VISAS AND IMMIGRATION FOR UAE

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

This website has been regularly updated. To check for recent changes to visa regulations log on to http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/default3.asp?ID=155 .

Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.gov.ae/mofa_english/portal/79e01fed-3501-4ebb-accd-9e27950433a7.aspx . 
Here is a link to download visa application form http://www.uaeinteract.com/travel/uae_visa.pdf . 
You will find other links to UAE Embassies and Consulates here: http://www.mofa.gov.ae/mofa_english/portal/2c7ff8a6-c6fa-4418-95a8-db64287fab26.aspx

 You may also need to contact your own national Embassy or Consulate: http://www.mofa.gov.ae/mofa_english/portal/7f88a30f-111d-45a7-8d25-62764985e2a1.aspx

 Immigration Departments in the UAE: https://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/.../Citizen?_nfpb

http://dnrd.ae/en/Pages/Home.aspx

http://www.snrd.ae/en/default.aspx

http://www.rak.ae/en/web/rakportal/home

http://www.gdrfaf.gov.ae/index.php?page

Call the 24-hour, toll-free AMER service on 800511 for answers to queries about visas for any of the emirates. 

The kind of visa that you require for entry into the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Please read the following details carefully and refer to the regulations listed below. Note that visa regulations are subject to change so it is always advisable to check with your embassy before travelling. 

If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE. 

Visas will also be issued to escorts of GCC nationals, including domestic helpers, for a renewable duration of 60 days. 

Documents required include the original passport of the sponsored person and a valid residency visa.

GCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.

Documents required include the original passport of the sponsored person, a valid residency visa and proof of employment in the country of residence.

Citizens of the following countries (including all 28 EU member states from 22 March 2014) are eligible for a free-of-charge Visit visa at all UAE airports or other points of entry: Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United States of America, United Kingdom with (Right of Abode in UK) and the Vatican. The visa is valid for 30 days, renewable once.

The list of eligible countries may vary from time to time and it is therefore necessary to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE prior to departure. 

If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf.

Valid sponsors may be as follows:

a) Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days).

b) Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.

c) Other organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.

d) Individuals (relatives or friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

Visit Visa

The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in UAE, those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits. It requires the sponsorship of any UAE resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable guarantee is required from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives. 

90-Day Long-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsor or authorized signatories (signed and stamped).

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
• A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
• Proof of family relationship (kinship)
• Travel insurance

* Fees:
AED 1110 e-DNRD Fees.  AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable

30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped).

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
• A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
  Proof of family relationship
• Travel insurance

* Fees:
AED 610 e-DNRD fees. AED 620 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable

30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa (Companies)

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped).

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Copy of the establishment card
• Travel insurance

Fees:
AED 610 e-DNRD fees. AED 620 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable.

90-Day Long-term Visit Visa (Companies)

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped).

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Copy of the establishment card
• Travel insurance

Fees:
AED 1100 e-DNRD fees. AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable.

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa is a special category of visa under the Visit Visa type. This can be obtained for individual tourists from Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao, and other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, and China.

The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries.

Tourist Visa for all Nationalities (Tourist companies):

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Travel insurance

Fees:
AED 210 e-DNRD fees, AED 220 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and renewable for the similar period (30 days), upon payment of a fees of AED 620.

Service is provided through the e-DNRD e-Services.

Multiple-Entry Visas

Multiple-entry Visas are issued to visitors on board cruise ships since their schedule usually includes entering the country more than once in a single trip.

Multiple-entry Visas are also issued to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local company, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1000.

The visitor must enter the UAE on a Visit Visa and obtain the Multiple-Entry Visa while in the country. The visa is stamped in the passport. 

German Citizens

German citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for a one- or two-year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay of visa holders should not exceed three months per year. The visa fee is AED 1500 

US Citizens

US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in the US for one to ten-year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months per visit.

Mission Visa

Issued to businessmen and highly qualified professionals.

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Travel insurance 

Fees:

AED 320 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. 

Valid for 14 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 16 days from arrival date and non-renewable. 

Transit Visa

Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours are eligible for a 96-hour transit visa. A valid onward ticket is required

Passports or travel documents must be valid for at least three months.

Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for the 96-hour visa on arrival:
Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen.

Transit visas for passengers arriving at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports can be arranged by Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways for their passengers or by Marhaba Services for those travelling on other airlines. Marhaba Services Tel: 00971 4 2162657; 2164629
email: marhaba@emirates.com

Student Visa

Sponsor must be one of the licensed universities or educational institutions in the UAE (recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education). 

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped). 

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Copy of the establishment card
• Copy of the trade license
• Travel insurance 

Fees:

AED 1110 e-DNRD fees. AED 1120 e-form fees.

AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. 

