Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city draws millions of visitors annually, and it’s easy to see why.
Paris has a rich history and beautiful architecture to offer its guests. It’s also home to some of the most luxurious hotels and restaurants in the world, making it an ideal location for travelers looking for a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation with their families.
The French are known for their hospitality, so you can rest assured that they’ll welcome you into their country with open arms.
But there are some things you should know before traveling there as an American citizen:
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Paris?
Do you need a passport to go to Paris? The answer is yes. If you are a U.S. citizen, you’ll need a passport to travel to Paris. The passport must be valid for at least three more months. If you don’t have a valid passport, or if your passport is expiring soon, be sure to apply for an expedited passport service. Travel Visa Pro can make this process as easy as possible so you can get your passport renewed in no time.
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Can U.S. Citizens Travel to Paris?
Yes. Although the French government has taken steps to limit the number of tourists visiting Paris, American citizens aren’t included in the ban.
The French government has enacted a series of measures to reduce tourism and its effects on its infrastructure. These include banning cars from specific areas, increasing fines for dropping trash, and barring visitors from entering certain attractions during peak hours.
But American tourists are exempt from these restrictions because they aren’t considered “tourist” visitors. Instead, they are considered “ex-pats.”
Paris Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
One of the most common requirements for Americans traveling to France is full vaccination. The CDC recommends that you receive the following vaccinations at least six weeks before your trip:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. This vaccine is usually given to children but may also be given to adults.
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. This vaccine is usually given to children but may be given to adults if they haven’t had chickenpox.
- Tetanus-diphtheria booster within the past 10 years. If you aren’t sure when you last received this booster, ask your healthcare provider about getting one as soon as possible before departure.
- Booster for hepatitis A if you’re traveling to rural areas or if you plan to eat food that doesn’t meet local sanitation standards (such as street food).
Is It Safe to Travel to Paris Right Now?
Yes, it is safe to visit Paris now. But there are some things you should know before booking your trip:
The biggest threat right now is terrorism—not crime or violence. No terror attacks are happening in Paris right now. If an attack were to happen, it would most likely be in a public place like a restaurant or shopping area where people gather and could be easy targets for terrorists.
The more dangerous parts of Paris are outside tourist areas like Champs Elysees and Le Marais (relatively safe). If you’re visiting these areas, then exercise caution and don’t wear any clothing that might be associated with Islam or Arabic culture (like hijabs or headscarves). Also, avoid wearing religious symbols like crosses or Stars of David, as this could attract unwanted attention from extremists.
What Is the Currency in Paris?
The official currency in Paris is the Euro (EUR), which replaced the Franc in 2002. There are 100 cents to a euro, and coins come in denominations of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents. Notes come in 2 Euros, 5 Euros, 10 Euros, 20 Euros, 50 Euros, and 100 Euros.
It’s easy to exchange money at ATMs or banks across Paris. You can also change money at bureaux de change offices dotted around the city center or along Champs-Élysées. The exchange rate tends to be better than what you’d get from most banks or hotels but not as good as what you get from an ATM.
