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Essential Documents for Traveling to France: What to Carry

If you're planning a trip to france, it's essential to have the necessary documents with you. this article provides a list of the documents you need to carry when traveling to france. ensure you have passports, visas, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and any other relevant identification to make your travel experience smooth and hassle-free..

Essential Documents for Traveling to France: What to Carry

Key Takeaways:

  • Ensure a smooth journey to France by having essential documents: valid passport, Schengen visa, travel and health insurance.
  • Provide proof of accommodation, financial means, and return/onward travel ticket when entering France.
  • Stay informed about additional health documentation requirements and regularly check for the latest travel updates. Bon voyage!

Essential Documents for Your Trip to France

Are you planning a trip to the picturesque landscapes of France? Whether you’re heading out for a business trip, a romantic getaway, or a cultural adventure, ensuring that you have the correct documentation is essential for a smooth journey. Here’s a handy checklist to prepare you before you say “Bonjour” to France.

Valid Passport

Your passport is the most crucial travel document. For entry into France:

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.
  • Check your passport pages : You should have enough blank pages for stamps upon arrival and departure.

Schengen Visa

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter France, which is part of the Schengen Area.

Image

  • Visa requirements can vary, so it’s important to check your need for a visa well in advance of your trip.
  • If required, apply for a Schengen visa , which allows travel between most European countries.

For official guidelines and application procedures, visit the France-Visas website , the official portal for visa applications to France.

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When entering France, you may be asked to show proof of travel insurance .

  • Your insurance should cover the entire Schengen zone and expenses up to €30,000.
  • Ensure it includes medical coverage and repatriation costs .

Proof of Accommodation

Upon arrival, you might have to provide evidence of where you’ll be staying. This could be:

  • Hotel reservations or a rental agreement.
  • If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from your host.

Proof of Financial Means

During your stay, you might need to demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your expenses. This could include:

  • Bank statements.
  • Cash in a convertible currency.
  • Traveller’s checks.

Return Ticket or Onward Travel

Although not always checked, being able to show a return or onward travel ticket can be required.

  • It proves your intent to leave France or the Schengen area after your visit.

Health Documents

Due to health regulations that may change, such as during a pandemic, additional health documentation may be necessary.

  • A negative COVID-19 test , a vaccination certificate , or health declaration might be needed depending on the current health situation.
  • Check the latest health guidelines on the official French government website or the European Union travel page .

Additional Tips

  • Carry photocopies of your documents and keep digital copies accessible online in case of loss or theft.
  • Always have some form of identification on you during your travels.
  • Check expiration dates well in advance and renew documents if needed.

Ensure you regularly check for the latest travel updates and document requirements prior to your trip, as immigration policies can change.

In conclusion, preparing the right documentation is a step you cannot skip when planning your trip to France. It’s the key to a hassle-free entry and ability to enjoy everything France has to offer, from the delightful cuisine to magnificent sights. Bon voyage!

So, my fellow travelers, don’t forget your passport, visa, insurance, accommodation proof, financial means, return ticket, and health documents when embarking on your French adventure. Check out visaverge.com for more handy travel tips and up-to-date information. Now go forth and savor the croissants, kiss the Eiffel Tower, and bask in the wonders of France! Safe travels, mes amis! 🇫🇷✈️ #visaverge #travelhacks

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What documentation do I need to travel to France?

  • To travel to France, you will need a valid passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa. It is important to check your specific visa requirements well in advance of your trip. You may also be required to show proof of travel and health insurance, as well as provide evidence of accommodation and financial means.

FAQ 2: How do I apply for a Schengen visa for France?

  • To apply for a Schengen visa for France, you can visit the France-Visas website, which is the official portal for visa applications to France. The website provides guidelines and application procedures based on your specific circumstances and nationality. It is important to apply for the visa well in advance of your trip to allow sufficient processing time.

FAQ 3: What health documents do I need for travel to France?

  • The health documents required for travel to France may vary depending on the current health situation, such as during a pandemic. It is recommended to check the latest health guidelines on the official French government website or the European Union travel page. These documents may include a negative COVID-19 test, a vaccination certificate, or a health declaration. Stay informed about any changes in health regulations and requirements prior to your trip.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

  • True or False: A Schengen visa allows travel between most European countries.
  • What should your travel insurance cover to enter France?
  • What additional health documents might be necessary for entry into France during a pandemic?

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Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

Passports and visas.

All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S. (External link)

It is mandatory in France to carry some form of identification at all times. If you lose your passport, the nearest U.S. Consulate will issue Americans a limited-validity replacement if travel is imminent, or a full-validity passport if further travel is not within two weeks. When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday). There are other Consular Offices in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse that provide assistance to American citizens.

Entering France : Travelers from countries outside the European Union (EU) must declare certain articles when entering France. Duty and import taxes are levied on items not for personal use that individually or collectively exceed 175€ in value. Certain categories of items for personal use (tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee and tea, etc.) may be brought in untaxed up to certain authorized amounts. The following are forbidden or subject to strict control: drugs, radioactive materials, firearms, endangered species, plants, ivory and food, meat and dairy products. Carry prescriptions to authenticate any controlled substances. “Monetary instruments” equal to more than 10,000€ (whether brought into or taken out of France) must be declared. When in doubt, consult the French Embassy (External link) , a French Consulate or the French Customs and Excise Service's “ Info Douanes Service (External link) ” in Paris at tel. 08 20 02 44 44 (8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday)

Re-entering the U.S. : Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You're charged a flat rate of duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases, and any dollar amount beyond that is subject to duty at whatever rates apply. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. Have your receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: If you owe duty, you are required to pay upon your arrival in the United States, using cash, personal check, government or traveler's check, or money order; some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard.

BRINGING YOUR PETS TO FRANCE

Travelers may bring dogs, cats and ferrets into France. Each family is limited to five animals, which must have valid rabies vaccination certificates and be identifiable by a microchip or tattoo. For more information, including details about travel with pet rodents, reptiles, birds or other species, visit www.ambafrance-us.org or contact the French Embassy.

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Practical info

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  • Travel Destinations

How To Apply For A France Visa When I Have A Travel Document

Published: November 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Chrissy Rouse

  • Plan Your Trip

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Introduction

France is a charming and diverse country that attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you are planning to explore the romantic streets of Paris, bask in the glorious sun on the French Riviera, or indulge in the exquisite cuisine and wine, France has something to offer everyone.

However, if you hold a travel document instead of a regular passport, you may be wondering about the process of applying for a France visa. A travel document, also known as a refugee travel document or a certificate of identity, is issued to individuals who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country due to various reasons, such as being a refugee or stateless person.

The good news is that France recognizes the importance of travel and welcomes individuals with travel documents to experience its rich culture and attractions. In this article, we will guide you through the process of applying for a France visa when you have a travel document, ensuring that you are well-informed and prepared for your journey.

Understanding Travel Documents

Before delving into the process of applying for a France visa with a travel document, it’s essential to understand what a travel document is and its significance.

A travel document is an official identification document issued by a country to foreign nationals who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country. It serves as a substitute for a passport and allows individuals to travel internationally.

There are two main types of travel documents: refugee travel documents and certificates of identity.

