TRaveling studentS & family resources

helpful INFORMATION in PREPARing FOR YOUR STUDENT TRIP TO FRANCE

WE’RE EXCITED YOU’RE JOINING ONE OF OUR PROGRAMS AND LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU IN FRANCE!

Here are some tips & checklists to help you get ready for your upcoming trip.

passports & Visas

If you do not have a valid passport or if it expires soon, please apply for a new passport immediately. Please note: Passports MUST be valid for more than six months past your return date.

It is the participant’s responsibility to be sure all their own traveling documents are in order to travel to France.  You can find details regarding U.S. passports here: U.S. Passports and International Travel.

  • All participants (including Organizing Teachers and Adult participants) are required to supply VIE with a legible copy of their valid passport*.  Copies of passports must be uploaded directly on your VIE registration site as soon as possible or before November 15 for Spring traveler’s and by January 15 for Summer traveler’s. It can take 2-5 months to receive a new or renewed passport. Please plan accordingly in order to have the passport copies to VIE by the above dates.

*Valid Passport: According to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs; to travel to France a passport “must be valid for a minimum of six months at entry, and valid for an additional three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area” (France being in the Schengen Area).

  • VIE recommends that your parents keep a copy of your passport at home as well as keeping a copy on your phone or sent to yourself by email. VIE also keeps a copy of all passports on record, should a passport be lost or stolen).

  • At this time a visa is not required for U.S. citizens traveling to France; we will notify you if this situation changes.
  • Non-U.S. citizens must contact their nearest French Consulate immediately for any necessary visas. VIE is not responsible for obtaining visas for foreign citizens; however, VIE will provide any necessary documentation to help in obtaining a visa, upon request.  To find the French Consulate nearest you, click on this link: French Consulate Map of the U.S.

Before departure, participants will receive from their Organizing Teacher, VIE‘s neck passport pouches. Please use it to keep your passport with you at all times!

  • Starting early 2025, travelers from the United States and over 60 other visa-exempt countries will be required to have a travel authorization to enter most European countries, including France. They will need an ETIAS which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System.
  • As stated on the official site, ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
  • Where to apply: Official ETIAS website (application page is not yet open)
  • ETIAS application fee: €7
  • ETIAS authorization is required for all ages. Travelers under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 may be exempt from the application fee. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals with the right to move freely within the EU.
  • How long it takes: “Filling out the application is quick and easy. Most applicants will receive their ETIAS travel authorisation within minutes, but in some cases the process may take up to 30 days. This is why you should apply well in advance of your travel to avoid complications.” (From the official ETIAS site FAQ)
  • Participants will be responsible for getting their ETIAS travel authorization before traveling.
  • VIE will not be held responsible if a participant fails to receive their authorization and cannot travel.

packing TIPS & checklist

Above all, remember to PACK LIGHTLY! You must be able to carry your luggage on your own. At times, you will need to transport your suitcase up several flights of stairs. You will be much happier with less to carry in and out of every hotel.

Please note that VIE’s baggage limits are based on both airline restrictions and weight limits for bus & train travels within France. Therefore, these limits must be followed above and beyond any guidelines set by individual airlines.

  • ONE suitcase (maximum size—L + H + W must not exceed 62”; maximum weight must not exceed 45 lbs). We strongly recommend a suitcase with wheels. You may want to bring a small lock to keep your suitcase locked while at hotels; however you must not lock your luggage at the airport due to security screenings. VIE will provide a name tag for your suitcase, make sure to use it.
  • ONE carry-on bag that will fit under the airplane seat (maximum size — L + H + W must not exceed 45”). Attach a name tag to your carry-on. Remember to pack things you may need in case of a delay or if your luggage is lost.

Bring clothes that can be layered as changes in temperature occur from region to region in France. Spring in France is usually beautiful, but can be quite chilly. During the summer, the weather is mild in France, but be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as it can be cool, especially at night.
A small backpack or tote bag can be handy. It can be packed in your suitcase and used to carry your camera, an extra sweater, etc. for daytime excursions on foot. When you return to the U.S., you can use it to pack souvenirs if you run out of space in your suitcase.