Medical Treatment

Patients seeking medical treatment in the UAE must be sponsored by medical establishments, both in public and private sectors, and approved by the Ministry of Health or Health Authority of the emirate. Visas in this category are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival and can be renewed twice for 60-day periods.

E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped).

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Copy of the establishment card
• Medical certificate attested by MOH or Health Authority
• Travel insurance

Fees:
AED 1110 e-DNRD fees, AED 1120 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

AED 610 e-service fees, AED 620 e-form fees.

Valid for 60 days from the arrival date and can be renewed twice, 60 days each.

Exhibitions/Festivals/Conferences

Government and Private Establishments 

E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped).

Required documents:

• Clear passport copy of the sponsor
• Copy of the establishment card
• Copy of the trade license
• Letter from the concerned entity announcing the exhibition, festival or conference
• Travel insurance

Fees: AED 210 e-DNRD fees, AED 220 e-form fees, AED1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the issue date and non-renewable.

TOURISM IN UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) lies along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula (between 22º 50 and 26º north latitude and between 51º and 56º 25 east longitude). Qatar is situated to the north-west, Saudi Arabia to the west, south and south-east, and Oman to the south-east and north-east. Occupying an area of about 83,600 sq. km (32,400 sq. miles), the UAE is roughly the size of Portugal. Its coastline (which used to measure 1318 km before land reclamation projects extended this figure) stretches along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26°C, although nights can be relatively cool, between 12–15°C on the coast, and less than 5°C in the depths of the desert or high in the mountains. Local north-westerly winds frequently develop during the winter, bringing cooler windy conditions. Summer temperatures are in the mid-40s, but can be higher inland. Humidity in coastal areas averages between 50 and 60 per cent, touching over 90 per cent in summer and autumn. Inland it is far less humid.

Rainfall is sparse and intermittent. In most years it rains during the winter months, usually in February or March, but occasionally earlier. Winter rains take the form of short sharp bursts, which, if occurring in the Hajar Mountains, run off rapidly into wadis and onto the down washed gravel plains. Localized thunderstorms occasionally occur during the summer. Generally appearing over the mountains of the south and east of the country, these rumbling cloudbursts can give rise to severe flash floods.

Some years are totally dry and it is only through the regular formation of dew that vegetation and wildlife can survive. This applies even to those places that experience a relatively high annual rainfall: at the Hajar Mountain town of Masafi, for example, 350 mm may fall in a ‘wet’ year, whereas as little as 30 mm may be recorded in a ‘dry’ year.

When to visit

The very best time to visit the UAE is between September and May.

By September the summer heat is abating, although humidity can still be relatively high, blue skies are the norm and the evenings are warm. At this stage the tourist season is well under way.

Daytime temperatures are ideal during November, December, January and February (around 24 C), although the evenings can be a little cool. North-westerly winds sometimes blow during these winter months, bringing choppy seas. Most of the annual rainfall occurs between December and March, but this tends to be in the form of short heavy downpours that rapidly clear away. Indeed some winters are totally dry.

By March–April, temperatures are beginning to increase during the day, but humidity is still low and the evenings are warm.  The mercury continues to rise during May, peaking from June to August. July and August can be quite hot and humid. However hotels and golf clubs and other facilities offer very good deals during the summer months and it is worth remembering that hotels, shopping malls, in fact all buildings, cars, buses etc.

SHOP, FOOD AND DRINK IN FRANCE

France Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in France

Special purchases include designer clothing, lace, crystal glass, cheese, coffee and, of course, wines, spirits and liqueurs. Le Printemps and Galleries Lafayette are among the most notable large department stores in Paris. For bargain hunters, bric-a-brac or bromate is found in a number of flea markets (marché aux puces) on the outskirts of town, most notably at the Porte de Clignancourt in Paris. Antique centers are also common. Most towns have fruit and vegetable markets on Saturday, while out-of-town hypermarkets sell everything from foodstuffs to electrical equipment.

Individual regions often have particular food or drink products closely associated with the local area. Assuming you can transport these home without too much difficulty (smelly cheese and long plane journeys aren’t a great pairing, for example), they make for great – and often cost-effective – souvenirs. Prime examples include cider and gazettes from Brittany, camembert from Normandy, bottles of first-rate fizz from Champagne and macaroons from Paris.

The capital city, in fact, offers more or less anything and everything French that you might want. Some of the prices might be a little on the eye-watering side, but you’ll find everything from fine art, one-off collectables and perfume to designer shoes, luxury stationery and postcards and prints of old Paris. Almost every store will offer to gift-wrap bought goods while you wait at the counter. And be aware that some of the city’s top-end outlets are seriously exclusive – you may have to press a buzzer to gain entry.

Shopping hours: 

Department stores open Mon-Sat 09:00-18:30. Some shops close 12:00-14:30. Food shops open 07:00-18:30/19:30. Some food shops (particularly bakers) open Sunday mornings, in which case they will probably close Monday. Many shops close all day Monday, or Monday afternoon. Hypermarkets are normally open until 21:00 or 22:00.