A refugee travel document is issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status by a country and are unable to obtain a passport from their country of origin. It allows refugees to travel outside of the country that granted them asylum and seek protection or establish a new life elsewhere.

A certificate of identity, on the other hand, is issued to individuals who are not recognized as refugees but are unable to obtain a passport due to various reasons, such as being stateless or having their citizenship revoked. This document enables them to travel internationally, albeit with certain limitations and restrictions.

It is important to note that a travel document is not the same as a passport and may not be accepted by all countries for visa-free travel. Therefore, if you are planning to visit a specific country, it is advisable to check the visa requirements and restrictions beforehand.

When it comes to applying for a France visa with a travel document, it is crucial to ensure that your travel document is valid, recognized, and has sufficient validity remaining for the duration of your intended stay in France. This is because France, like many other countries, requires travelers to have a valid travel document in order to enter and stay in the country legally.

Types of France Visas

Before applying for a France visa with a travel document, it’s important to understand the different types of visas available. The type of visa you should apply for depends on the purpose and duration of your stay in France. Here are some of the common types of visas:

  • Short-stay Schengen Visa: Also known as a tourist visa or visitor visa, this visa allows you to stay in France and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for those traveling for tourism, business meetings, or family visits.
  • Long-stay visa: If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. This type of visa is further categorized based on the purpose of your stay, such as student visa, work visa, family reunion visa, or research visa.
  • Transit visa: If you have a layover at a French airport and plan to leave the international area during your stopover, you may need a transit visa. This allows you to transit through France for a limited period before continuing your journey to your final destination.
  • Airport transit visa: If you are a non-EU/EEA national traveling through a French airport but not leaving the international transit area, you may need an airport transit visa. This visa allows you to transit through the airport without entering French territory.

It is important to carefully select the appropriate visa type based on your purpose of travel to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Each visa type has specific requirements and documentation that you need to fulfill during the application process. Therefore, it is recommended to thoroughly research the visa requirements and consult with the French embassy or consulate in your home country for accurate and up-to-date information.

Eligibility Criteria for France Visa with a Travel Document

Applying for a France visa with a travel document requires you to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, there are some common criteria to consider:

  • Valid travel document: Your travel document should be valid and recognized by the French authorities. It should also have sufficient validity remaining for the duration of your intended stay in France.
  • Proof of purpose: You need to provide evidence of the purpose of your visit to France. This could include travel itineraries, hotel reservations, invitation letters, or any other supporting documents that establish the intention and nature of your stay.
  • Financial means: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of your stay in France. This can be in the form of bank statements, proof of employment or income, or sponsorship letters.
  • Travel insurance: It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the duration of your stay in France. The insurance should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
  • Valid residence permit: If you are residing in a country other than your home country, you may need to provide a valid residence permit or long-term visa for that country.
  • No threat to public order or security: You should not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health. This includes having no criminal record or being involved in any activities that could compromise the safety of France.

It’s important to note that these are general eligibility criteria, and additional requirements may apply depending on the visa type and your specific circumstances. It is advisable to consult the website of the French embassy or consulate in your home country for detailed and up-to-date information on the eligibility criteria for France visa applications with a travel document.

Required Documents for France Visa Application

When applying for a France visa with a travel document, you will need to submit various documents to support your application. The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. However, here are some common documents that are typically requested:

  • Completed application form: You need to fill out the France visa application form accurately and completely. This form can usually be downloaded from the website of the French embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Passport-sized photographs: Provide recent passport-sized photographs according to the specifications specified by the embassy or consulate. Generally, two identical photos are required.
  • Valid travel document: Submit your original travel document, along with photocopies of its relevant pages (including the biographic information page and any valid visas or residence permits).
  • Proof of travel itinerary: Include details of your travel plans, such as confirmed flight reservations, hotel bookings, or any other relevant travel arrangements.
  • Proof of accommodation: Provide evidence of your accommodation in France, such as hotel reservations, a letter of invitation from a host, or proof of rental accommodation.
  • Proof of financial means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay in France. This can be in the form of bank statements, sponsorship letters, or proof of employment or income.
  • Travel insurance: Show proof of travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the duration of your stay in France. The insurance coverage should meet the minimum requirement set by the French authorities.
  • Proof of purpose: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need to submit additional supporting documents. For example, if you are traveling for business purposes, you may need to provide a letter of invitation from a French company or organization.
  • Proof of legal residence: If you are residing in a country other than your home country, you may need to provide a valid residence permit or long-term visa for that country.
  • Additional documents: The embassy or consulate may request additional documents based on your individual circumstances, such as a criminal record check, proof of ties to your home country, or educational qualifications.

It is important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on your visa type and individual situation. It is recommended to check the website of the French embassy or consulate in your home country for the full list of required documents and any specific instructions for your visa application.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a France Visa with a Travel Document

Applying for a France visa with a travel document involves several steps. While the exact process may vary depending on the country you are applying from and the specific visa type, here is a general step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:

  • Research: Start by researching the visa requirements and guidelines specific to your visa type. Visit the website of the French embassy or consulate in your home country to gather information on the required documents, eligibility criteria, and application process.
  • Complete the application form: Download and fill out the France visa application form. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information.
  • Gather the required documents: Collect all the necessary documents as per the visa requirements. This may include your travel document, photographs, proof of purpose, financial means, travel insurance, and other supporting documents.
  • Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment at the appropriate French embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa applications are usually submitted in person, so it is essential to secure a convenient date and time for your appointment.
  • Attend the appointment: On the day of your appointment, visit the embassy or consulate and submit your visa application along with the required documents. You may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, during this process.
  • Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa fee at the time of submitting your application. The fee amount may vary depending on the type and duration of the visa.
  • Track your application: After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt or acknowledgment that you can use to track the progress of your visa application. This can usually be done online through the embassy or consulate’s website.
  • Attend the visa interview (if required): Depending on your visa type and individual circumstances, you may be called for a visa interview. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application, supporting documents, and being ready to answer any questions about your travel plans or purpose of visit.
  • Receive the visa decision: After your application has been processed, you will be notified of the visa decision. If approved, you can collect your passport with the visa affixed to it from the embassy or consulate. In some cases, the visa may be sent to you via mail or a designated visa application center.

It is important to note that the processing time for visa applications may vary, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel dates. Additionally, it is essential to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the French embassy or consulate and to keep track of any updates or changes in the visa application process.

Submitting the Application and Paying the Fees

Once you have gathered all the required documents and completed the application form, the next step in applying for a France visa with a travel document is to submit your application and pay the applicable fees. Here’s a detailed guide on submitting the application and paying the fees:

  • Schedule an appointment: Contact the French embassy or consulate in your home country to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. It is important to secure an appointment in advance as walk-in applications are typically not accepted.
  • Collect the required documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents as per the visa requirements, including your travel document, photographs, proof of purpose, financial means, and travel insurance. Make copies of all the documents as required.
  • Complete the application form: Fill out the France visa application form accurately and completely. Double-check all the information before submitting the form.
  • Attend the appointment: On the day of your appointment, arrive on time at the French embassy or consulate. Submit your completed application form and provide the original documents along with the photocopies.
  • Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa fee at the time of submitting your application. The fee amount varies depending on the visa type and duration. Some embassies or consulates may only accept cash payments, while others may also accept debit or credit cards. Ensure that you have the exact fee amount in the appropriate currency.
  • Receive a receipt: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive a receipt or acknowledgment. This receipt is important as it contains your application reference number, which you can use to track the progress of your visa application.

