By Johanna Gardener •
Published: 29 Nov 2024 • 19:43
• 3 minutes read
Traveling to France is an incredible experience but check changes and new rules for 2025
Credit:Shutterstock:cunaplus
If you are thinking of travelling to France, be aware of some of the new changes that may affect your experience for 2025
France is expecting a steady flow of tourism for next year, especially in its number one hotspot – capital city, Paris – the “City of Love.” After a summer extravaganza of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, France is hoping that things will go back to normal and that Paris and other major tourist destinations across the country will receive high visitor numbers.
If you are thinking about booking a holiday or short getaway to France for 2025, be aware of some changes to avoid a travel headache or any unexpected surprises.
Firstly, as France is expecting a bumper year of tourists, booking in advance is recommended. This goes for flights, as well as accommodation, especially in high demand areas including Paris, Nice and Toulouse – to name a few.
New passport legislation and entry requirements at French airports
Secondly, EU visa and passport changes are back as hot topic. They were originally planned for 2022, but due to repeated delays have been set back and are expected to be introduced in 2025, although this is subject to change as fears around border chaos are serving as a strong deterrent. The changes are as follows and hope to be rolled out one in the following order:
EES Entry Exit System: this is a new, advanced form of passport scanning which also requires passenger fingerprints and facial scans. At the first point of travel, passengers will need to fill out an EES pre-registration at their port, airport or station of departure. These checks will apply to those crossing an EU external border not those travelling within the EU / EEA nor for those in possession of an EU/EEA passport or with residency in an EU/EEA country (somebody with a visa or residency permit).
ETIAS this system affects mainly non-EU nationals who are exempt from visa permits travelling to an EU country on holiday. Like the EES, it does not affect those with an EU/EEA passport, or those with a visa or residency permit for an EU/EEA country. It must be applied for online in advance of the trip and is classed as a visa waiver. For those over 70 or under 18, it is completely free but for everybody else, it costs €7 and lasts for three years allowing stays of upto three months at a time.
Flight changes in France are looking promising. Dozens of airlines are adding extra flights to their repertoire including Nîmes airport in southern France, where many new routes are raring to go. Not only that, but there are several new lost-cost airlines offering transatlantic routes. So make sure to get informed!
French train services are reliable but look to strike unto January 1
Train services are generally reliable, but are currently going through a rocky patch. French rail unions are in conflict with the government due to objection to privatising theFrench Freight network. The likelihood of several strikes starting from December 11 and even continuing until new year is high, so be aware of this for late 2024 travel plans.
The Paris-Orléans line has also stopped operating for passenger trains between 9.30am and 5.30pm Monday-Friday from April 2025 until February 2026 due to renovation work and will be replaced by buses. Look out for tiny electric trains known as Draisy’s if you’re in Strasbourg or Alsace as they are currently being trialled until 2026. Make sure to grab a snapshot!
In February, toll charges on major roads will be reviewed so expect to see slightly steeper rates. Some tollbooths have systems which allow you to pass through and then pay later. Be aware of French public holidays to avoid major queues.
French tourist tax: between 20 cents to €4.80 per person per night
Next up, is the beloved tourist tax. This added tax has been in place for years, but in 2025, several local authorities will be bumping this up. The tax works on a sliding scale ranging from 20 cents per person per night in one-star hotels and campsites to €4.80 per person per night for the grandest hotels, known as palaces . Paris charges slightly more between 65 cents for one-star accommodation to €15.60 per person per night in the palace hotels (with room rates around €1,000 a night). Taxes are usually charged upon arrival, whilst Airbnb adds the price to the total cost when booking.
If you’re travelling to Paris, be aware that older vehicles will not be allowed in the capital’s inner suburbs due to new legislation on emissions which comes into play on January 1, 2025.
That s all for now, folks! Don’t forget to book early, pay close attention to the dates and locations, and be mindful of any restrictions or conditions that might apply.
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Written by
Johanna Gardener
Originally from Manchester, UK and with a degree in English with Modern Foreign Languages, she has been a permanent resident in Spain for the past 12 years. Many of these years, she has spent working as a secondary school teacher, as well as in journalism, editing and marketing. She currently lives in the historic centre of Malaga, where she enjoys writing, walking and animals.
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