Travel advice for Canadians going on holiday to France
Europe is a beautiful continent with a lot of culture, history, and things to do and see. You might have recently read our article, Things to do in London in August 2019, and are wondering where to next take your travels.
If that’s the case, have you thought about exploring France? France has so many incredible things to offer tourists and no matter where you go, or what you see, you won’t be disappointed in this vibrant and beautiful country.
Travelling and holidays can be stressful though, so we’ve compiled a guide that is dedicated to answering all your questions about travelling to France.
Canadian’s can easily travel to France, because it is a member of the Schengen State. This means that Canadian citizens who are travelling to France can do so without applying for a visa for up to 90 days.
If you are planning on staying in France for longer than 90 days you need to apply for a visa. This also applies if you are planning on visiting more than one Schengen State country and will be staying in these countries for longer than 90 days collectively.
To apply for a visa, you need to contact the high commission or embassy of the country (or countries) you are planning to travel to and obtain a visa before you travel.
Regular Canadian passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Entry requirements may vary depending on the type of passport you have, so make sure you check before you travel.
“France, like many other countries in Europe advise tourists to exercise a high degree of caution, this is due to recent terrorist attacks,” says Manon Girard, a travel expert from travelspring.fr, “There are also demonstrations currently being held in popular cities, so it is important for your safety that you’re aware of current events and that you follow the instructions of local authorities.”
During your holiday or travels, it is unlikely that you’ll encounter anything that could be hazardous to your health. But it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to know what to do should certain circumstances arise.
Big cities in France, such as Paris, are also known for crimes such as pickpocketing. These types of thieves often operate in major tourist areas, department stores, and public transport. To avoid these situations make sure you are aware of the people around you, don’t flash your money or possessions in public, and don’t keep all your possessions in one place.
Many people enjoy skiing holidays in France, if you are going to the mountainous regions make sure you check local weather and safety conditions before. Avalanches in the mountains can happen, but can be easily avoided by ensuring you’re informed about current conditions.
Floods and forest fires can also happen in some parts of France. To avoid any disasters, ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest news and that you follow all instructions provided to you by local authorities.
