All U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for entry into France. Please be prepared to show your passport at the airport as requested. The first and last name on your airline ticket must match your passport.

Please carry your documentation with you at all times. We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.

Your local post office will be able to tell you where the nearest passport agency is. U.S. citizens will need a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license), and two passport photos, which can be taken at most photo studios, in order to obtain a passport.

The current fee for an adult passport is $97. Typical processing time is approximately six weeks. If you choose to pay the expedite fee of $60, typical processing time is only two weeks.

You can download current passport applications on the Internet by accessing: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Recommended international check-in time is two hours prior to departure. Please call the airline or access the airline’s Internet site to check for schedule changes or flight delays, and reconfirm recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

Because airlines automatically assign group seats, passengers traveling together may not always be seated next to each other. We do our best to request a change of seating whenever necessary so that all travelers may sit by their companions, but please plan to check in early and verify your seating arrangements with the airline.

In general, Europeans dress more formally than Americans do, especially in the evenings. A jacket and tie for men and dressy attire for women will be required in the evening at many of the restaurants in both Paris and Nice.

Suggestions for men:


Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation will I need? All U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for entry into France. Please be prepared to show your passport at the airport as requested. The first and last name on your airline ticket must match your passport. Please carry your documentation with you at all times. We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement. How do I get a passport? Your local post office will be able to tell you where the nearest passport agency is. U.S. citizens will need a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license), and two passport photos, which can be taken at most photo studios, in order to obtain a passport. The current fee for an adult passport is $97. Typical processing time is approximately six weeks. If you choose to pay the expedite fee of $60, typical processing time is only two weeks. You can download current passport applications on the Internet by accessing: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. When should I arrive at the airport? Recommended international check-in time is two hours prior to departure. Please call the airline or access the airline’s Internet site to check for schedule changes or flight delays, and reconfirm recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage. What should I know about airline group seating? Because airlines automatically assign group seats, passengers traveling together may not always be seated next to each other. We do our best to request a change of seating whenever necessary so that all travelers may sit by their companions, but please plan to check in early and verify your seating arrangements with the airline. What should I pack? In general, Europeans dress more formally than Americans do, especially in the evenings. A jacket and tie for men and dressy attire for women will be required in the evening at many of the restaurants in both Paris and Nice. Suggestions for men: Khakis or Dockers and polo shirts or short-sleeved, button-down shirts for touring and sightseeing (shorts may not be allowed in some cathedrals) Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings Comfortable walking shoes Collared shirt, tie, sports jacket, and dress shoes for dinner and evenings Suggestions for women: Cotton shirts and skirts or slacks for touring and sightseeing (shorts may not be allowed in some cathedrals) Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings Comfortable walking shoes Pantsuits or cocktail dress and dress shoes for dinner and evenings What should I pack in my carry-on? In your carry-on, we suggest you pack: Passport and documentation Airline tickets and travel document Cash/traveler’s checks Change of clothes Anything you might need within 24 hours (e.g., medication, toothbrush, contact lens supplies, etc.) What shouldn’t I pack in my carry-on? Please do not pack: Knives of any kind Cigarette lighters and matches Scissors Aerosol cans Manicure kits Anything that could be perceived as a weapon Please note that all items are subject to airline discretion and confiscation. Should I purchase trip insurance? As is customary with group travel, no special insurance has been arranged. Some homeowner policies may provide coverage for luggage loss or damage, and a few health plans cover overseas accidents and illness. You may wish to check with your insurance agent to see what your coverage is and perhaps purchase additional insurance if desired. What will the weather be like? The average temperature for Paris in September is a high of 70° F during the day and low of 52° F at night. The average temperature for Nice in September is a high of 80° F during the day and low of 65° F at night. What is the time difference? France is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. What is the electrical voltage? The electrical voltage in France is 220 volts. You will need a converter/adapter for your U.S. appliances. What should I know about currency and credit cards? Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars are the currency of choice as they can be replaced if stolen or lost. You can exchange them as needed. Credit cards are accepted most everywhere and will give you the best possible exchange rate on your purchases. What’s not included that I can expect to pay for? All personal travel expenses are your responsibility and must be paid for upon check-out. These items include activities you book on your own, phone calls, dry-cleaning or laundry services, and room service. How can I be contacted? For your convenience, a Leave Behind card with the hotels' contact information will be included in your document packet. How can I call home? You can call directly from your hotel room but please note that hotels charge substantial service fees. These charges will be added to your hotel incidental bill and must be settled prior to departure from the hotel. We recommend that you use a calling card and your preferred carrier number to contact home. Your hotel may add a nominal phone charge. What should I know about customs procedures? You will need to go through customs as you return to the United States. For visitors over 21 years of age, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one liter of spirits or wine is allowed. Purchases amounting to over $400.00 will have to be itemized and may be subject to duty charges. Be sure to keep all receipts handy.