France is one of those travel destinations that never fails to impress. Whether one is travelling for work or pleasure, you are sure to fall into the enthralling grasp of the country’s beauty. Other than the magnificent sights of Paris, there are the rolling fields of aromatic lavender in Provence, numerous vineyards sprinkled throughout the countryside, and the prominent stretch of Promenade de la Cosette along the breathtaking coastline in Cannes.
But before you rush to apply for a visa or book a ticket to France, there are a couple of things you should observe. Read on for a few tips to make your trip to France enjoyable and stress-free.
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Prepare your Documents
Visas, passports, and identification papers are essentials one needs for international travel. EU citizens only need an identity card to travel to France. Residents of the EU without an identification card must have a passport. People from other countries also require a passport and visa. It is advisable to check with the visa application and issuance service to determine if you are exempt from applying for a visa.
Decide an Appropriate Means of Travel
There are numerous ways to get into France: by car, air, or train. This is determined by your proximity to France, your budget, and personal preferences. If you will be flying in, check out options for best value flights and nearest airports depending on the city you land. Consider hiring an airport transfer service in France to ferry you from the airport. They will also arrange to take you back at the end of your trip if you so wish.
Where will you Stay?
It is also important to make prior arrangements about where you will reside during your stay in France. Do you have family or friends who will host you? Or do you prefer staying in a hotel or resort? Ensure you have booked hotel stays in advance and confirmed with hosts to avoid inconveniences.
What About The COVID-19 Travel Regulations?
France is one of the nations that has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in March of 2020. To protect the citizens, various government bodies imposed stringent measures to curb the spread of the virus. The travel and hospitality industry felt the impact of the blow the most as the entry for tourists was banned.
Now, the country is tentatively emerging and opening up its borders to visitors. However, there are still strict restrictions. One must fulfil certain criteria to gain entry into France, such as:
- Travel into France is limited to citizens of EU countries with a special exception for residents from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Australia, Liechtenstein, Rwanda, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan.
- Submission as proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.
- Willingness to spend a week in quarantine and a second PCR test at a predetermined location following every into France.
- Non-EU residents are only allowed into the country for compelling reasons like seeking treatment, family, or business.
Final Take
France remains one of the world’s most enduring tourist destinations. The region is a complex hub that promises travelers an experience of the French’s culture and lifestyle. You are in for a treat as you encounter the language, superb cuisine, world-class wine, spectacular cities, cultural and historical sites.