Northern France, France
Many nationalities benefit from visa-free entry for short stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea do not need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This allows for straightforward entry with just a valid passport.
Starting in mid-2025, visa-exempt travelers (including those from the US, Canada, UK, etc.) will need an ETIAS authorization before traveling to the Schengen Area. This is not a visa but an electronic travel authorization. The application is online, relatively simple, and includes a small fee. Once approved, it remains valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers should apply for ETIAS well before their trip once it becomes active. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen visa. The application process usually includes submitting a form, supporting documents, and attending an interview at a French consulate or embassy in your home country. This process takes several weeks, so apply well in advance of your planned travel dates. For stays over 90 days for work, study, or family reunification, a specific long-stay French visa through the appropriate French diplomatic mission in your country of residence will be necessary. This process is more involved and demands specific documentation tailored to the purpose of your stay.
A travel insurance policy is necessary for Schengen visa applicants, covering medical expenses and repatriation with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Even if visa-exempt, travel insurance remains highly advisable for unexpected medical emergencies or trip disruptions.
Explore options like World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or lost luggage.
France has no general entry fees.
Currently, France has no specific health-related entry requirements, like vaccination certificates. Monitor official government travel advisories from your home country and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip, as requirements change. Standard health precautions and updated routine vaccinations are always recommended.
For general tourism in Dunkirk, no special permits are typically needed. Access to beaches, museums, and public areas is open. If you plan to engage in specific professional activities or research, consult the French embassy in your country for any specific requirements. No restricted areas need special permits for tourists.
Standard immigration procedures apply.
Upon arrival at an airport or seaport, travelers go through standard immigration procedures. This includes presenting your passport and any visa to a border control officer. They may ask about the purpose of your visit, your duration of stay, and your onward travel plans. Be polite, direct, and have your documents organized. For non-EU citizens, your passport receives a stamp with entry and exit dates to track your 90-day limit.
For non-EU citizens, your passport receives a stamp with entry and exit dates to track your 90-day limit.
For visa applications and passport services.
For Schengen visa applicants, the process takes several weeks. Early application is advisable. For specific purposes like work or study, long-stay visas are available.
The official currency of France and the wider Eurozone is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in Dunkirk's city center, Malo-les-Bains, and shopping areas. They offer a convenient way to withdraw Euros at competitive exchange rates. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank and ATM operator fees. Use ATMs associated with established banks rather than independent ones in less secure locations. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) receive wide acceptance in hotels, restaurants, larger shops, and supermarkets. Smaller shops, markets, or very local eateries might prefer cash for small purchases. Always opt for charges in Euros (the local currency) when paying with a credit card, as dynamic currency conversion (DCC) offered by merchants often leads to a worse exchange rate. It is wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases, street food, local markets, or in establishments that might not accept cards. Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to France before your departure. This prevents your cards from flagging for suspicious activity and potential blocking while abroad.
Tipping in France is not obligatory, as a service charge ("service compris") is typically included in the price of meals and drinks. This means that servers are paid a living wage, and tips are not relied upon for their income. If the service has been exceptional, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra Euros (€2-€5 for a meal) is appreciated. It is a gesture of thanks, not an expectation. For very fine dining, a slightly larger tip (5-10% of the bill) for truly outstanding service might be considered. For coffee or drinks, rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving €0.50-€1 is common if you are satisfied. For taxis, rounding up the fare to the nearest Euro is a common courtesy. For example, if the fare is €18.50, you might pay €19 or €20. For porters, bellhops, or housekeeping, a small tip (€1-€2 per bag or per day) is appropriate for good service. If you take a guided tour and feel the guide was knowledgeable and engaging, a tip of €5-€10 per person for a half-day tour or more for a full-day tour is a good way to show appreciation. The emphasis is on service being included. Tip if you feel the service was beyond the usual expectation.
€50-€80 per day (hostel dorm, self-catering/cheap eateries, free bus/walking, free attractions).
€100-€200 per day (3-star hotel/guesthouse, casual/mid-range restaurants, free bus/occasional taxi, several paid attractions).
€250+ per day (4-5 star hotel/premium apartment, fine dining, frequent taxis/private transfers, private tours/special experiences).
Hostel bed: €25-40; Budget Hotel: €50-80; Mid-range Hotel: €80-150; Luxury Hotel: €150-300+.
Bakery/Snack: €4-8; Casual Meal: €15-25; Mid-range Meal: €30-50; Fine Dining: €70+.
France has a high standard of healthcare, and Dunkirk is generally a safe city.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to France from most countries. It is good practice to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, and Hepatitis B. Consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. They provide personalized advice.
France boasts a high-quality healthcare system. The universal European emergency number is 112 for all emergencies (medical, police, fire). Specific numbers include SAMU (Medical Emergency): 15, Police Nationale: 17, Fire (Sapeurs-Pompiers): 18. The main hospital in Dunkirk is the Centre Hospitalier de Dunkerque, 130 Avenue Louis Herbeaux, 59240 Dunkerque, with emergency services. Pharmacies, marked by a green cross, are numerous. Pharmacists offer advice for minor ailments or help find a doctor; many speak some English.
Keep a small card with your blood type, any known allergies, and your travel insurance policy details in your wallet. Learn a few basic French phrases, especially for emergencies ("Au secours!" - Help! "J'ai besoin d'un médecin." - I need a doctor). This is useful in urgent situations. Carry photocopies or digital copies (on your phone or cloud storage) of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Store them separately from the originals. If you are a victim of theft or crime, file a police report immediately at the nearest police station (Commissariat de Police). This report is often needed for insurance claims.