It is important to note that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you meet all the requirements and submit a complete and accurate application.

It is also recommended to keep a photocopy of your application and all the submitted documents for your reference. Additionally, make a note of the expected processing time for your visa application, as it may vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the time of year.

Remember to follow any additional instructions or guidelines provided by the French embassy or consulate regarding the submission process and fee payment.

By following these steps and properly submitting your application and paying the necessary fees, you are one step closer to obtaining your France visa with a travel document.

Tracking the Application

After you have submitted your France visa application with a travel document, it is important to track the progress of your application to stay informed about its status. Here are the steps to track your application:

  • Receipt or acknowledgment: Upon submitting your application, you will receive a receipt or acknowledgment containing a unique reference number. This number serves as a tracking number for your application.
  • Embassy or consulate website: Visit the website of the French embassy or consulate in your home country. Look for the section related to visa applications or consular services. You may find a designated online portal or a specific page where you can track the status of your application.
  • Enter reference number: On the designated tracking page, enter your unique reference number from the receipt or acknowledgment. This will allow you to access the status of your application.
  • Check the status: Once you have entered the reference number, you will be able to view the current status of your application. It may mention whether your application is being processed, is under review, or whether a decision has been made.
  • Updates and notifications: Keep an eye out for any updates or notifications from the embassy or consulate regarding your application. This could include requests for additional documents, interview notifications, or the final decision on your visa.
  • Contact the embassy or consulate: If you have any concerns or questions about the status of your application, you can reach out to the embassy or consulate directly. They may be able to provide more specific information about your case.

It is important to note that the processing time for visa applications can vary, so it is recommended to track your application regularly. However, keep in mind that the tracking system may not provide real-time updates, and it may take some time for the status to be updated.

If your application is taking longer than the advertised processing time and you have not received any updates, it is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate for further clarification.

By actively tracking your application, you can stay informed and be prepared for any further steps or actions required in the visa application process.

Visa Interview and Biometrics Appointment

As part of the France visa application process with a travel document, you may be required to attend a visa interview and/or biometrics appointment. These steps are important for verifying your identity and gathering additional information about your travel plans. Here is what you should know about the visa interview and biometrics appointment:

  • Visa Interview: Depending on your visa type and individual circumstances, you may be called for a visa interview at the French embassy or consulate in your home country. The purpose of the interview is to assess the credibility of your application and gain more insights into the purpose and nature of your travel to France. During the interview, you may be asked questions about your travel plans, accommodation arrangements, financial means, and other relevant details. It is important to be prepared, provide honest answers, and bring any necessary supporting documents to the interview.
  • Biometrics Appointment: In addition to the visa interview, you may need to attend a biometrics appointment. This involves providing your fingerprints and having your photograph taken. Biometric data helps in verifying your identity and is used as part of the visa application process. The biometrics appointment is usually scheduled at a designated visa application center or embassy/consulate, separate from the visa interview. Make sure to bring your appointment letter and any other required documents to the biometrics appointment.
  • Preparing for the Interviews: Prior to the visa interview and biometrics appointment, it is crucial to be well-prepared. Review your visa application and supporting documents, familiarize yourself with your travel plans, and anticipate potential questions that may be asked. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and bring all the necessary documents requested. It is important to remain calm, confident, and provide truthful answers during the interviews.
  • Follow the Instructions: The embassy or consulate will provide you with specific instructions regarding the visa interview and biometrics appointment. Make sure to carefully read and follow these instructions. Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in delays or complications in your visa application process.

Attending the visa interview and biometrics appointment is an important part of the France visa application process. It allows the authorities to verify your identity and gain a better understanding of your travel plans. By adequately preparing for these appointments and following the instructions provided, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application.

Receiving the Visa Decision

After you have completed the required steps of the France visa application process with a travel document, the final stage is receiving the visa decision. Here is what you need to know about receiving the visa decision:

  • Processing Time: The processing time for visa applications can vary. It is important to note that the advertised processing time is an estimate and may be subject to change based on individual circumstances, the type of visa, and the workload of the embassy or consulate.
  • Notification: Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified of the outcome. This notification can come in different forms, including email, SMS, or a physical letter sent to your address. Some embassies or consulates may also provide an online system where you can check the status of your application and receive the decision electronically.
  • Approval: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa affixed to it. The visa will indicate the type of visa, the duration of stay, and any specific conditions or restrictions. Carefully review the details to ensure they align with your travel plans.
  • Rejection: In case of a visa rejection, you will be notified of the reasons for the refusal. It is essential to carefully review the reasons provided and, if necessary, seek clarification from the embassy or consulate. In some cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply for the visa with additional supporting documents.
  • Collecting the Passport: If your visa application is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa from the embassy or consulate. Ensure that you bring the necessary identification and any receipts or documents provided during the application process. Follow the embassy or consulate’s guidelines for picking up your passport, as there may be specific time slots or requirements.

It is important to note that receiving the visa decision does not guarantee entry into France. The final decision on your entry lies with the border control authorities when you arrive in France. Therefore, it is essential to have all the necessary travel documents and be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the immigration officials.

It is advisable to make copies of your visa and other important travel documents and keep them separately from the originals. This will serve as a backup in case your documents are lost or stolen during your trip.

By staying informed and following the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate, you can ensure a smooth process of receiving the visa decision and prepare for your exciting journey to France.

Applying for a France visa with a travel document is an important process that allows individuals to explore the diverse landscapes, enjoy the rich culture, and experience the charm of this captivating country. While the application process may seem daunting, understanding the requirements and following the necessary steps can help make the process smoother and more successful.

In this guide, we have covered the key aspects of applying for a France visa with a travel document, including understanding travel documents, the types of France visas available, eligibility criteria, required documents, the step-by-step process, and additional stages such as the visa interview and biometrics appointment. We have also discussed the importance of tracking your application and being prepared for the visa decision.

It is essential to remember that each visa application is unique, and the specific requirements and processes may vary depending on your personal circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for. Therefore, it is crucial to consult the website of the French embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Applying for a France visa with a travel document may require patience and thorough preparation, but the experience of exploring the beautiful cities, savoring the delectable cuisine, and immersing in the vibrant culture of France will undoubtedly be worth it. So, gather your documents, follow the guidelines, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting land of France.

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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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france travel documents list

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

France travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – Olympic and Paralympic Games

Last updated: March 27, 2024 12:08 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, france - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the elevated threat of terrorism.

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"Attack emergency" alert

On March 24, 2024, the Prime Minister of France raised the security threat level within the “Vigipirate” plan to “urgence attentat” (“attack emergency”). This is the highest level in the Vigipirate plan, a set of measures to prepare and protect the population and public places. The decision was made following a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly alert during public gatherings and demonstrations.

If you are in France:

  • expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence at the border and in public places
  • monitor local media for the most recent information
  • follow the instructions of local authorities

Vigipirate plan – Government of France (in French)

Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Olympic Games will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

Public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony.

