Allowed or banned: the table
| Topic | In Paris | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | Illegal, including for a tourist; simple possession is most often settled with a flat €200 fine; CBD is legal only below 0.3% THC | Cannabis in Paris |
| Alcohol in the street | Allowed by default, but orders from the Paris police prefecture ban it in some areas, during major events or in heatwaves; banned in parks outside licensed venues; visible drunkenness is punished | Alcohol in the street |
| Smoking | Banned in parks and gardens, at bus shelters and on beaches in season since 29 June 2025, and on public transport; allowed in the street and on open terraces; fine from €135 to €750 | Smoking in Paris |
| Transport | Travelling without a validated ticket: €70 fine paid on the spot since 2 June 2025; validate on every journey | Navigo, Paris Visite or tickets |
| Etiquette | Saying "Bonjour" on entering, optional tipping and other customs Parisians notice straight away | Rules and etiquette |
Safety: what to know
Paris is a city where you can get around in the evening with common sense. The best-documented risk is pickpocketing on the metro, in stations and near heavily visited sites, along with street scams, rather than assault. Read safety in Paris at night and the scams to avoid. In a serious emergency: 17 (police), 15 (ambulance, SAMU) or 112 (European number); all the numbers are in emergencies and health in Paris. For the official safety situation in France, consult your own government's travel advice, the information from the Paris police prefecture and the official tourist office (parisjetaime.com).
Entry requirements
- Documents: citizens of the European Union enter with a valid ID card or passport; other travellers should check whether they need a visa on the official France-Visas website (france-visas.gouv.fr).
- EES: the EU Entry/Exit System, which registers non-EU travellers at the external borders of the Schengen area, is described as in operation since spring 2026; check the official EU website (travel-europe.europa.eu) for what applies on your arrival.
- ETIAS: the €20 travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers was not yet in service at our last check, and its launch date has been pushed back. Never pay on an unofficial site: rely only on the official EU website.
- Check date: these rules evolve, so confirm them the week you leave.
Health, money, phone
- Health insurance: if you are European, bring your European Health Insurance Card; otherwise travel insurance is advisable. Emergency numbers and on-call pharmacies: emergencies and health in Paris.
- Payment: cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is best to decline conversion into your own currency at the terminal; see paying in Paris. Tipping is optional: see tipping in France.
- Phone: an eSIM avoids roaming fees outside the European Union; see eSIM and SIM card for visiting Paris.
Departure checklist
- Valid passport or ID card, and a visa if needed.
- Health and travel insurance; European card if you are entitled to it.
- Bank card without foreign fees, plus a little cash (paying in Paris).
- eSIM or suitable plan.
- Booking of accommodation (where to stay in Paris for a first visit) and timed museum tickets.
- Transport ticket: metro and RER or Navigo Easy and Paris Visite.
- Plan your budget: budget for a trip to Paris, and a few useful French phrases.
Preparing your stay
You can book tours and activities in Paris on the GetYourGuide city page and compare hotels on Booking (box below). This page contains partner links: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