Nightlife in France

Nightclubs are found in all towns and cities. Their style and music vary widely, and the entrance price will sometimes include a drink. In major cities such as Paris and Lyon, clubs are occasionally free of charge, although drinks are likely to be more expensive. Nightclubs have a fixed closing time of 05:00. Theatres, late-night bars and cafés are all widespread.


Most local tourist offices publish diaries of events, available free of charge. In Paris, the likes of Pariscopeand L'Officiel des Spectacles (both of which come out weekly on Wednesdays) are sold at newspaper kiosks and list upcoming cinema programs, exhibitions and other entertainment.

In the provinces, nights out generally revolve around eating and drinking, although discos are found in the more popular tourist spots. Weekend summer festivals in rural areas are a good form of evening entertainment. As in many parts of the continent, binge-drinking isn’t traditionally seen as a prominent part of the French culture. That said, there are some fairly ribald drinking dens to be found, and in many smaller towns and villages, the local bars remain integral parts of the community. In some rural regions, it’s not uncommon for people to shake the hands of everyone present – tourists included – when entering a bar.

France Food and Drink

From the baking aromas wafting from its traditional village boulangeries to the Michelin-starred fussiness of its gourmet restaurants, France has an almost unparalleled world reputation for its food. Crucially, while the archetypal French dish is a fabulously rich thing, the national cuisine is as varied as the country's landscape, and much of its prestige comes from the quality of its regional specialties. It’s not all about the ultra-exclusive eateries either – many of the choicest gastronomic treats are simple, affordable and delicious. And did we mention the cheese? Bon appétit.

Specialties: 

• Bouillabaisse (fish stew, usually containing at least three – but often far more – types of fish and shellfish. Usually served with bread).
• Cassoulet (rich haricot bean casserole, often slow-cooked with various meats including duck, goose and pork sausages).
• Quenelles de brochet (pounded pike formed into sausage shapes and usually served with a rich crayfish sauce).
• Soufflé au Grand Marnier (light and fluffy dessert flavored with orange liqueur).

Things to know: 

Other than fast-food joints, almost all restaurants offer two types of meal: à la carte (extensive choice for each course and more expensive) and le menu (a set meal at a fixed price with pre-determined dishes). The set menus often offer excellent value, with fresh, creative dishes costing a fraction of what they might in the UK.

Tipping: 

A 12 to 15% service charge is normally added to the bill in hotels, restaurants and bars, but it is customary to leave small change with the payment.

Regional drinks: 

From calvados to Cointreau, absinthe to Armagnac and champagne to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France gives a home to some of the most distinctive tipples on the market. Sampling local produce is a major part of the French gastronomic experience, and it’s just as true of drink as it is of food. The country’s wines are a phenomenon in their own right, and most of the leading regions offer ample opportunity for tourists to get up close to the winemaking process – including, of course, sampling the end product.

And be aware that in many cases you’re doing more than just having a nice drink – products like cider in Brittany and absinthe on the Swiss border, to mention just two, also play a profoundly important part in the heritage and culture of the region.

National drinks:
• Wine is the most popular alcoholic drink in France, with grape and vintage varying according to region.
• Pastis is a popular apéritif (brand name Ricard or Pernod).
• Beer is brewed in Nord Pas de Calais, Picardy and Alsace. The latter is said to brew the best beer in France, while cider is brewed in Upper and Lower Normandy.
• Coffee is almost always served after meals, and will come black, in small cups, unless a café au lait (or café crème) is requested.
• A wide variety of brandies (such as Armagnac and Cognac) and liqueurs (such as Chartreuse and Genepi) are available.

Drinking age: 

18. Minors are allowed to go into bars if accompanied by an adult but they will not be served alcohol.

WHOT TO SEE IN FRANCE

France things to see and do

Things to see and do

Alsace Wine Route

There’s no shortage of enjoyable French wine trails to explore, but the Route des Vins d’Alsace – a gloriously scenic 170km (113 mile) drive through hushed, hilly countryside – is arguably the most atmospheric of the lot. Wine can be bought and tasted at roadside cellars.

Brittany

A region with a deeply individual character, Brittany blends a proud Celtic heritage with a trove of vibrant travel attractions, from prehistoric megaliths and lively port cities to dense forests and dramatic coastlines. Its still-keen sense of independence only adds to the overall ambiance.

Chamonix

A magnet for winter sport fans, summer hikers and serious mountaineers, Chamonix is France’s ski resort par excellence. There’s a vast range of action-based activities, but plenty too for those more concerned with enjoying the views – as backdrops go, the Mont Blanc Massif takes some beating.

Marseille

Brimming with the colorful urban flavors of the south, Marseille is a coastal city with a multi-layered history and a character that’s part Provence, part North Africa. From the lively buzz of its daily portside fish market to the clamorous throng of its football crowds, it’s a city with a noisy, confident identity that remains very much its own.

