France
About France
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | French |
| Capital | Paris |
The French Republic is located in western Europe, southeast of Great Britain, and between Belgium and Spain. The country borders the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel, and the Bay of Biscay. The population of France is about 65 million people.
The government of France is a republic with a president as chief of state and elected by popular vote. A prime minister is the head of government and is appointed by the president.
France is one of the most developed countries with the fifth largest economy in the world and a high standard of living. France is also the most visited country in the world, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annually. The country is known for good food, wine, and landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles to name just a few. Southern France includes Mediterranean destinations, such as Nice and St. Tropez on the French Riviera.
Recommended Vaccinations For France
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of hepatitis B in the country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers who may have direct contact with bats, e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, cavers or researchers.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
**Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.**
Recommended Medications For France
There are no recommendations for France at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for France
For Most Travellers
Dengue Fever
Sporadic cases have occurred in southern France.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of hepatitis B in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this country.
For Some Travellers
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.
Zika Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Zika in this country through mosquito bites.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
**There is a risk of Tick-Borne Enchephalitis in some areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the regions of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and Grand Est. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.**
Rabies
**Rabies has not been reported in France and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**
Safety & Security in France
Personal Safety
Most travellers to France do not experience any safety or security problems.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, does occur in tourist areas and on public transportation, especially in major cities. Be aware of anyone using distraction techniques for theft, such as spilling food or drink or asking questions. In Paris, violent theft on public transportation has increased (Metro, RER lines and stations, such as the Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus). Travellers should be cautious and alert on public transportation in Paris, as well as suburb areas.
Carry an identification document with you at all times (passport, driver’s license, etc). If asked, you must provide this document or within 4 hours at a police station.
It is illegal for anyone to conceal their face in France, including full-face veils, motorcycle helmets, balaclavas, or anything that masks the face. It is also illegal to force someone to hide their face. Failure to comply will result in large fines and prison sentences. Travellers to France are not exempt from this law.
It is illegal to operate a drone in urban areas, near airports, military bases, prisons, nuclear plants or at large public gatherings.
Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal in France and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. There is a general social acceptance of LGBTI people in France.
Extreme Violence
Use a high degree of caution in France due to ongoing terrorism threats by Islamist groups. The French government has increased its security measures and has advised locals and travellers to be vigilant.
Political Unrest
Strikes, student demonstrations, and labour demonstrations occur regularly. Travellers are advised to avoid large gatherings in the streets or on university campuses since even peaceful rallies can escalate unexpectedly and become violent.
