The Olympic Games, one of the most prestigious sporting events, attract thousands of spectators every time. Paris 2024 is no exception, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate sport in the city of love.
However, careful planning is required, from applying for your Schengen visa to managing your budget. Both require you to take out international health insurance. Get a free quote for your insurance!
When should you plan your stay in Paris for the 2024 Olympics?
For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, start planning your stay in advance. Ideally as soon as you’ve confirmed your intention to attend the event, here’s why:
– Visa: If you need a Schengen visa to enter France, start the process as soon as possible. It can take several months to obtain one, due to the need to collect documents and schedule consular appointments.
– Insurance: Health insurance gives you financial security in the event of health problems or other unforeseen events. It is compulsory to obtain your Schengen visa. This means you can enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind. Get your European-compliant insurance certificate right away. We offer specially adapted insurance for Schengen stays of less than 90 days.
– Tickets: Tickets for Olympic events are in high demand. They’re already beginning to sell out, so buy your tickets before it’s too late.
– Accommodation: Hotels and apartments in Paris will be very popular during the summer vacations. Booking in advance guarantees a wider choice and better rates.
– Itineraries: Plan your trips in advance, noting where you want to go and the best restaurants. This will help you maximize your time in Paris and make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need a Visa for Paris 2024?
A Schengen visa is required if you are a citizen of an African country, Fiji or Nauru. Also, if you are from one of the following American countries:
– Belize
– Bolivia
– Guyana
– Haiti
– Mariana Islands
– Jamaica
– Dominican Republic
– Suriname.
And also, if you are a national of one of the following Asian countries:
– Saudi Arabia
– Armenia
– Palestinian Authority
– Azerbaijan
– Bahrain
– Bangladesh
– Burma/Myanmar
– Bhutan
– China
– North Korea
– India
– Indonesia
– Iraq
– Iran
– Jordan
– Kazakhstan
– Kirghizstan
– Kosovo
– Kuwait
– Laos
– Lebanon
– Maldives
– Mongolia
– Nepal
– Oman
– Uzbekistan
– Pakistan
– Papua New Guinea
– Philippines
– Qatar
– Russia
– Sri Lanka
– Syria
– Tajikistan
– Thailand
– Turkmenistan
– Turkey
– Vietnam
– Yemen
How can I obtain a Schengen Visa for Paris 2024?
1. Visit the official France-Visas website to discover the steps corresponding to your nationality, place of residence, and the type of visa you wish to obtain, then create your personal account.
2. Complete a CERFA form.
3. Gather the supporting documents, the récépissé, and the form to constitute your file.
4. Make an appointment with the French consular services in your country of residence (VFS Global, TLS, or Capago) to submit your application and biometric data.
5. Be patient for a few weeks; they will contact you to arrange for you to pick up your passport.
The documents required for a short-stay Schengen Visa application typically include:
– Your passport.
– The visa application form.
– A printed copy of the application receipt.
– Two ICAO-compliant passport photos.
– A letter explaining the reasons for your trip.
– Proof of round-trip ticket reservation
– Proof of local accommodation (hotel reservation or letter of invitation from a private individual).
– Financial documents (pay slips, bank statements, etc.).
– Travel insurance certificate. You can obtain your certificate of health cover immediately by purchasing your Schengen visa insurance online.
Is Paris dangerous?
Paris is generally a safe destination for tourists. Although videos of pickpockets in the metro have recently circulated, just be vigilant in closing your bags to protect your belongings.
Be particularly careful if a stranger approaches you in the street to ask you to accompany him/her for a purchase, as they claim not to have any money! Several people have been victims of theft in this way.
If you’re coming for the Olympics, keep a few precautions in mind:
– Large gatherings can increase the risk of contact with people carrying infectious diseases.
– Stress, lack of sleep and excessive partying can all have an impact on your health. Taking out international health insurance is therefore essential if you want to travel with complete peace of mind.
– In summer, Paris can experience high temperatures and high humidity, which can be uncomfortable for people who are not used to it.
– Be aware of the risk of food poisoning when trying new culinary specialties. Take precautions to avoid food-related health problems in a new country.
If you have specific health problems, international health insurance can ensure a pleasant stay despite the weather.
How much will it cost to go to the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Event tickets: Tickets can exceed 400 euros, so budget for tickets. If tickets are sold out, consider reselling tickets, as many people resell them for a variety of reasons.
Accommodation: You can choose to stay in Paris or in the Île-de-France region. Prices are generally lower outside the city, and the journey to Paris is quick and easy by public transport. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be better off in the Paris suburbs.
You can book a hotel room, rent an apartment or a room via platforms like Booking, Airbnb, or Leboncoin. Book early to avoid exorbitant prices or last-minute availability problems.
Meals: Discover French culinary specialties at restaurants, bakeries and markets. Allow a budget for meals of around:
– 30 euros for a meal in a restaurant
– 12 euros for a meal in a fast-food restaurant or bakery
If you cook at home, it will be less expensive, around 10 euros/prs per day.
Visa: To submit your Schengen Visa application, please allow:
– €90 for adults and children over 12.
– €45 for children aged 6 to 12.
Transport: To get around the Paris region, you have several options:
– Taxis are the most expensive, with a minimum fare of 8 euros and additional charges depending on the number of people and distance.
– The metro is an affordable option, starting at 2.10 euros for 1h30 without leaving the network. Daily and multi-day passes are available, with prices varying according to zone.
– You can also use VTC apps like Uber or Bolt, which are generally cheaper than Parisian cabs, but still expensive.
Shopping: Paris means shopping, with its many stores, brand villages and shopping malls. Make sure you budget for your purchases.
Health: Health risks are generally higher during vacations, especially during events such as the Olympic Games. Prepare a budget for health care or take out insurance to protect yourself from the unexpected and reduce health-related burdens and worries.
How do you manage medical emergencies in Paris?
In Paris, in case of emergency, here are the numbers to remember:
– SAMU (15): For life-threatening situations and medical assistance.
– Police Secours (17): To report offences requiring immediate police intervention.
– Sapeurs-Pompiers (18): In the event of accidents or emergency situations requiring rapid intervention.
– Emergency number for the deaf or hard of hearing: 114.
– SOS Dentaire: 01 43 37 51 00 or 01 43 36 36 00.
In addition, Paris has 39 Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris hospitals, with 25 general emergency departments, offering 24/7 health services.
Parisian pharmacies are generally open from 8am to 8pm, with rotating closures on Sundays and sometimes Mondays. The nearest on-call pharmacies are indicated on the door in case of closure.
Register these numbers, find out which health care centers are closest to you, and obtain medical coverage for your stay.