Metz

Since the official opening of the excellent Centre Pompidou-Metz in 2010, awareness of the charms of Lorraine’s capital city has shot up. And rightly so – its Gothic architecture, classy restaurants and arty spirit make it a hugely enjoyable place in which to spend time.

Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry, which is one of the most historically important, and unusual, chronicles of its day, is located in the town of Bayeux in Normandy. The 70m-long (231ft) tapestry – technically better described as an embroidery – offers a splendidly vivid depiction of the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It begins with Harold of Wessel’s visit to Normandy and his meeting with Duke William in 1064, and culminates with the flight of the English army at Hastings. All the main intervening events are covered in painstaking detail. Although it was almost destroyed in 1792 when French revolutionaries used it as a wagon cover, the whole tapestry (with the exception of the final section, thought to have depicted William's coronation in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066) has survived to this day and can still be viewed.

Website: htttp://www.tapestry-bayeux.com

Cannes Film Festival

The Côte d'Azur resort of Cannes bursts to life each spring when its world-famous Cannes Film Festival comes to town (www.festival-cannes.com), its seafront promenade becoming an A-list parade of directors, producers and Hollywood actors.

Carcassonne

Almost too picture-perfect to be true, the fortified town of Carcassonne is home to a wealth of monuments from different eras. Rising above the plains of the lower valley, it's somewhere for history buffs and gastronomes alike.

Cave of Lascaux

Discovered by chance in 1940 by a group of teenagers, the cave paintings at Lascaux are considered to be among the world's best examples of prehistoric art. The 15,000-year-old images of bulls, horses and reindeer caused a visiting Pablo Picasso to proclaim, “We have invented nothing”. After the discovery of the cave, the increasing levels of carbon dioxide emitted by visitors were found to be damaging the paintings and, as a result, the caves were sealed in 1963, following an order from the French Ministry of Cultural Affairs. In order to compensate for the closure, a precise cement replica of the original caves, known as Lascaux II, was opened to the public in 1983; these caves feature the two most important parts of the original caves, the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery.

Website: http://www.semitour.com

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral is considered by many to be the finest Gothic cathedral in France, if not in Europe. The Sancta Camisia, the cloth that the Virgin Mary is believed to have been wearing when she gave birth to Christ, was once housed in the town of Chartres. The cathedral itself was first built in 1145, but was destroyed by fire in 1194. The Sancta Camisia remained intact, which led a papal representative to convince the spiritually devastated people of Chartres to build a new cathedral on the same foundations.

The result, which took until about 1260 to complete, is a spectacular combination of early and high Gothic, still attracting hordes of visitors every year. Built of limestone, the cathedral, which set the standard for 13th-century architecture, stands 34m high (112ft) and 130m long (427ft). The cathedral is particularly well known for its asymmetrical spires, its 176 stained glass windows and its numerous religious sculptures.

Website: http://cathedrale-chartres.monuments-nationaux.fr/

Château de Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a magnificent royal chateau that acted as the center of political power in pre-revolutionary France. Today, the super-sized but beautiful structure remains delicately preserved, drawing huge crowds with its opulent apartments and landscaped gardens. It was built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, at a time during which the monarchy was at the height of its pomp and power. You’ll find priceless artwork, regal luxury and flamboyant design touches at every turn. The palace itself is under 30km (20 miles) from Paris, and represents a fascinating insight into the flavors and grand follies of its day.

Website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr

Cycle the Loire Valley

What better way to take in the medieval chateaux and sparkling wine caves of the Loire region than on two wheels? The gentle pace of life here has drawn countless artists and writers over the years - and plenty of cyclists too.

Gorges du Verdon

Considered by many to be the most impressive river gorge in Europe (others have it as France's answer to the Grand Canyon), the Gorges du Verdon reaches heights of up to 700 meters (2297ft) at its deepest, with steep banks blanketed in greenery.

Hike in Corsica

The offshore island of Corsica is somewhere once visited, never forgotten. Ruffled with mountain ranges and edged by vertiginous cliffs, it's a place of rugged beauty and age-old heritage. Its hiking trails are among the most celebrated in Europe.

Lyon

There's a great deal more to France's second-largest city than its fabled restaurant scene (although miss that at your peril, foodies) - art museums, a vibrant clubbing scene, riverside walks and a historical old town all add to its considerable appeal.

