French Overseas Possessions travel guide

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the French Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

France follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes France, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in France are different.  

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires, contact the nearest local prefecture in France.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At French border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying with family, friends or a third party

You may be asked to provide a welcome invitation (‘attestation d’accueil’) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the attestation d’accueil from their local mayor’s office and send the original attestation before you enter France.

Second homes in France

You may need to show evidence of ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the French government’s entry requirements. 

If you’re in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.  

Read about passport stamping if you live in France.

Border controls at Germany’s land borders 

There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany.  Check the entry requirements for Germany.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s France guide. 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of France. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking food and drink into France

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.  

Taking money into France

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. 

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in France 

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists and foreign nationals such as:

• shopping centres
• entertainment establishments and nightlife venues
• sporting and cultural events
• public transport and national and international transport hubs
• places of worship
• crowded places and public gatherings

Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities.

There have been several recent high-profile terrorist attacks in France, including: 

• in 2023, one person was killed in a knife and hammer attack in central Paris
• in 2023, a teacher was killed in a knife attack in a school in Arras

French authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and made arrests.

Industrial action and demonstrations 

Industrial action

There can be frequent industrial action across France. This can lead to disruption and delays on roads and public transport. If you’re due to travel to or within France, monitor the media, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of the authorities. 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. 

Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, if you’re near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Take sensible precautions against street crime and car crime. Pickpockets can work in gangs; one distracts you while the other one goes into your bag.

Thieves and pickpockets operate on the Paris Métro, on RER (train) lines and at mainline stations. To reduce the risk of theft:

• keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in separate bags or pockets
• use the inside compartments in bags where possible
• carry your bag across your body rather than on your shoulder
• keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars
• do not leave any valuables in your vehicle
• do not get distracted around tourist attractions and ATMs

Assaults

There have been several cases of serious assault on the RER line B, which serves:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
• Orly Airport
• Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus

There have also been serious assaults on RER line D, which serves the Stade de France.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.

Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in France are often stronger than those in the UK.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must be able to prove your identity by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Accepted IDs are:

• passport
• photocard driving licence
• other documentation provided by a government body

Face-covering ban

Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros if you do not comply.

Forcing someone to hide their face is also a crime and is punishable by a year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. If the person forced to hide their face is under 18 years old, the sentence is doubled. This law applies to tourists.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Local sea conditions can be dangerous even for strong swimmers. Most beaches have lifeguards and flag warning systems. Make sure you understand the warning system before swimming and always follow the advice closely. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Some beaches have strong undercurrents, especially along the Atlantic coast. There is a risk of riptides (‘baïnes’) in some areas, particularly around the coast of Gironde and Landes. 

Follow local advice if there are jellyfish in the sea.  

Watersports

Before taking part in water-based activities, find out how you and your friends or family will be supervised and supported.

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Trekking and mountaineering

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly prepared. Do not undertake any activity alone and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone.

In mountainous areas, make sure your insurance covers you for extra costs such as mountain rescue service and helicopter evacuation. In the départements of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, you may need to be transferred to Switzerland for treatment.

Winter sports

Read advice on how to prepare for winter sports. Check current weather forecasts and avalanche risks on the Meteo France website and consider carrying avalanche search equipment if you ski off-piste.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in France, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s France guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. 

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. 

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. These have replaced GB stickers.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Penalties

Police give you on-the-spot fines for driving offences, including speeding.

France has strict drink-driving laws and the legal alcohol limit is a third lower than the limit for England and Wales. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and prison.

Winter tyres and chains

Vehicles driven in certain mountain regions during the winter period (1 November to 31 March) must be fitted with winter tyres or chains. You could receive a fine if you do not comply. Visit the French public services website for more information (in English) about: 

• what type of vehicle this applies to 

• what type of tyre or chain should be fitted 

• where in France these rules apply.

Air pollution sticker

All vehicles driving in central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble must display a pollution sticker from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Checks can happen at any time, depending on pollution levels.

Some older vehicles do not qualify for a sticker at all due to their high emissions. These vehicles must not be driven in central Paris from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Other cities may also limit vehicle access to town centres and main roads. For more information or to apply for a sticker, visit the French Ministry of Environment website.

Road safety

If you’re involved in a car accident or witness an accident on the motorway, use the orange emergency phones to ask for help.

If you are driving long distances in France:

• plan your journey carefully
• take into account unknown roads, weather conditions and fatigue
• take regular breaks

Keep vehicle doors locked in slow-moving traffic and secure your vehicle if you leave it unattended.

Information on road safety and potential traffic black spots is available on the Bison Futé website (in French). Real-time information on road traffic conditions is also available on Motorways Radio: 107.7 FM in French and in English.

Risk of people entering your vehicle   

There have been attempts by people to enter private vehicles with a view to entering the UK illegally. They may target vehicles like camper vans while stationary or in slow-moving traffic. Sometimes people might try to slow down traffic on roads to ports, including by placing obstacles on the Calais Port road. 

Keep car doors locked, keep moving where it’s safe to do so, and do not leave your vehicle unattended. If it is not safe to proceed, stop and call 112.

Commercial transport firms must take steps to prevent people from entering their vehicles.  

Thefts from caravans and camper vans

Burglaries can happen while you are asleep in your vehicle. Take sensible precautions against vehicle break-ins. You should:

• avoid parking in isolated or dark areas of unsupervised camping grounds or car parks
• consider installing an alarm

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires     

Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.

The French weather service have launched a fire alert map for travellers to check.

Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.

If you’re staying in a high-risk area:

• check the local safety and emergency procedures
• be vigilant
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).

See information for property owners about bush clearance which can be mandatory in some areas.

Flooding

There is a risk of flooding in areas of France. If your accommodation is near a river, check flash flood watch (‘vigicrues’) (in French) for more information on current flood risks.

Avalanches

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas. Check current weather forecasts and avalanche risks on the Meteo France website. Follow local advice before you ski or hike and consider carrying avalanche search equipment.

Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for France
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in France, including:

• dengue
• biting insects and ticks

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of France. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in France

FCDO has a list of hospitals in major cities including Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux region where some staff will speak English.        

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in France, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a valid existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

State healthcare in France is not always free. Treatment is on the same basis as for French citizens.

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in France.  

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Telephone 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Ambulance: 15

Fire: 18

Police: 17

Deaf and hard of hearing emergency number (SMS, chat, video and fax): 114

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:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in France
• dealing with a death in France
• being arrested in France
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

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)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in France on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.