Ensure a safe and healthy trip to France with our travel guide on health and safety tips, including recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, general precautions, emergency contacts, and insurance advice tailored for travelers.
Health and safety in France are generally of a high standard, with excellent healthcare facilities and a strong emphasis on public safety. However, as with any travel, it's important to take certain precautions and be informed about health and safety practices.
Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling to France, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. These typically include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot. Depending on your travel plans, vaccines for hepatitis A and B might also be recommended, especially if you're planning extended travel or will be engaging in activities that increase your risk of exposure. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist well in advance of your trip for personalized advice.
Food and Water Safety
French cuisine is renowned worldwide, and food safety standards in restaurants and markets are generally high. However, as with any destination, it's prudent to follow basic food safety guidelines:
Eat at reputable establishments that are busy and appear clean.
Wash your hands regularly before eating.
Be cautious with street food or any food left out in the sun for extended periods.
Tap water in France is safe to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach, you might prefer bottled water.
General Safety Tips
France is a relatively safe country, but like anywhere, it's important to take standard safety precautions:
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas where pickpocketing can be more common.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing conspicuous jewelry.
Use ATMs in secure locations and be cautious of card skimmers.
At night, stick to well-lit and populated areas.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, ID, travel insurance) in a separate location.
Emergency Numbers
The pan-European emergency number is 112; this can be dialed for any type of emergency and is available free of charge from any phone.
15 - Medical emergency/ambulance
17 - Police
18 - Fire brigade
It's a good idea to have these numbers saved in your phone or written down.
Health Insurance
Ensure you have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical treatment abroad and, if necessary, medical repatriation.
European travelers with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to the same level of state medical care as a French citizen. Post-Brexit, UK citizens can use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in a similar way.
Non-EU citizens should check if their insurance plan is valid in France; if not, consider purchasing a suitable travel insurance policy.
Additional Considerations
Sun Protection: If you're visiting in the summer or spending time in the south of France, ensure you have adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Insect Bites: While not a major issue in most of France, if you're visiting rural areas or hiking, protect yourself against ticks and other insects.