If you plan to travel to France during this time, plan your travel accordingly.

During the Olympic Games, especially in Paris, you should expect:

  • an increased presence of security forces
  • major disruptions to traffic and movement
  • large crowds and public gatherings

Useful links

  • Anticipate the Games – Government of France (in French)
  • Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 – official site

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.

Vigipirate plan

The Vigipirate plan is a set of measures established by the French government to prepare and protect the French population, infrastructure and institutions in the event of an attack. The aim is also to allow rapid deployment of intervention measures if necessary.

As part of this plan, the government maintains a 3-level public alert system for terrorism. Changes in the threat level are communicated online and through local and national media.

Operation sentinelle

Operation Sentinelle allows the deployment of military brigades in public places to patrol and deter terrorist acts. Enhanced security measures have been deployed in various strategic locations, including:

  • transport hubs
  • public places
  • tourist locations, especially in Paris

Expect an increased police or military presence in public places, including some tourist locations, particularly in Paris.

Attacks can occur anywhere. Terrorists may target:

  • government buildings and those of local authorities
  • schools/universities
  • places of worship
  • places dedicated to culture, such as exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres
  • airports, railway stations and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

While in France:

  • always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
  • be particularly vigilant if attending large gatherings such as sporting events and religious celebrations or other public celebrations
  • Information on the terrorist threat in France - Ministry of the Interior (in French)
  • How to react in case of a terrorist attack - Government of France (in French)
  • Social media accounts of the Ministry of the Interior - Ministry of the Interior (in French)
  • Vigipirate  – General secretary of defense and national security (in French)

Petty crime

Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, and purse and mobile phone snatching are common.

Thieves are very skilled. They often act in groups and are often minors. They may use various techniques to divert your attention and steal your belongings.

Thieves are mainly active in large cities and busy places, such as:

  • the main tourist sites
  • department stores
  • restaurants and patios
  • hotel lobbies
  • public transport, in particular the Paris metro and the Île-de-France regional express network (RER) lines linking the capital to its surroundings

Violent crimes

Violent crimes are rarer, but still occur.

Tourists are sometimes victims of violent attacks by groups of young people who want to rob them. These attacks usually occur :

  • around major tourist attractions
  • near railway stations
  • on trains of the Île-de-France regional express network (RER) connecting the capital to its surroundings

Assaults can also occur outside night-time establishments and in more isolated areas at night.

Residential break-ins

Residential break-ins occur, especially in large cities and coastal areas. Burglars sometimes target houses or holiday rental apartments.

  • be vigilant, particularly when approached by strangers
  • ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
  • limit the use of mobile phones on public transportation and in crowded areas to ensure you remain aware of your surroundings and to avoid attracting attention
  • don’t keep your credit, debit cards and cash in the same place
  • never leave your bags unsupervised
  • choose well-secured accommodation and make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re away

Parked vehicles and vehicles on the road

Vehicle break-ins are frequent. Theft of parked cars or their contents is particularly common on beach roads in the south of France and at highway rest stops throughout the country, especially during the summer, when there is a high number of travellers.

  • Leave nothing in view in the vehicle
  • Use secure parking facilities
  • Be particularly vigilant when renting automobiles, as rented vehicles are a target of choice

Drivers are often tricked into stopping their cars by thieves who either obstruct the road or distract the driver by flashing their headlights. They may also pretend that you have a flat tire or even puncture a tire themselves. Once the vehicle is stopped, the thieves seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects.

  • Beware of any person who waves at you to stop on the highway
  • Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags are often snatched from the front passenger seat by thieves travelling on scooters
  • Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times

Victims of crime

If you’re a victim of theft, go to the nearest police station to report the crime. Keep a copy of your theft report, as you will need it if you wish to make a claim to your insurer. If the incident takes place in the metro, a metro officer can direct you to the nearest police station.

You can complete an online pre-complaint for certain types of minor crime, such as property theft, before going to the police station. This may speed up the process once you get there.

  • Prevention advice for tourists - Préfecture de police de Paris
  • Online pre-complaint - Ministry of the Interior (in French)

Bomb threats

Since October 2023, there have been a number of bomb threats sent to public places across France.

Bomb threats and hoaxes can target any location, including:

  • tourist areas
  • shopping centres
  • transportation hubs
  • government facilities
  • religious institutions

If you are in an area targeted by a bomb threat, follow the instructions of local authorities including evacuation orders.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
  • use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transaction on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

  • Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
  • Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
  • Be cautious when posting information on social media
  • Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently. They are usually planned as permission from the local authorities is required. However, unauthorized and spontaneous demonstrations also take place.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Radical activists and vandals have a history of using aggressive and violent tactics during demonstrations in order to cause damage and provoke a strong response from the police. They sometimes throw stones, smoke grenades, bottles and other debris at rallies. The police normally respond with tear gas to disperse the crowds.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Strikes and pressure tactics occur regularly, particularly in key sectors such as transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt public services.

  • Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
  • In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Swimming, boating and water safety

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Always obey warning flags at beaches.

The main warning flags used in France are:

  • Green: calm waters, swimming is allowed
  • Yellow: agitated waters, swim with precautions
  • Red: dangerous waters, swimming is prohibited
  • Purple: contaminated waters or presence of dangerous aquatic species, swimming is prohibited

In autumn and winter, be cautious when walking on the shore, as waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.

  • Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
  • Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
  • Don’t dive into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
  • Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

  • know the capacity of your boat (people and weight) and don’t exceed it
  • know the navigation rules
  • follow safe practices for all activities on the water: personal watercraft, water-skiing and towed devices, diving or swimming, fishing, etc.
  • equip your boat with a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
  • be prepared for emergencies

Search and rescue missions in France are carried out by the Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centres (CROSS). In case of emergency, contact the centre on VHF radio channel 16 or by dialling 196.

  • Surveillance and rescue at sea - Ministry of the Sea (in French)
  • Water safety abroad

Mountain activities

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well prepared. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

In winter, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to reach some villages and ski centres. Roads may become impassable. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.

If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:

  • never do so alone and do not part with your hiking companions
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • do not venture off marked trails or slopes
  • ensure that you’re adequately equipped
  • stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
  • know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
  • obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be doing it before setting out
  • Information on mountain conditions - Association nationale pour l'étude de la neige et des avalanches (ANENA) (in French)
  • Specialised mountain units - Gendarmerie nationale (in French)
  • Avalanche forecasts and warnings - European Avalanche Warning Service (EAWS)

Road safety

French roads are well maintained.

Drive carefully and respect the Highway Code.

Public transportation

Urban and intercity public transportation is reliable. When using these types of transport, make sure you validate your ticket and keep it until the end of your journey. The authorities carry out regular random checks and you may be fined if you do not have a validated ticket.

There is a problem of illegal taxis in Paris airports and train stations. These scammers charge much higher rates than the official ones.