Millau Viaduct

Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the astonishing Millau Viaduct (www.leviaducdemillau.com) is today the tallest bridge in the world, its modernist structure made all the more impressive by its rural setting. It spans the valley of the River Tarn in the south.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel)

Normandy's most iconic sight draws thousands of visitors yearly with its impossibly photogenic setting: Mont Saint-Michel (Saint Michael's Mount) is a rocky island surrounded by tidal waters one kilometer (0.6 miles) off the coast of Normandy. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of A ranches, who built a chapel there after the Archangel Michael appeared to him in a dream. Construction started in 1023 and finished some 400 years later. Fashioned from granite, its delicate contours are an extension of the shape of the island and encompass a range of architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic. For centuries, the Abbey was a place of pilgrimage but it has also variously served as a prison, a fortress against the English and a monastery.

Website: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

Paris sightseeing

Anywhere that boasts the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral (and they're just the hors d'oeuvres) is more than just another city. Equal parts chic, edgy and drop-dead beautiful, Paris is cosmopolitan, ever-changing and unamicable.

Parisian café culture

Like so many parts of France, Paris has a proud café culture, and people-watching over a coffee – or something a little stronger – is a quintessential way to experience the absorbing rhythms and fashions of the capital. Be warned though: depending on the cafe and its location, prices can be eye-wateringly hefty.

Provence

This long-acclaimed region of southeast France is famed both for its countryside and its historical romance, which combine to create one of the most magical corners of the country. From medieval hilltop villages to purpled fields of lavender, Provence is one of the country's most seductive destinations.

Ski the Alps

The French Alps play host to some of the most famed ski resorts in Europe, among them Courchevel, Val-d'Isère, Méribel and L'Alpe d'Huez. The region as whole covers a colossal area and offers superb choice for skiers of all levels.

St Tropez

Synonymous with glamour, glitz and all the other trappings of the jet-set, St Tropez was 'discovered' by Brigitte Bardot and has been a trendy destination ever since. Over the summer months the town's marina, which sits on the gleaming Côte d'Azur, is simply bursting with shiny mega-yachts.

Tour de France

The annual cycling showcase that is the Tour de France tends to travel through some of the most picturesque parts of the country. Being part of the crowds that throng the roadsides makes for a fantastic experience.

Visit a wine region

France and wine make a natural pairing, and any serious oenophiles (or even those who just enjoy a tipple) should take time to visit one of its varied wine regions. Bordeaux, Bourgogne (Burgundy) and the Côtes du Rhône are three of many rewarding options.

Watch a game of boules

Few things are as redolent of the France of tradition as a game of boules (also called pétanque), in which players attempt to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden 'jack'. Expect old men, cloth caps and a respectful hush.

FRANCE TOURISM GUIDE

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE

You could spend a lifetime’s worth of holidays in France and still not feel you’d done the country justice. It remains the planet’s most visited tourist destination, meriting its standing with an almost overwhelming mass of historical treasures, storybook landscapes and cultural idiosyncrasies.

The teeming glam of Paris makes for one hell of a centerpiece, matching any city on the planet for ambiance, individuality and set-piece sights. But the real beauty of France, in many ways, lies elsewhere. The country’s natural gifts are striking, with white sands, hulking mountains and swathes of rolling countryside. It’s a land that has inspired dreamers and drinkers, revolutionaries and artists. Little wonder that Francophiles (and it’s telling that even the country’s devotees have a given word to describe them) are found the world over.

You can soak up the A-list beaches of the Cote d’Azur, drowse in the timeless greenery of the Loire Valley or gaze up at the monumental peaks of the Alps. Wander the lavender fields of Provence, eat your way round the legendary bistros of Lyon or sample the rugged charm of Corsica. France’s cities, coastline and countryside all have their own ooh-la-la rewards, and when taken as a whole, they present a near-perfect visitor package.

That’s not to say that it’s somewhere easily bracketed. When you’re walking the moody portside backstreets of Marseille or delving among the sprawling flea markets of Paris, it can be a job to remember that they’re a part of the same country as the vineyards of Alsace or the sand dunes of the Atlantic coast.

This diversity, in many ways, is the magic of France. It’s why it has endless magazines, books and texts dedicated to the joys of its lifestyle. It’s why the national spirit remains such a bold, many-hued thing. And it’s one reason why, in a continent full of historical wonder and natural beauty, France still draws more tourist attention than anywhere else.

“How can one describe a country which has 365 kinds of cheese?” once asked former French president Charles De Gaulle. Even today, it's a very good question.

Travel Advice

For assistance in any emergency situation, dial 112.

Take sensible precautions against street and car crime. Don’t keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in the same place; use the inside compartments in bags where possible. Carry your bag across your body rather than on your shoulder.

Don’t be distracted around tourist attractions and cash points. Pickpockets can work in gangs: one to distract you while the other one goes into your bag. Keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars.

Be aware of common scams used to obtain money from tourists, there are petition, 3 card trick and gold ring tricks which are all to be avoided, more information can be found here

 http://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/English/Advice/Advice/Advice-for-tourists-FAQ.

Thieves and pickpockets operate on the Paris underground, RER lines and at mainline stations, for example Gere du Nord. There have been several victims of serious assault on the RER line B, which serves Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports and Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus. There have also been serious assaults on RER line D, which serves the Stade de France.

Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit and take sensible precautions such as not becoming separated from friends.

Motorway journeys are usually trouble-free, but if you are asked by another motorist to stop and you decide to do so, park your car in a public area with lights - like a service station - and be wary of people offering help. If you are involved in a car accident or witness an accident, use the orange emergency phones http://www.autoroutes.fr/en/accidents.htm to ask for help.

Local Travel

Travel to and within France can be disrupted by strike action. Check with your travel provider before you travel.

Hiking, winter sports and outdoor activities

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped. Don’t undertake any activity alone, and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone. For travel to mountainous areas, make sure your insurance covers you for extra medical costs, repatriation to your country of residence and in the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie possible transfer to Switzerland for treatment.

Observe all warnings regarding avalanches and where appropriate consider carrying avalanche search equipment. You can check the latest avalanche risk areas on the Mateo Alarm website http://www.meteoalarm.eu/en_UK/0/0/FR-France.html Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. You should carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (e.g. off-piste skiing, snow-boarding, mountain biking, climbing, ice-climbing, paragliding), make sure you’re covered by your insurance. This should include mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.

Local sea conditions can endanger even strong swimmers on the Atlantic Coast. Many beaches provide lifeguards and warning systems (colored flags) and you should always follow the advice closely. Get information on the specific Baïne danger on the coast of the Gironde and Lands departments.

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present in the sea.

Road Travel

Driving regulations in France are different from those in the UK. Always remember that the normal rule is to give way to the right each time you reach an intersection.

Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines, and your vehicle and license could be confiscated. The maximum speed on auto routes is 130kph (80mph) in good weather and 110kph (68mph) in poor weather.

Many drivers undertake long journeys in France. Plan your journey carefully, taking into account unknown roads, weather conditions and fatigue. Make sure you take regular breaks.

Information on road safety and potential traffic black spots (in French only) is available on the Bison Futé website http://www.bison-fute.gouv.fr/index,langen.html . Alternatively, real-time information on road traffic conditions is available on 107.7 FM in French and in English (Motorways radio – AutoRoute Info).

To drive in France you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving license, insurance and vehicle documents. If you don’t own the vehicle you’re driving, you should get written permission from the registered owner.

It’s compulsory to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must be stored inside the vehicle itself and accessible without getting out of the car. It is illegal to cross, even partially, on to the hard shoulder of a motorway without good reason.

In-car radar detectors and satellite navigation systems warning of the presence of speed cameras or radars are illegal whether in use or not.

In 2012 there were 3,653 road deaths in France (source Dft). This equates to 5.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.

See the European Commission

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html

http://www.rac.co.uk/driving-abroad guides on driving in France.

Road haulers

There have been reports of burglaries taking place while lorry drivers have been asleep in their vehicles. Avoid parking in isolated or dark areas of unsupervised camping grounds or car parks. Consider installing an alarm in your vehicle.

There have been many attempts by illegal migrants to enter Lorries while stationary or in slow moving traffic. Take sensible precautions against break in to your vehicle, particularly in northern France.

Heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tones are banned from driving on roads in France on certain days during the year, including all Sundays and public holidays. Dates are set by the French Ministry of Transport. Full details of restrictions can be found on the Bison Futé website (http://www.bison-fute.gouv.fr/index.html).

British haulage companies and their employees should contact the Road Haulers Association  (http://www.rha.uk.net/)for further information about driving in France.

Camping Cars

There have been reports of burglaries taking place while travelers have been asleep in their caravans, mobile homes and other vehicles. Avoid parking in isolated or dark areas of unsupervised camping grounds or car parks and consider installing an alarm in your caravan or mobile home.

There have been many attempts by illegal migrants to enter vehicles while stationary or in slow moving traffic. Take sensible precautions against break in to your vehicle, particularly in Northern France.

Passports: 

A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals listed in the chart above except (1) EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay.

If travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another however, EU nationals are not required to show a passport or national ID card. It is still recommended that you travel with your passport or ID card to prove your identity if necessary though. Note that Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the UK are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to/from these countries.

EU nationals are not required to possess a return ticket or show sufficient funds.

Passport note: 

The passport and visa requirements for travelers visiting Monaco as tourists are the same as for France. Monaco is not a member of the EU however, so residency and long-stay requirements differ and are liable to change. For further details, contact any French Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Visas: 

Neither visas, return tickets nor are sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit required by nationals referred to in the chart above.

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy for visa requirements.

Types and cost: 

Transit/short-stay Schengen visa: €60. This typically covers tourism, business or family visits for nationals requiring a visa.

Long-stay visa: €99. 

Validity: 

Short-stay/Schengen visa: up to 90 days within a six-month period. It can be issued for one entry or multiple entries into the Schengen area and can be valid for up to five years.

