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Weather & climate
Weather in France
France
24°
Overcast
Sat
11°
24°
Sun
13°
21°
Mon
8°
15°
Tue
6°
17°
Wed
10°
16°
Thu
8°
14°
Fri
6°
15°
SPF level in France
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for France
What British travellers need to know
You can travel without a visa to France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for purposes like tourism or visiting.
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and it must expire at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Prepare to possibly show proof of travel insurance, sufficient money for your stay, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket.
You may be asked to provide a welcome invitation from your host if you are staying with family or friends.
Your first entry into the Schengen area may require you to register your biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at the border, so allow extra time.
Good to know:
Declare any cash or travellers cheques with a value of 10,000 euros or more when entering France.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into France, with limited exceptions like baby food.
Safety in France
Tips when travelling
France is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your passport, credit cards, and other valuables in separate bags or pockets to reduce the risk of theft.
Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked with drugs.
You must be able to prove your identity with a passport or driving licence when asked or within 4 hours at a police station.
Covering your face in public places, such as with a mask or full veil, is illegal and could result in a fine.
Be alert to strong undercurrents and riptides on beaches, especially along the Atlantic coast, and follow local warning flags and lifeguard advice.
Bonus tips:
The legal alcohol limit for driving is a third lower than in the UK, and police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs.
During winter months in certain mountain regions, your vehicle must be fitted with winter tyres or chains or you could receive a fine.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in France
A valid UK driving license is required. Display a UK sticker on your car unless it has EU number plates.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (110 km/h in wet conditions)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: France drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in France
As a UK resident, you can use a valid UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state-provided healthcare in France. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs, including repatriation or private medical care.
No vaccinations required
Generally, France has high standards of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is safe to drink. Be aware of potential heatwaves in the summer and take necessary precautions. Standard health advice applies: practice good hygiene, be mindful of food safety, and consult your doctor regarding any pre-existing conditions.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in France
Tipping is customary in France for good service, but it is not obligatory as service charges are often included. Leaving a small tip is appreciated to acknowledge satisfactory service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included (vérifiez l'addition pour 'service compris'). If the service is already included and you were extremely pleased, leave a few extra euros.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a euro or two.
Taxi
Round up the fare to the nearest euro or add 5-10% for exceptional service.
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per day of stay, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer automatically apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in France. Many providers offer add-ons or daily rates for using your UK allowance in Europe, but rates can be high if you do not opt-in to a specific roaming package.
Local SIM
20 GB for 30 EUR (~£25)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in France
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type E, Type C
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in tourist areas and larger cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
France has good internet connectivity. Free WiFi is common, but speeds can vary. Mobile data is also reliable.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
17
Ambulance
15
Fire
18
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling France
Country code
+33
To call a Paris number (01 xx xx xx xx) from the UK, you would dial 00 33 1 xx xx xx xx.
The country code for France is 33. The international access code from France is 00.
Language in France
French(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Paris
35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You now also need to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
- The advice that you do not need to take any action before arrival has been moved to later in the paragraph.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- A warning to make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit until the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully rolled out has been removed.
- A related reminder that border guards check these stamps for overstaying the 90-day limit has also been removed.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The new rules confirm that long-term residents of any Schengen country are now exempt from the EES across the entire Schengen area.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area, not just in a phased rollout. The previous expected full operation date of 10 April 2026 has been removed.
- Passport stamping is being replaced. The previous system of manually stamping passports is now being superseded by EES.
Passport validity
- The guidance on passport date of issue has been strengthened. It now explicitly states a passport issued over 10 years ago is 'invalid for entry to the Schengen area'.
Airports in France
Beaches in France
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business trips to France lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay.
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink throughout France. However, if you prefer, bottled water is readily available in shops and restaurants.
The best time to visit France is generally during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. However, the summer (June-August) is a popular time, especially for beach holidays.
Be wary of common scams like pickpockets, especially in tourist areas and on public transport. Also, be cautious of people offering unsolicited help or asking you to sign petitions, as these can be tactics for theft. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
The main emergency number in France is 112. You can also dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for the police, and 18 for the fire brigade.
The dress code in France is generally smart casual. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. In upscale restaurants, you will need formal attire. Beachwear is obviously appropriate for the beach, but not in cities.
France has an excellent transport network. Major cities have efficient public transport systems including metros, trams, and buses. The high-speed train network (TGV) makes travelling between cities quick and easy. Renting a car is also a good option for exploring the countryside.
Learning a few basic French phrases will greatly enhance your experience. Start with greetings like 'Bonjour' (hello), 'Au revoir' (goodbye), 'Merci' (thank you), 'S'il vous plaît' (please), and 'Excusez-moi' (excuse me). Knowing how to ask 'Parlez-vous anglais?' (Do you speak English?) is also helpful.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.