  • Ignore direct solicitations when leaving the airport or train station
  • Use only official taxis or a trusted ride-sharing app
  • Don’t share a taxi with strangers

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

  • Schengen area

France is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada

Temporary border controls

The French government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain ports of entry. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering France, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Long-stay or residency visa: required for stays longer than 90 days Work permit: required Student visa: required for stays longer than 90 days

More information on Visas - Government of France

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

To leave France, any child under the age of 18 who normally resides in France must be accompanied by at least one parent. Children travelling without at least one parent must be in possession of:

  • an authorization to leave the country signed by one of the parents
  • a photocopy of the signing parent’s identification
  • More information on the authorization to leave the country - French administration services
  • More about travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

  • In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
  • Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent and available throughout the country. Up-front payment may be required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and France are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in France to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and France authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identity checks

You may be subject to identity checks during your stay in France.

Always carry valid identification such as a driver's licence, passport or a copy of it.

Keep photocopies or digital copies of the following documents, in case of loss or seizure:

  • the identification page of your passport
  • your birth certificate
  • your Canadian citizenship card
  • your driver’s licence

Keep originals and copies in separate safe locations.

Concealing your face in public places

In France, it’s illegal to cover your face in public places, including international airport arrivals areas.

Offenders risk a very high fine. There is no exemption for tourists or for religious reasons.

  • Identity checks - French administration services
  • Concealment of the face in public places - French administration services

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and France.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in France, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the French court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in France to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in France.

You should carry an International Driving Permit. You can drive with your Canadian licence for up to 1 year. If you stay in France, you will have to exchange your Canadian licence for a French licence.

Numerous roadside cameras have been installed to help enforce traffic regulations. You could receive heavy fines if you do not obey the speed limit or the Highway Code. Local authorities may also confiscate your driver’s licence.

Fines must generally be paid within 3 days. They may be increased in case of delay of payment.

A reflective vest and warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles.

From November 1 to March 31, winter tires or chains are compulsory in some cities and regions in mountainous areas.

Priority to the right

The “priority to the right” system is in effect in France. Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections, even on secondary roads. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.

In general, traffic in a roundabout has priority over vehicles trying to enter it. Priority switches to vehicles from the left.

Low-emission zones

Some cities and territories have put in place low emission zones to reduce air pollution.

Access to these zones is restricted to vehicles that meet certain environmental standards. You may need to get a permit to drive in these areas.

  • More information about road travel in France - European Commission
  • Obligations to equip vehicles in winter - French administration services (in French)
  • Air quality certificates: Crit'Air - Ministry of Ecological Transition (in French)

The currency of France is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

  • banknotes and coins
  • bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
  • bonds, shares
  • gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
  • gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
  • any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas, which can cause fatal accidents. If you intend to ski or climb, find out about the weather and safety conditions and follow the advice given.

  • Familiarise yourself with the avalanche risk levels - French administration services

There is a risk of seasonal flooding, particularly in areas along major rivers and streams. Flooding can hamper overland travel and the provision of essential services.

The French government has a flood forecasting service called Vigicrues.

  • Exercise caution
  • Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts

Flooding risk - Vigicrues

Forest and maquis fires

Forest and maquis fires often occur in summer, particularly on the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

There is a ban on smoking in woods and forests during high forest fire risk periods as defined by the prefecture. This ban applies equally to areas situated within 200m of wooded areas.

In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • follow the advice of local authorities
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

  Forest weather – Météo France (in French)

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Dial 17 to connect to the police.

French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, La Réunion, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

South Region

Région Occitanie

Rhône-Alpes Region

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna

Consular assistance - France

Please call the consulates before visiting them.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to France, in Paris, and follow the instructions

Consular assistance - Wallis and Futuna

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to New Zealand, in Wellington, and follow the instructions.

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The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief

President biden says he wants to rake in more money from corporations and high earners. but so far, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[THEME MUSIC]

Today, in his campaign for re-election, President Biden says that raising taxes is at the heart of his agenda. But as it turns out so far, he’s done the opposite as president. My colleague Jim Tankersley explains.

It’s Wednesday, April 3.

Jim, welcome back. We haven’t seen you since the State of the Union. Always a pleasure.

So, so great to be here. And yeah, I finally recovered from staying up all night with you guys.

Yeah, you don’t even know all night. You stopped and we kept going.

That’s true. I did. I got a robust three hours that night. You’re right.

[LAUGHS]:: So Jim, in your capacity as really the chief economic thinker covering this president, you recently came across something very surprising.

Yeah, it started with a pretty basic question for me. I like to do this crazy thing, Michael, where I like to take candidates’ promises and see if they’ve come true.

It’s a little bit wild, but it’s what I do for fun. And in this case, I wanted to look at a very central promise of President Biden’s campaign in 2020, which he has repeated while in office.

I promise you, I guarantee you we can build back, and build back better with an economy that rewards work, not wealth.

The promise was he was going to raise taxes.

But I tell you what I’m going to do, and I make no apologies for it. I’m going to ask the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations of the Fortune 500 companies, 91 making a collective billions of dollars, didn’t pay a single solitary penny in federal tax!

Not taxes on the middle class, not taxes on low income workers, but he was going to raise taxes on corporations and the rich.

But I’m going to make sure they pay their fair share!

He was going to make them pay their fair share. And he leaned into it.

Guess what? You’re going to start paying your fair share. I’m going to ask them to finally begin to pay the fair share. It’s not a punishment. Pay your fair share.

He said it over and over.

Fair share? Translation — it’s back to the failed policies of the 1970s.

Republicans loved this. They repeated it too. They told voters that the president was going to raise taxes.

Joe Biden bragging about raising taxes on corporations. That means less money for those very employers to hire people back.

They talked about all the ways in which corporate tax increases could rebound on workers.

Joe Biden will shut down your economy, raise taxes, wants a $4 trillion tax increase. He’s the only politician I’ve ever seen who said, we will raise your taxes. You’re supposed —

It was a very big part of the economic debate for the campaign.

And I wanted to know, is that true? Has that actually played out in the policy agenda the president has had?

So I asked some economists at the Tax Policy Center in Washington to run an analysis and just say, let’s look at all of the ways Biden has changed the tax code in all of those laws he’s signed, and ask, has he raised taxes as president? And it turns out the answer is he has not raised taxes.

On net, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised.

How much more has he cut taxes than raised them?

So by the math that economists use when they look at budgets, the traditional way of scoring tax changes, he has cut taxes by $600 billion on net.

Hmm. A lot of money, a lot of tax cuts.

It’s a lot of tax cuts. The president has been a net tax cutter.

So Jim, why and how did Biden end up cutting taxes, especially if his stated intent was to raise taxes?

Well, there’s two sides of this equation and two complementary explanations for what’s happened here. The first side is the tax increases that Biden ran on, he’s only done a couple of them. He has trillions of dollars of ideas for how to raise taxes on rich people and corporations. The Treasury Department publishes an entire book full of them every year called “The Green Book.”

But in the actual legislation he signed, there’s only been a couple, really. There was a tax on stock buybacks that companies do and then a new minimum tax for certain multinational corporations that have very low tax rates. Those add up to real money, but they are not, in the grand scheme of Biden’s tax increases, a really large amount of the agenda he’s proposed.

So explanation number one, he just hasn’t been that successful in passing tax increases, and there’s a lot of reasons for that. The biggest one is just the simplest one is that he’s just had a really hard time persuading members of Congress, including Democrats, to back some of his favorite tax increases. He wants to raise the corporate income tax rate, which President Trump cut in his 2017 tax bill. Biden wants to raise it to 28 percent from 21 percent. Congress has not had any appetite to go along with that.