Long-stay visa: this is a national visa that entitles you, whatever the reason for your stay, to live in France for more than three months. It is not a Schengen visa. Some categories of long-stay visa are valid as residence permits for the first year of your stay in France.

Transit: 

If you’re transiting through an airport in France to travel to another airport in France or in the Schengen area, then unless exempt, you’re required to have a short-stay Schengen visa.

Application to: 

If France is your main destination in the Schengen area, apply to your local French consulate (or consular section at embassy). In the UK, the French authorities have outsourced the visa application process to a company called TLS Contact (www.tlscontact.com/gb2fr). TLS Contact charges an additional £22.22 processing fee.

Schengen visas: 

France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Temporary residence: 

Some categories of long-stay visa are valid as residence permits for the first year of your stay in France: study visas, some work visas, visas for spouses of French nationals and visitors’ visas. If you are in one of these cases, when you arrive in France, you must send the OFII form to the relevant regional delegation of the Office Francis de l ‘Immigration et de l'Intégration, which will give you an appointment for a medical examination and payment of residence fees. After the first year (in the two months before your long-stay visa expires), you must apply to renew your residence permit at the relevant prefecture for your place of residence.

In all other cases, if you are a foreign national holding a long-stay visa marked 'carte de séjour à solicitor' (residence permit to be applied for), you must apply to the prefecture for a residence permit.

Working days: 

Processing times vary according to nationality and visa type. Short-stay/Schengen visas: one to 21 days; long-stay visas: 10 days. You're advised to allow at least 15 days.

Sufficient funds: 

If applying for a visa, you’ll be asked to detail how you intend to support yourself for the duration of your stay.

Extension of stay: 

If you need to extend your stay in France for reasons of force majeure, you must, before the date of expiry of your visa, submit an application for 'prolongation de visa' (visa extension) with documentary evidence.

Entry with children: 

If visas are needed, a form must be filled out for each individual applicant, including children under 18.

Entry with pets: 

Visitors are able to bring pets into the country from within the EU without them being quarantined, so long as the pets are fitted with an ISO pet microchip and have been vaccinated for rabies and other diseases at least 21 days (but no more than a year) prior to travel.

Money & duty free for France

Currency & Money

Currency information: 

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit cards: 

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the country. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check prior to the meal that your card will be an acceptable form of payment. Even in cities, it’s advisable to carry a supply of cash with you at all times.

ATM: 

Cashpoints compatible with international banking networks are located in all towns and cities, as well as airports, major train stations and other spots. They usually offer an attractive exchange rate. Those banks that still exchange foreign currencies into local money will always charge a transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an ATM usually represents the most logical means of obtaining euros.

Traveler’s cheques: 

Traveler’s cheques are accepted nearly everywhere in France. In Monaco, to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours: 

Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10:00-17:00, Monday through Friday. Throughout the rest of France, banks are usually open from 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00, Tuesday to Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday. In Monaco, banks are normally open between Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:30.

Getting around France

Air: 

The main airline connecting towns and cities within France is Air France (www.airfrance.com). Easy jet (www.easyjet.com), Ryan air (www.ryanair.com) and Air Corsica (www.aircorsica.com) are among the other options.

Air passes: 

Air France’s Metropolitan France Discount Pass offers up to a 35% reduction on more than 100 domestic routes.

Departure tax: 

None.

Side of road: 

 Right

Road quality: 

Motorways and main roads are generally in excellent condition. The bulk of smaller roads are well maintained, but some more remote routes can be in poor condition.

Road classification: 

Motorways (auto routes) bear the prefix 'A'; some are free whilst others are toll roads (auto routes à page). National roads (routes nationals) are marked 'N'. Local roads are usually classed as 'D' roads, while minor rural roads are classified as ‘C’ or ‘V’.

Car hire: 

Car hire is widely available from international and domestic companies. Most of these require you to be over 21 years old and in possession of a license for at least a year. You may have to pay a surcharge if you’re under 25.

Taxi: 

Taxis are widely available in all towns and cities. Train stations are the most logical place to find a rank.

Bike: 

France is passionate about cycling and much of the country lends itself well to exploration by bike. There’s a good number of urban and rural bike paths, as well as an extensive network of minor roads with little traffic. Most cities and towns have at least one outlet hiring bikes – some, such as Marseille and Paris, have a large-scale public bicycle sharing system.

Coach: 

Almost all regions are served by a bus network, although these tend to operate over relatively short distances and services can sometimes be infrequent.

Regulations: 

The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18, and 15 for a motorcycle under 125cc. The minimum age for hiring a car in France ranges from 21 to 25. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas, 110kph (68 mph) on dual carriageways separated by a central reservation, and 130kph (81 mph) on motorways. Visitors who have held a driving license for less than two years may not travel faster than 80kph (56 mph) on normal roads, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways and 110kph (68 mph) on motorways. Drivers are required to carry a Breathalyzer kit in the vehicle, however foreign tourists will not be penalized for not carrying one. These will be available from channel ports for a cost of around £2.

