Travel information

Both France and Norway are part of the Schengen cooperation and follow these rules. For Norwegian travellers, this means that you can normally travel between the countries without ordinary border control, but you must still be able to identify yourself if required.

France requires travellers to be able to present a valid passport, or a national ID card with travel rights, both on entry and on departure. There are two versions of the Norwegian national ID card. Only the card with red lead text gives travel rights and can be used as an alternative to a passport when travelling to EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. The card with green lead text cannot be used for travel abroad.

In France, you must also always be able to identify yourself on request. For Norwegians, a passport and an ID card with travel rights are valid identity documents, and it is wise to keep them easily available while travelling.

The security alert level in France has been raised to the highest level. Travellers are encouraged to be extra vigilant, follow advice and instructions from local authorities and stay updated about the situation where they are staying. Norwegian travellers should be especially attentive in crowded places such as tourist attractions, markets, shopping centres, public transport, airports and large events.

Travellers should exercise caution, particularly in major cities and especially in Paris. The police, often supported by soldiers from the French army, carry out checks at tourist attractions, on public transport and at larger events. This may involve identity checks and checks of bags and luggage.

France has been exposed to several terrorist attacks, and the general level of preparedness is therefore high. Strikes and demonstrations are also not uncommon, and they can affect both public transport and other infrastructure. If you are staying in an area where demonstrations or strikes are taking place, you should assess your own safety carefully and follow local media. You can also read more about the security situation in France from the French authorities.

Traffic in France is characterised by higher speeds, greater traffic density and a more assertive driving style than many people are used to from Norway. It is therefore recommended to be extra attentive as a driver, cyclist and pedestrian, especially in larger cities and along busy roads.

France has a well-developed healthcare system with both public and private hospitals, and health and sanitary conditions are largely comparable to those found in Norway. For most travellers, it is therefore safe and easy to get medical help if needed.

In addition to your own travel and health insurance, you should bring the European Health Insurance Card. The card is valid in all EEA countries and can be useful if you need public healthcare during your trip.

During heatwaves, especially in the summer months, it is important to follow advice from local authorities, drink enough water and be extra attentive if you are travelling with children, elderly people or people with health challenges.

Crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs frequently, especially on public transport, at outdoor cafés and at popular tourist attractions. Take good care of your passport, money and mobile phone, and be especially alert in busy areas where many people move closely together.

Preferably keep your passport itself in the hotel safe and carry a copy or another valid ID document when you are out. If tickets or travel documents are lost, you should first contact the travel agency, airline or other relevant provider. If a passport is lost or stolen, it must be reported to the police. Ask for a loss report, “Déclaration de perte/vol”, and be prepared to provide your passport number, date of issue and place of issue.

Hide your PIN when using a bank card at an ATM, and put cash away quickly after withdrawing it. Penalties for possession and use of narcotics are largely the same as in Norway. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited, and it is also prohibited to talk on a mobile phone while driving.

Weather conditions in France can vary greatly from area to area. If a crisis situation arises where you are, it is important to follow advice from local authorities. The French government has its own emergency pages with updated information, and the prefecture, la Préfecture, in each area publishes current rules and guidance during crises through the websites of all Préfectures.

Large parts of southern France and Corsica are often affected by drought and wildfires in the summer months, and more and more regions are being affected. During such periods, local authorities publish rules to prevent wildfires, and these may also include traffic on parts of the road network or restrictions in vulnerable natural areas. It is recommended to check this information before and during travel in the summer half-year, in addition to warnings from Météo-France.

Areas along the major rivers, including the Loire and Rhône, may be affected by flooding and inundation after heavy rainfall. In the Alps, and to some extent in the Pyrenees, there can sometimes be a risk of avalanches in winter. Travellers should also follow heatwave warnings, especially in southern France, and use Paris municipality’s information page when staying in the capital.

If you are in an affected area and need assistance, you should notify the embassy or consulate. Also remember to inform family members, your employer or close friends so they know you are safe.

A Norwegian driving licence is valid in France. Driving licence and insurance documents must always be carried in the car. When driving, you are required to have a warning triangle and a yellow reflective vest. Violation of this requirement may result in a fine of €375.

When driving in mountain areas in winter, snow chains are recommended, and in some areas winter equipment may be required depending on conditions. A vehicle environmental sticker is mandatory, also for tourists, and ordering and purchasing is done through the official Crit’Air website.

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Paris is located at 28, rue Bayard, 75008 Paris. See also the embassy’s website. Telephone: +33 (0)1 53 67 04 00 and email: emb.paris@mfa.no. The consular section is open to the public by appointment only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:15 to 14:45. To book an appointment you can follow this link.

Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 24-hour operational centre by phone at +47 23 95 00 00 or by email at UDops@mfa.no.

Regardless of the length of your stay, it is recommended to register your trip on reiseregistrering.no or in the app Reiseklar before departure.