He wanted to get rid of what’s called the carried interest loophole, a long-time white whale of Democratic policy making. But he could not get even 50 Democrats to go along with that. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona was opposed to it, and so it didn’t get included.

And he did some pieces of legislation on a bipartisan basis. And in those cases, Republicans were just not going to pay for anything by raising taxes, and so he had to take those off the table there. So it’s all added up to just not very much activity in Congress to raise taxes on what Biden wants to do.

Got it. So that’s the side of a ledger where Biden simply fails to increase taxes because he can’t get Congress to increase taxes.

Right. But there’s another side, which is also that Biden has signed into law a decent number of tax cuts.

And that starts from the very beginning. Just a couple of months into his presidency, if you’ll recall, we’re still in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is wobbling after it had started to rebound. Biden proposes what is essentially a stimulus bill.

And he includes some tax cuts in there, a tax cut for families, a child tax credit. And it also includes — you remember those direct checks that people got as part of that bill?

Yes, $1,400. I remember them.

Yes, those were technically tax cuts.

So the stimulus bill starts with that. The next year, he passes this bill that is trying to accelerate manufacturing of things like semiconductors in the United States. That’s the CHIPS Act. And that includes some corporate tax cuts for companies that invest in the kind of manufacturing that Biden wants. This is industrial policy via carrots for corporations. And Biden is handing them out as part of this bill.

So tax cuts there. And then finally the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes the largest climate effort in American history is a bunch of corporate tax cuts at its core, tax cuts for manufacturing of solar panels, tax cuts for people to buy electric vehicles, tax cuts for all sorts of things tied to the transition from fossil fuels to lower emission sources of energy. And those tax cuts add up. They add up for corporations. They add up for individuals. And in the end, that full suite of tax cuts that he’s passed across all of this legislation outweighs the modest tax increases that were also included in the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce its cost.

Got it. So a very big reason why Biden ends up cutting taxes, beyond the fact that he’s not able to raise them through Congress, is that that’s what it took, according to those in his administration, to get American industry and American consumers to change their behavior in line with policy goals such as getting more domestic computer chip manufacturing and getting more people to buy electric vehicles they decided the way to do that was to give people tax breaks, which means he cut their taxes.

Right, people and companies. The president certainly has talked throughout the campaign about wanting to give middle class families a break. But he has also, in the process of crafting policy, really come to rely on tax cuts for people and for corporations as a way of achieving these policy goals. And in many cases, again, this is what he had to do to pass these bills through even Democrats in Congress.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia didn’t want to just send money to companies that were making solar panels. He wanted there to be tax incentives for it. And so that is part of the reason why these were created as tax incentives. And so all of this adds up to more of a tax cutting record than you might have imagined when Biden was on the campaign trail.

I’m curious who really ended up benefiting from these tax cuts. You said they went to people and to corporations, but on the whole, did they end up reaching lower income Americans, middle income Americans, or the rich?

Well, we don’t have a full distributional analysis, which is what you’re asking for, of the entirety of Biden’s tax changes. But what we can say this — particularly the ones that were in that early stimulus bill, the recovery plan, those were very much targeted toward lower income and middle income Americans.

There were income limits on who could get things like the Child Tax Credit. Obviously, the direct payments went to people who were middle class or less. So the analysis of that would suggest that these were tax cuts for lower income people, for middle class people. And on the flip side, what I think we are likely to see with the electric vehicle credit through the Inflation Reduction Act is that while there are some income limits on who can qualify for that credit, that the people who end up claiming that credit tend to be the higher earners among the people who qualify.

Right. Who buys a Tesla, after all? Somebody with a fair amount of money.

Right, exactly. And of course, the corporate tax cuts go to companies, flow through to their shareholders. There’s a huge debate in the academic literature among politicians about how much of that benefit actually ends up going to their workers versus stays with shareholders. But we can broadly say that Joe Biden has done a lot for certain corporations who are trying to advance his manufacturing goals in particular to reduce their tax bills. And that is certainly not in line with the rhetoric you hear him talking about most of the time about making corporations pay their fair share. And the White House acknowledges this. I asked them about it. And they basically said, we think there’s a difference between just cutting the corporate tax rate in a way that helps anybody no matter what they’re doing and what we’re trying to do, which is basically reward corporations for accelerating the energy transition.

Understood. But where does this ultimately leave Biden’s campaign promise to make the tax code fairer and to make sure that the well-off in particular and corporations are paying their, what he calls, fair share?

Well, I think by Biden’s own measurements, by his own ambitions, he would have to agree that he is nowhere close to what he believes would be a fair share for corporations. Because Biden is still running on this. As he enters his re-election campaign, as it really heats up, a rematch with Donald Trump, the president is really leaning into this message of we need to do more. We need to raise more taxes on corporate America. It is time for these companies and for high earners to pay their fair share.

Right. I didn’t get it done in the first term. But if you elect me, I’ll get it done in the second.

Give me another shot, and this time, I promise, will be different.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

We’ll be right back.

So Jim, let’s talk about Biden’s tax raising plans for a theoretical second term and why anyone should have any faith that he could get it done, if there’s a second term, given the experience so far of his first term.

Yeah, well, man, there’s a lot of plans to talk about. I don’t think we can get through all of them, but we can certainly hit the highlights here. So we can start with the couple of things that Biden has been able to do to raise taxes on corporations. He wants to take those and then plus them up.

He’s put this new minimum tax on corporations. It’s a 15 percent minimum tax on certain multinationals. He now wants to raise that to 21 percent.

He wants to take that corporate stock buyback tax which is 1 percent right now, and he’d like to quadruple it to 4 percent. And then he goes after some things large and small. He wants to do new taxes that hit the use of corporate and private jets. He wants to do new taxes on companies that pay large amounts of compensation to their executives.

And then we get to some really big taxes on high earning individuals. So the president has said over and over again, he won’t raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year. But he’s got a bunch of taxes for the people above that. So he wants to raise the top marginal income tax rate. He wants to take it from 37 percent, which is the level set by President Trump’s 2017 tax law, and bring it back to 39.6 percent, which is what it was before. He also wants to impose what he calls a billionaires tax.

OK. It’s a 25 percent tax on the total value of all of the assets of anyone worth more than $100 million.

OK, wait. I have several questions about this.

First being a fact check, if it’s a billionaires tax, it’s interesting that it’s going after people who have just 100 million.

Yeah, I think most billionaires would be offended at the inclusion of 100 millionaires in that. Yes, totally agree. That is factually inaccurate, the name.

Right. But beyond that, this sounds very much like a wealth tax, which we don’t really have in our system.

Yeah, it’s a sort of wealth tax. The Biden people don’t call it a wealth tax, but it is a tax on something other than income that you report every year to the IRS as having been earned. It goes beyond just, oh, I got interest from my stock holdings or I made money from my job. It’s, oh, the value of my art collection increased last year, and now Biden’s going to tax me on that increase, even if I didn’t sell the art.

That’s a real change, and that reflects the president’s view that people with enough money to buy enormous art collections that appreciate enormously in value should be paying more in taxes.