Breakdown service: 

Dial 17 (from roadside boxes) for emergency breakdown services, or call 112 from a mobile.

Documentation: 

A national driving license is acceptable. An international sign, distinguishing your country of origin (e.g. GB sticker or plate), should be positioned clearly on the vehicle. EU nationals taking their own cars to France are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card. The car's registration document must also be carried. UK registered vehicles displaying Euro plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on a blue background) no longer need a GB sticker when driving in EU countries.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Urban public transport is excellent. There are comprehensive public transport systems in all the larger towns and cities.

Paris: RATP (Reggie Autonome des Transports Parisians www.ratp.fr) controls the underground (metro), rail (RER) and bus services in and around Paris. The public transport network is split into several different fare zones and a single ticket will allow travel on any of the systems within that zone (although interchange is only permitted on the metro and RER, and not on buses). The Metro's network of 14 lines makes it a good way to get about central Paris. The RER (fast suburban services) operate five main lines connecting most areas of the capital. There is also an extensive network of conventional suburban services run by French Railways (SNCF).

Other cities: There are tramways, trolleybuses and an underground in Marseille; trolleybuses, an underground and a funicular in Lyon; and a tramway and automated driverless trains in Lille. There are tramway services in St Etienne, Nantes and Grenoble and trolleybuses in Limoges and Nancy.

Rail: 

French Railways (SNCF) (Tel: 3635 from within France or contact through Rail Europe Tel: 0844 848 4064; www.sncf.com) operates a nationwide network. Transport in and around Paris is operated by the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisians (RATP) (Tel: 3246 from within France; www.ratp.fr). This organization provides a fully integrated bus, rail and underground metro network for the capital. Auto Train is a car-carrying rail service running between Paris Bercy and a dozen different destinations in the south of France. Contact Rail Europe for further information. 

Rail passes: 

With an Inter Rail One Country Pass you can choose from unlimited travel on three, four, six or eight days of your choice during the course of a month. Available from Rail Europe (Tel: 0844 848 4064, in the UK; www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).

Eurail (www.eurail.com) offers unlimited second-class travel for non-EU nationals in 23 European countries with four pass options. The Eurail Global Pass offers travel for 15 or 21 days, one, two or three months, as well as 10 days travel within two months or 15 days travel within two months; the Eurail Global Pass Youth ticket provides discounts for those under 26. The Eurail Regional Pass allows four to 10 travel days in a two-month period in two or three neighboring countries. Please note since January 2013 SNCF has withdrawn from the Eurail Select Pass and it is no longer possible to buy this type of pass to travel through France.

Cheap fares: It is possible to buy various kinds of tickets in France (including Family and Young Person's Tickets) offering reductions. In general, the fares charged will depend on the day of the week and time of day you’re travelling; timetables giving further details are available from SNCF offices.

By rail note: 

It’s essential to validate (composter) tickets bought in France by using the orange automatic date-stamping machine at the platform entrance.

By water: 

Car ferries known as ‘bacs’ connect the larger islands on the Atlantic coast with the mainland; they also sail regularly across the mouth of the Gironde. The island of Corsica is served by ferries operated by the Society National Maritime Corse-Mediterranean (SNCM) (Tel: 3260 from within France; www.sncm.fr). Services run from Marseille, Nice and Toulon to Ajaccio, Propriano, Porto Vecchio, Calvi, Ile Rousse and Bastia on the island. Corsica Ferries/Sardinia Ferries (Tel: (04) 9532 9595; www.corsicaferries.com) also offer services from Corsica to the mainland.

There are almost 9,000km (5,600 miles) of navigable waterways in France, and all of these present opportunities for holidays. The main canal areas are the north (north and northeast of Paris) where most of the navigable rivers are connected with canals; the Seine (from Auxerre to Le Havre, but sharing space with commercial traffic); the east, where the Rhine and Moselle and their tributaries are connected by canals; in Burgundy, where the Saône and many old and picturesque canals crisscross the region; the Rhône (a pilot is recommended below Avignon); the Midi (including the Canal du Midi, connecting the Atlantic with the Mediterranean); and Brittany and the Loire on the rivers Vilaine, Loire, Mayenne and Sarthe, and the connecting canals. Each of these waterways offers a variety of scenery, a means of visiting many historic towns, villages and sites and an opportunity to learn much about rural France at a leisurely pace.

Cruising boats may be chartered with or without crews, ranging in size from the smallest cabin cruiser up to converted commercial barges (péniches), some of which can accommodate up to 24 people, plus crew. Hotel boats (large converted barges with accommodation and restaurant) are also available in some areas, with a wide range of prices and comfort levels. For further information, contact the national or regional tourist board.