France: travel requirements, health and medical insurance
France is one of the founding countries of the Schengen Area, so its entry rules depend on each traveler's passport: some nationalities are exempt from a visa for short stays, while others must apply for one in advance. The currency is the euro (EUR) and the official language is French, although English is frequently spoken in Paris's tourist areas.
The French healthcare system is one of the best regarded in the world, but it isn't free for those who don't contribute to it, so travel insurance avoids high bills in case of an emergency. The emergency number is 112 throughout the country.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Schengen Area member; the short-stay visa requirement depends on the passport, not the traveler's country of origin.
Health & travel insurance: The healthcare system is of high quality but bills visitors without a reciprocal agreement; insurance with at least EUR 30,000 in coverage is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
Passports that require a Schengen visa must apply at the corresponding French consulate, with a flight reservation, accommodation and travel insurance with at least EUR 30,000 in medical coverage. Exempt nationalities may stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, counting time across the entire Schengen Area.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means.
- Travel insurance with the minimum coverage if your nationality requires a visa.
Health, hospitals and medical insurance
In France, emergency rooms treat anyone, but the bill is charged to the patient if there's no reciprocal agreement with their country of residence. Travel assistance insurance speeds up direct payment with the hospital and avoids having to pay upfront.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19 and 24-hour medical assistance in France, with a certificate accepted for the Schengen visa; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and currency
The currency is the euro (EUR). The high-speed train (TGV) connects Paris with the rest of the country and neighboring capitals like Brussels or London in a few hours, often faster than flying for short trips.
When to travel
High season in Paris and the French Riviera runs from June to August. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer tourists, plus better prices on flights and hotels.
Travel checklist for France
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to France.
- Check the visa requirement for France based on your passport: Schengen Area member; the short-stay visa requirement depends on the passport, not the traveler's country of origin.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The healthcare system is of high quality but bills visitors without a reciprocal agreement; insurance with at least EUR 30,000 in coverage is recommended.
- Save France's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all travelers need a visa to enter France?
No. As a Schengen country, the requirement depends on each traveler's passport; some nationalities enter without a visa and others must apply for one in advance.
What's the emergency number in France?
112, active throughout French territory for police, ambulance and fire services.
Does French public healthcare cover tourists?
Only if there's a reciprocal agreement with the traveler's country of residence; otherwise, care is billed, so travel insurance is worth having.
What currency should I use in France?
The euro (EUR), also accepted in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany.