Right. And of course, a tax like this is extremely perhaps maddeningly hard to actually pull off. It’s hard to get someone to describe their art collection’s value so that you can apply a 25 tax to it. So this might end up being more of a political statement than a practical tax.

Yeah, there’s also questions about whether it’s constitutional. So there’s all sorts of drama around this proposal, but it is certainly, if nothing else, a statement of the president’s intent to make people worth a lot of money pay a lot more in taxes.

OK, so that’s a lot of proposed tax increases, almost all of them focused on those who are rich and corporations. Overall, Jim, what stands out to you about this Biden term two tax increase plan?

I think we could very fairly say that it’s the largest tax increasing plan by a sitting president or a presidential nominee for a party in American history.

He wants to get a lot of money from corporations and people who earn or are worth a lot of money.

But the rub, of course, is it’s hard to see the Congressional math that lets Biden accomplish these tax increases, some of which, like you said, he couldn’t get done the first time. Why would we think he would get them done the second time even if he wins this fall?

Yeah, it would be really difficult. Biden would have to win in November. Democrats would have to take the House of Representatives back from Republicans, which is certainly possible. It’s very closely divided right now. And they’d need to hold at least 50 seats in the Senate. And then those 50 Democrats in the Senate would have to be willing to go along with far more in tax increases than Democrats were last time around.

So if there is a second term, it feels like we should assume it will be very difficult perhaps even quite unlikely he’s going to get to push through a lot of these taxes. Which makes me wonder, Jim, why is Biden running on a tax program that he knows has so little chance of becoming reality and when it’s pretty clear that he’s gotten a lot of stuff done without raising taxes? It turns out that’s not been all that essential to getting infrastructure or climate bills done. So why is he making this so central?

Several reasons. One of them is it’s very important to him rhetorically to talk about fiscal responsibility. Big parts of the Biden agenda, the CHIPS bill, the infrastructure bill, some other legislation, were not actually paid for. The spending and tax cuts were not offset by tax increases.

So they’re going to add to the debt.

Right. So they’re going to add to the debt. Same is true of the stimulus bill. But moving forward, the president has said that he’s going to pay for his agenda and he’s actually going to have some extra tax dollars coming in left over to help pay down future budget deficits. And on paper, it’s the way to pay for Biden’s other big, expansive plans that he hasn’t been able to do but wants to — universal child care, federal paid leave, investing in elder care, just a whole bunch of things that he still wants to do more — housing initiatives.

The president needs money to make a case that he’s being fiscally responsible, and this is the money that would do that.

So that’s one reason. Another reason is the calendar. Biden and his team are looking ahead to the end of 2025, and they know that if he wins another term, he will be in office at a rare moment in Washington, when basically tax policy has to be on the Congressional agenda.

Well, Republicans, when they passed their tax cuts in 2017, set a bunch of them to expire at the end of 2025 in order to lower the cost of the bill.

These are the Trump tax cuts.

The Trump tax cuts. And that includes all the tax cuts for individuals. So now that those are coming due, there’s going to be a fight in Washington over whether to extend them or make them permanent or change them in some way or just let them expire, and Democrats know there’s going to be a huge fight that will reach almost certainly the floor of the House and the Senate. And so Biden wants to be ready.

He wants to be ready with a suite of policy proposals that Democrats can basically pull off the shelf and try to use to put Republicans in a box. Basically say, we would like to keep taxes low or cut them further for low income workers, middle class workers. But we want to pay for that by raising taxes on the rich. You Republicans also want to do nice things for low and middle class workers, but you want to cut taxes for corporations and the rich, and we think that’s a political loser for you.

So Biden is ready with what they think will be a political winner for Democrats in this almost certain floor tax fight at the end of 2025.

And that brings us to the last reason why Biden is doing this, and maybe the most important, which is it’s really good politics.

Just explain that. Why is talking about tax increases, net tax increases, such good politics?

If you talk to Democratic pollsters, if you talk to people inside the White House, outside the White House, political strategists anywhere in Biden’s orbit, they all agree that the public loves the idea of forcing rich people and corporations to pay their, quote, “fair share.” It’s just become a winning and central political argument in Democratic campaigns, the idea that corporations avoid taxes, that rich people avoid taxes, and that Joe Biden is trying to position himself as a champion of the idea that they need to pay more. Those corporations and those rich people need to pay more, and he’s going to make it happen.

You’re describing this as something that is kind of a new political reality. Is that right?

Yeah, it’s evolved over the last decade or so I think. For a long time in Washington, the conventional wisdom was just couldn’t talk about tax increases of any kind. They were poison. There was a whole anti-tax movement that did a really good job of messaging that, and Democratic candidates got very scared of talking about raising taxes even on the very, very rich.

That started to turn over time. But it’s really changed. I think we saw in the 2020 election that the Democratic primary had just enormous amounts of taxes on corporations and the rich funding all sorts of policy proposals — Medicare for all and universal child care and trillions and trillions of dollars — and Democratic candidates like Liz Warren and Bernie Sanders competing to see who could tax corporations and the rich the most.

Biden is a product of that primary. He was one of the most moderate people in that group, but his proposals are really outside of the historical norm for Democratic candidates up until then. And that reflects the fact that pollsters have been doing all this research, finding that the American people, including independents and increasingly numbers of Republicans, just don’t think corporations pay their fair share and are open to the idea they should pay more.

This is really interesting, and it makes me think that what you’re really saying is that there might have been a time when a Democratic nominee like Joe Biden might have reveled in his image as an overall tax cutter. But that is not this moment, and that is not this candidate. He wants to be a tax increaser. He thinks that is where the politics are.

I think that’s exactly right when you think about tax increaser as tax increaser on the rich and on corporations. There’s two ways to be a successful populist politician. One of them is to be like Trump and run around saying you’re going to do enormous tax cuts for everybody, which is a Republican version of populism. Trump, my biggest tax cut in history, I’m going to do another huge, enormous tax cut. It’s going to be so big you won’t believe it.

There might have been a time when Democrats tried to follow that playbook. But Biden’s not doing that. He’s leaning into the other side of populism. He’s telling workers, hey, I’m on your side with these big companies. They’re trying to screw you, and I’m not going to stand for it. And so I’m going to raise their taxes. I’m going to make them pay more so that there’s more money for you, whether that’s more tax cuts or more programs or whatever.

And that is the Democratic version of populism right now, and that’s the one that Joe Biden is running on. And that’s why he’s so happy to talk about raising corporate taxes because it’s a way to tell workers, hey, I’m on your side.

Right. Even if that’s not what he’s done or ever may be able to do.

Yeah. Part of the problem with populism is that you make a lot of promises you can’t keep, and this certainly, in his first term, has been an area where the president has talked a much bigger game than he’s been able to execute. The second term might be different, but that doesn’t really matter for the campaign. What matters is the rhetoric.

Well, Jim, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Thank you. Always a pleasure.

Here’s what else you need to know today. On Tuesday, Israel confirmed that it had carried out the airstrike that killed seven aid workers delivering food to civilians in Gaza. The attack, which occurred on Monday, struck a convoy run by the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit group. At the time of the attack, the aid workers were traveling in clearly marked cars that designated them as non-combatants.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as unintentional and said that his government deeply regretted the deaths. In its own statement, World Central Kitchen called the strike unforgivable and said that as a result, it would suspend its aid work in Gaza, where millions of people are in dire need of both food and medicine.

