Travel Vaccines and Advice for France
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2013 alone, 85.6 million people travelled there to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
If you enjoy keeping things simple, you might decide to spend an afternoon tasting French delicacies from the local cafes. Or if you’re more artistically inclined, strolling through the amazing galleries of the Louvre.
You could set your sights on a daring trek through the French Alps. Or a few flights of stairs running up the Eiffel Tower may be all that stand in the way of you and a stunning photograph.
With nostalgic city streets, historic museums, stunning architecture and endless planes of lush, European countryside, the country offers something spectacular to every traveller who visits.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for France?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for France?
What is the Climate Like in France?
How Safe is France?
Climbing the French Alps
What Should I Take To France?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in France
Do I Need Vaccines for France?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for France. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for France: COVID-19, rabies, tickborne encephalitis and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks or Unpasteurised Products –
Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for France |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks or Unpasteurised Products | Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn. |
France is a fully developed nation. Travellers should take the same precautions they would at home, with an understanding that the food may be different from what they are used to.
If you have any questions about travelling to France or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for France?
A visa is not needed for stays in France under 90 days. Passports must be valid for the duration of a traveller’s stay.
France Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to France? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of France and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in France?
The weather in France varies depending on what region you plan to visit. Temperatures in Normandy, for example, will be very different from the Mediterranean coast. Here is what you can expect in some of France’s most popular destinations:
- Paris – Temperature ranges between 20°C and 26°C from May through October. Temperatures range from 6°C in January to 26°C in August. October is the wettest month, with June and July as the hottest.
- Normandy – The average daytime high during the summer months is 27°C. Winter weather is fairly mild. The weather in the area can be unpredictable. Be sure to research typical weather trends for the specific dates you plan on visiting.
- Grenoble – This city is located in the southeastern region of France and near the French Alps. July is the hottest month with temperatures in the low 20’s. It is in January with temperatures around zero. May is the wettest month.
How Safe is France?
The government of the UK strongly urges citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance due to recent terrorist attacks. Many groups are still operating in Europe and could pose a threat to both French and UK citizens.
That being said, France has made great strides in improving internal security. Travellers should feel as safe in France as they would in the UK or the United States.
France has a lower crime rate than many parts of North America. But, precautions should still be taken to avoid pickpockets and other petty crime.
Any time that you are travelling abroad, it is important to be aware of possible safety concerns. But, it is also equally as important that you do not let these occurrences fuel your fear of travel.
Climbing the French Alps
When travellers think of France, they often imagine a romantic tourist destination with nostalgic city views and endless planes of green vineyards. But, France is also home to Europe’s highest mountains; the French Alps.
Located in the Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, the Alps stand at a towering 4,810 meters. The mountain range takes an average of 10-12 hours to hike to the summit and boasts some of the most exquisite, scenic views in Europe.
Mont Blanc, the highest mountain peak in the Alps, has become a popular destination for travellers. If the duration of the hike seems too intence for your taste, there are other alternatives. Tourists can also enjoy a gorgeous view of Mont Blanc by taking a relaxing 20-minute ride up on Europe’s highest cable car on the nearby Aiguille du Midi.
If you’re planning a summer trip, the Alps provide an excellent opportunity for mountain biking and hiking.
If you’re planning a winter holiday, the mountain range serves as an attraction to skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Ski resorts such as Chamonix and Portes de Soleil offer charming housing facilities.
What Should I Take To France?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to France:
- Euros – Before your trip, have some funds converted to Euros. You may need Euros to pay for your transportation fare from the airport to your hotel. The currency exchange shops in the airport do not always offer the best rates.
- French Phrasebook – Although you can survive a trip through France without knowing the language, it’s always better to be prepared. Having access to a few key phrases can make a difference during your trip.
- Traveller Checks – The last thing a traveller wants to deal with is solving issues of lost or stolen money. Traveller checks serve as a safety-net to ensure that you can get your money back.
- Contact Numbers – These numbers are great to have saved in your phone before your trip. It’s better to be prepared for lost credit cards, emergency situations or whatever else may arise.
- Binoculars – Binoculars are the perfect tool to use whilst walking through historical French churches and landmarks. You can ensure that you will never miss out on a detail of the extraordinary architecture found throughout Europe.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in France
If you are in France and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Paris
35, rue du Faubourg St Honoré
Paris Cedex 08
75383 Paris
France
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 44 51 31 00
Emergency Phone: +33 (0)1 44 51 31 00
Fax: +33 (0) 1 44 51 31 09
Contact Form: Click Here
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring or book online now and start travelling safely today!