in successive days with 2,669 new Covid-19 infections reported on Thursday, up from 2,524 the day before. Both figures topped the 2,288 cases on Friday, another record since the country began to ease out of lockdown in May, followed by 2,184 infections on Saturday, 1,885 on Sunday and 785 on Monday.

Meanwhile, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, France’s 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people reached 32.1 as of Thursday, compared with the UK’s 18.5. The steep rise in cases prompted Downing Street to announce it is removing France from its travel corridor list on Thursday evening, meaning travellers returning to the UK must now self-isolate for 14 days or face a fine.

How many British holidaymakers will this affect?

It is hard to put an exact figure on it but, with France the second most-popular holiday destination for Britons and August being peak season, it is likely the move will affect hundreds of thousands of travellers already across the Channel and those with future bookings. Paul Charles, the chief executive of the travel consultancy the PC Agency, told the Guardian earlier this week that his firm estimated there were as many as half a million British holidaymakers in France this week.

What are holidaymakers in France now meant to do?

Holidaymakers already in France face a choice of whether to scramble to return to the UK before the country is formally removed from the travel corridor at 4am on Saturday or else face having to quarantine for two weeks if they arrive back after.

Announcing the move, the Department for Transport said: “People currently in France … are encouraged to follow the local rules and check the FCO travel advice pages on GOV.UK for further information. The government is urging employers to be understanding of those returning from these destinations who now will need to self-isolate and has invested over £9bn to strengthen the welfare safety net, helping to ensure access for those in need.”

What about those who are due to travel soon?

The sudden restrictions will throw holiday plans into chaos for many UK travellers, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office now advising against all non-essential travel to France.

The UK’s largest association of travel agents and tour operators, Abta, released a statement from its chief executive, Mark Tanzer, earlier on Thursday before the new travel corridor announcements were made in which he said: “Package holiday customers should be offered a full refund in the event of Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to a destination at the time the customer is due to travel.”

He added: “The upholding of the protections of package holidays is in the long-term interest of members, notwithstanding the harsh trading conditions, and it will give reassurance to customers at a time when confidence is essential. Of course, members may well be able to offer affected customers alternative destinations or travel dates.

“Airlines not refunding remains a significant aspect of the refund issue. Recognising this from the outset, Abta has been doing all we can to help alleviate the cash flow problem for members. We have pressurised the aviation regulators to enforce airline refund obligations, and we introduced the mechanism of refund credit notes to allow time for airline refunds to come through.”

Why have cases surged in France?

France’s prime minister, Jean Castex, warned on Tuesday that the country had been going “the wrong way” for two weeks after a rise in infections.

Figures suggest there has been a disproportionate rise in cases for younger people, compared with older members of the country’s population. According to France’s Santé Publique agency, the Covid-19 incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants in the 20 to 29 age group has risen to nearly 45 from 7 in early May.

Meanwhile, the incidence rate has also climbed from from 6.1 to 26.5 in the 30 to 39 age group. Over the same period, the infection rate among 80 to 89-year-olds halved, while in the over-90 age group it fell from 60 to 13.

France’s health minister, Olivier Véran, confirmed late last month that those testing positive were “younger than during the previous wave” of the virus, suggesting that “people in more vulnerable groups have doubtless remained more prudent” while “young people tend to pay less attention”.

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Brexit: travel rules between the UK and France

On 1 January 2021 Brexit came into effect, re-establishing the borders between the UK and France. Here's the information you need to know before planning trips between the two countries.

Please consult our dedicated Covid-19 article for the latest updates on travel between the UK and France.

Following a transition period, Brexit came into effect on 1 January 2021 and the UK left the European Union. Free movement no longer applies between the UK and France, and migration controls have been re-established to and from the UK.

Travel arrangements

For British travellers to France:

Since 1 January 2021, British nationals have been subject to more in-depth checks when travelling. They are encouraged to allow additional time for border control and use the queue labelled 'Ressortissant de pays tiers' rather than 'EU / EEA / CH'.

British nationals who are not resident in an EU Member State and who wish to travel to France for a short stay (a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period), or who are in transit to another Member State or to the Schengen area, do not require a visa.

Travellers need to:

• present their passport with at least six months' validity, which will be stamped upon entering and leaving the Schengen area. The maximum duration of a short stay cannot exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days;
• be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to meet their needs during their stay. With some exceptions, the minimum required in France is calculated as 65 euros per day. Examples of proof include cash or a bank statement;
• obtain travel insurance covering all medical, hospital and death expenses that could be incurred during their stay in France, including repatriation costs for medical reasons. Current EHIC cards will still be valid until their expiry date.

The supporting documents used to verify compliance with the entry conditions are listed in Annex I of the Schengen Borders Code, accessible here (External link) .

Further information on travel arrangements for British nationals to France is available on the French government website here (External link) and the UK government website here (External link) .

For international tourists wishing to visit both France and the UK on the same trip:

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK visa-free for holidays or short stays. A passport valid for the duration of the stay is required to enter UK territory. Until 1 October 2021, it is also possible to travel with a valid national ID card.

For nationals from outside the EU, a visa may be required to stay in the UK. Further information is available on the UK government website here (External link) .

Travellers from the UK to France are subject to customs control to comply with deductibles for purchases made in the UK, in quantity for alcohol and tobacco, and in value for other goods. The level of these exemptions is specified on the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website here (External link) .

Purchases made in France may be eligible for tax relief - check here (External link) . PABLO machines, which automate this process, are available in ports, airports and train stations serving the UK.

Further information on customs procedures for UK travellers to France is available on the French government website here (External link) and the UK government website here (External link) .

Download the Brexit guide for travellers (French only) (External link)

Driving licences

British nationals travelling to France for a short stay can drive under their UK driving licence. An international driving licence is not required.

Travelling with pets

It is no longer possible to enter an EU territory with a European pet passport issued in the UK. British nationals travelling to France with dogs or cats must comply with the following health conditions defined by the regulation of 12 June 2013:

• ensure that pets are identifiable by way of a microchip or clearly legible tattoo made before 3 July 2011;
• ensure that pets have been vaccinated against rabies and that the vaccine is still valid;
• ensure that each pet has a health certificate issued by a registered UK vet. The certificate must be accompanied by proof of vaccination against rabies as well as a document attesting to the pet's ID. Certificates are valid for a period of 10 days from the date of issue and must be presented during border checks during this period. They remain valid in EU territories and Northern Ireland for a period of four months.

EU or Northern Irish nationals returning from a temporary stay in the UK and transporting dogs or cats to France must be in possession of a European pet passport. The passport must certify a valid anti-rabies vaccination and must be presented at border control.

On arrival in France, travellers with pets will need to enter through a designated travellers’ point of entry (TPE).

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.

Practical info

Coronavirus Info: the situation in France

Update April 12, 2024

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France Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, france - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in France due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Incidents such as pickpocketing and phone snatchings occur frequently and can happen anywhere, especially in crowded areas such as airports, train stations, subway and train cars, and near tourist attractions.

Peaceful demonstrations and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France occur regularly and can disrupt transportation. On rare occasions, demonstrations have included violence and property damage and police have responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to France.

If you decide to travel to France:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and large crowded public venues.
• Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Find a safe location and shelter in place if unable to leave the vicinity of a demonstration.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for France.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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St Pierre & Miquelon

Getting help.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in St Pierre and Miquelon

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Ambulance: 15

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in St Pierre and Miquelon and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Paris, France , who provide consular assistance for St Pierre and Miquelon.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

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