Today’s episode was produced by Stella Tan and Mary Wilson with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lisa Chow, contains original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

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  • April 4, 2024   •   32:37 Israel’s Deadly Airstrike on the World Central Kitchen
  • April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
  • April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
  • April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
  • March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
  • March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
  • March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
  • March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
  • March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia
  • March 24, 2024   •   21:39 The Sunday Read: ‘My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog ‘Hotels.’ I Tagged Along.’
  • March 22, 2024   •   35:30 Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader
  • March 21, 2024   •   27:18 The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jim Tankersley

Produced by Stella Tan and Mary Wilson

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lisa Chow

Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

In his campaign for re-election, President Biden has said that raising taxes on the wealthy and on big corporations is at the heart of his agenda. But under his watch, overall net taxes have decreased.

Jim Tankersley, who covers economic policy for The Times, explains.

On today’s episode

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Jim Tankersley , who covers economic policy at the White House for The New York Times.

President Biden, wearing a blue sweater, speaks into a microphone. In the room behind him, rows of American flags hang from the ceiling.

Background reading

An analysis prepared for The New York Times estimates that the tax changes President Biden has ushered into law will amount to a net cut of about $600 billion over four years.

“Does anybody here think the tax code’s fair?” For Mr. Biden, tax policy has been at the center of his efforts to make the economy more equitable.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Tankersley writes about economic policy at the White House and how it affects the country and the world. He has covered the topic for more than a dozen years in Washington, with a focus on the middle class. More about Jim Tankersley

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  4. #travel 🇨🇵 #france #travelvlog

  5. France to test travellers from 16 coronavirus high-risk countries including US

  6. Déplacements à l’international : classification des pays au 20 décembre 2021

COMMENTS

  1. Visa application process

    STEP 2 - Set up my online application Fill out the visa application form. To submit a visa application, you must provide at least the following : A travel document (original + copy) in good condition, issued less than 10 years ago, with at least two blank pages, which is valid for at least three months after the date on which you have planned to leave the Schengen Area, or in the event of a ...

  2. France International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  3. French Visa Requirements

    A list of the things that you are planning to do while in France, including details how you are planning to reach France. Attach supporting documents as a Round Trip flight, a railroad booking or a document of a booked organized tour ... A notarized parental authorization to travel to France, signed by both parents/guardians, ...

  4. Essential Documents for Traveling to France: What to Carry

    Ensure a smooth journey to France by having essential documents: valid passport, Schengen visa, travel and health insurance. Provide proof of accommodation, financial means, and return/onward travel ticket when entering France. Stay informed about additional health documentation requirements and regularly check for the latest travel updates.

  5. Arrival in France

    Upon your arrival in France, you will be subject to administrative obligations to transform your visa into a regular residence permit. These formalities will also allow you to access the services and benefits provided by the French administration. They differ depending on the visa issued to you. Long-stay visa with the obligation to apply for a ...

  6. Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

    When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday).

  7. France Visa

    To apply for a Schengen visa to France, follow these steps: Check if you need a visa. Understand the type of visa you need. Determine where to lodge your visa application. Complete the visa application form. Schedule your French visa appointment. Prepare the required documents.

  8. General information

    General information. Depending on your nationality, a visa is required when intending to travel to France. All visas must be applied for prior to departure at the nearest French Embassy or French Consulate in the applicant's country of residence. The type of visa required depends both on the duration and purpose of your stay in France ...

  9. Requesting a visa

    The main steps in applying for a visa. Applying for a French residence permit. All foreign nationals wishing to enter France must be able to submit statutory documents at the border concerning the reasons for their stay, their means of support and accommodation arrangements. A visa is generally required, in the absence of a waiver.

  10. Coming to France? Your Covid-19 questions answered

    Your Covid-19 questions answered. French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures. This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section.

  11. Coming to France

    Studying in France: Campus France; French Ministry of Education: C.I.E.P. Official website of the French Government; Official website for tourism in France (Atout France) Business France: The national agency supporting the international development of the French economy; French Customs: Trouble-free travel guide, Dec. 2016 (.pdf, Douane.gouv.fr)

  12. Travel to France

    When traveling to France, please note that the Government of France does NOT recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free travel, and, if traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry to France by immigration officials.

  13. France

    Advice for Foreign Nationals in France Info Coronavirus (in French) _____ You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website. You can also find information about your passenger rights on our portal for citizens. Documents you need to travel in Europe Health cover for temporary stays

  14. Entry requirements

    Latest FCDO travel advice for France including on entry requirements, ... Read about documents you may need for short stays on the French ... You can travel to countries in the Schengen area ...

  15. Tourist or Private visit

    Brochure coming to France for treatment (pdf) Stay exceeding 3 months . Your situation; You want to visit France for private reasons, for a period exceeding 3 months without engaging in any professional activity during your stay. Your visa; You must apply for a long-stay "visitor" visa. You will be issued with a long-stay visa serving as a ...

  16. How To Apply For A France Visa When I Have A Travel Document

    Applying for a France visa with a travel document may require patience and thorough preparation, but the experience of exploring the beautiful cities, savoring the delectable cuisine, and immersing in the vibrant culture of France will undoubtedly be worth it. So, gather your documents, follow the guidelines, and embark on an unforgettable ...

  17. Visiting France

    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) With more than 90 million foreign visitors recorded in 2018 (including overseas destinations), France remains the world's leading tourist (…)

  18. France travel advice

    Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes: advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks. information for women, LGBT and disabled ...

  19. Travel advice and advisories for France

    Burglars sometimes target houses or holiday rental apartments. While in France: be vigilant, particularly when approached by strangers. ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

  20. France Travel Advisory

    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.

  21. PH warns of tsunami, orders evacuations after Taiwan quake

    Philippines warns of tsunami, orders evacuations after Taiwan quake. Agence France-Presse, Rowegie Abanto, ABS-CBN News. Published Apr 03, 2024 09:08 AM PHT |

  22. Online application

    Original and photocopy of your supporting documents; 2 photos in ISO/IEC format; Downloadable guides (PDF) are available to help you complete your application: Gelişmiş Öğretici [Türkçe - TR] Розширена інструкція [українська мова - UK] учебник [русский язык - RU] Tutorial [Português - PT ...

  23. The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief

    President Biden says he wants to rake in more money from corporations and high earners. But so far, he has cut more taxes than he's raised.

  24. Short-stay visa

    Short-stay visa. This type of visa is generally issued for tourism, business trips or family visits. It is also issued to persons entering to France to take part in short training programmes, internships, conferences and corporate meetings, or to engage in remunerated activities (whatever the form), not exceeding 90 days.

  25. Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast

    The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet's final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under "Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type" to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries. Considerations for airline travel:

  26. Frequently asked questions

    The republican identity document (TIR) enables certain foreign minors residing in France to travel and prove their identity. The person with parental authority for the child must make the application and provide the supporting documents. The document is issued and can be renewed or replaced by the police station (préfecture or sous-préfecture).