WHat not to bring:
  • DO NOT bring any electrical appliances. Your regular hair dryer, curling iron or electric shaver do not have the proper current and will not plug into electrical outlets in Europe. If you have to use an American electrical appliance while in France, you will need an adapter and a converter (220V). Please note that butane hair curlers are no longer allowed on airplanes.
  • DO NOT bring many very short skirts or shorts. While visiting places such as cathedrals, most will not let you in unless your knees and shoulders are covered. This is a sign of respect.
  • DO NOT bring any expensive jewelry or other expensive personal belongings. These items will be safer if left at home.
  • Passport & passport pouch
  • Driver’s license or student ID card
  • Money cash & ATM / credit card
  • Pocket Reference for Hotel Information and Emergency Phone Numbers
  • Medications (enough for several days)
  • Camera / film / batteries / extra memory cards
  • Pocket dictionary
  • Student Handbook & Journal / pens
  • Essential personal items: eyeglasses or contact lens case, one set of clothes

In case your baggage is delayed, you will want to have these important items with you!

Clothing
  • Two pairs of jeans and/or pants
  • Two pairs of comfortable walking shoes
  • Several shirts – short & long-sleeved so you can layer clothes
  • Sleepwear & slippers (hotels are sometimes colder at night than what Americans are used to)
  • Underwear & socks (that can be easily washed in a hotel sink to rewear)
  • Swimsuit
  • One sweater
  • Windbreaker – waterproof!
  • One nice outfit to wear for special dinner or outing with host family
    Boys: dress shirt & slacks Girls: dress or skirt with blouse
Toiletries
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Soap in a plastic container
  • Deodorant & razor
  • Hairbrush / comb
  • Contact solution if needed
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Medications and copies of any medical prescriptions you may need
  • An extra pair of glasses, contact lenses or a prescription for their replacement

* Pack toiletries in zip-lock bags to prevent leakage.

Miscellaneous
  • Lightweight wallet / coin purse for change
  • Sunglasses / Sunscreen
  • Small umbrella
  • Travel packs of Kleenex
  • Hand wipes or antibacterial gel
  • Watch & travel alarm clock
  • Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing
  • Small packet of laundry detergent for washing clothing in hotel sink
  • Small backpack or tote bag for excursions and for packing souvenirs.
  • Adapters and/or Universal chargers

A note on cell phones and tablets: VIE encourages you to verify with your cell phone provider which services are available to you while traveling in France. However, please keep in mind that using a cell phone or tablet can significantly detract from your immersion into French culture, particularly during the Family Stay. French host families look forward to interacting and engaging with their American student, and excessive cell phone use can become an unwelcome distraction.

When using their cell phones or tablets, students must remain mindful and respectful of the tour guide, host family, teachers, and fellow travelers. Additionally, students should be aware of any potential international and/or roaming charges for calls, texts, emails, or web access. Please note that VIE is not responsible for lost or stolen items, nor for any additional charges incurred due to international calls, data usage, or roaming.

  • Please note that anyone under the age of 21 may not bring back any alcohol into the U.S.A
  • Information on customs restrictions (what can and cannot be brought back into the US) can be found at the official U.S. Customs’ website: http://travel.state.gov/
  • Up-to-date information about security measures at U.S. airports can be found at the official Transportation Security Administration’s website: http://www.tsa.gov
  • All VIE traveler’s must follow the TSA’s restrictions on what items are prohibited in checked luggage and/or carry-on luggage: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

money and budgeting

VIE suggest bringing a combination of these sources of money while in France:

  • CASH – We recommend that students bring $100 in euros (cash) to tide them over until they are able to use a cash machine to withdraw money or cash traveler cheques. Foreign currency can be bought at most major banks in the United States. Banks can usually order euros if they do not have any on hand.
  • CARD- Credit and Debit cards can be very convenient, as long as the student knows in advance the PIN number and how to use the card at a cash withdrawal machine. Only 4 digit PIN numbers will work in France. They should check with their bank to make sure the card can be used internationally and what service fees or currency conversion fees might apply.

For our programs, we recommend a minimum of $50 per day for expenses: lunches, beverages at dinner, snacks, dinners in Paris, métro tickets, postage and optional activities.

Therefore we suggest:

  • 10-day programs – at least $400
  • 15-day programs – at least $650

The above amounts reflect the necessities. If students are planning to shop and/or bring souvenirs home, they will have to budget additional money.

Tips for the tour guide and bus driver are not included in the program price. The teacher will collect from students the appropriate amount for the group’s program to give to the driver & guide in France. VIE recommends a minimum of 20 to 30 euros per student, to be divided evenly.

download our full student handbook here

Includes tips and resources for your trip to France.