France

Since 2015, asylum-seeker movements have put significant pressure on border controls in Europe.

Make sure you:

• carry your passport when you cross borders, including within the Schengen area
• check border conditions with local sources and transport providers

Driving permit

To drive in France, you’ll need a valid Australian driver’s licence.

Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

If you live in France, you can swap your Australian driver’s licence for a French licence. You must do this within your first 12 months.

More information:

Road travel

Unless otherwise signposted, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from:

• the right at intersections
• side roads

This is the ‘priority of the right’ system. Understand this system so you avoid road accidents.

Be cautious when you drive or travel as a passenger. Keep your doors locked in slow-moving traffic. Lock your vehicle when you leave it.

There are severe penalties for breaking traffic rules. These may include:

• immediate loss of your licence and vehicle
• on-the-spot fines

Authorities have cleared the migrant camp in Calais. However there are still disturbances in the area. Be alert when you drive between France and the UK.

All vehicles must carry a reflective vest and warning triangle to use if you break down.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

More information:

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use licensed official taxis.

Assaults and robberies have happened in unlicensed taxis. These taxis often target high-traffic destinations such as:

• airports
• train stations
• theatres
• nightclubs

In Paris, licensed taxis have the sign ‘Taxi Parisien’ on the top of the car.

Private car companies are legal, but you need to pre-book them.

Public transport

Organised strikes happen often. These may affect transport systems, including trains and airline traffic. Monitor the media and contact your travel provider for the latest details. See Safety

If you use public transport, keep your ticket until you exit the system. Inspectors conduct random checks. If you don’t have a valid ticket, you’ll get an on-the-spot fine.

If you don’t cooperate with inspectors, they can arrest you.

More information:

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check France’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government