France

France is one of the largest aviation markets in the world; Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris) runs Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY) airports. The sector is regulated by the DGAC (Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile), under the ministry in charge of transport, and follows the rules of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The country encourages replacing short flights with high-speed trains (TGV).

In 2026, France operates fully under the new Schengen Area guidelines:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• ETIAS: Not yet in operation (checked in October 2026). Visa-exempt travellers do not need to apply for any authorisation before travelling today: they enter with a valid passport for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, the European Union will announce the date several months in advance on its official website. Be wary of websites that charge for it before then.
• Visas: Citizens of countries requiring a visa (short-stay Schengen visa) must apply at the consulate or an authorized visa center (typically VFS Global) at least 15 days in advance.

Passenger rights in France are governed by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which remains in force and fully applicable in 2026.

• Delays: If your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more (depending on distance), you are entitled to assistance (meals and two phone calls/emails). For delays of more than 3 hours at arrival, financial compensation applies.
• Cancellations: Entitlement to a refund or re-routing, in addition to compensation, unless notified at least 14 days in advance or in cases of "extraordinary circumstances."
• Compensation (2026 Rates):
• Flights up to 1,500 km: €250.
• Intra-community flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: €400.
• Flights over 3,500 km: €600.
• Complaint body: The Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) acts as the national enforcement body.

In France, European Union rules apply: the final price, with mandatory taxes, must be shown from the start of booking (Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008). Under European case law (Court of Justice of the EU, 2014), hand baggage of reasonable weight and size is an essential part of carriage; even so, size rules and what each fare includes vary by airline, so check before you buy. From 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 entitles every passenger to one free personal item. Mobility equipment of persons with disabilities travels free of charge (Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006).

For the entry of animals (dogs, cats, ferrets) into France, EU regulations are strict:

• Identification: Microchip (ISO 11784 or 11785 standard).
• Vaccination: Valid rabies vaccination (administered after microchipping).
• Health Certificate: Official document issued by an authorized veterinarian in the country of origin (or a European Pet Passport).
• Antibody Test: Mandatory for animals arriving from high-risk third countries, carried out 3 months prior to travel.

• Documents: minors living in France who leave the country without either parent (alone or with another adult) need the AST (Autorisation de Sortie du Territoire), signed by one parent, with a copy of that parent's ID.
• Unaccompanied minors (UM): airlines offer an unaccompanied-minor service, mandatory for young children (the age varies: many require it up to 11 or 12). It must be booked in advance and requires identification of the responsible adults at departure and arrival.

France enforces Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006, which guarantees the right to free assistance for persons with reduced mobility (PRM) at airports and on aircraft.

• Request: Must be made at least 48 hours in advance to the airline or tour operator.
• Infrastructure: French airports are required to provide accessible routes, waiting areas, and assistance from the designated meeting point to the aircraft seat.

• DGAC (Passenger Rights and Regulation): https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/droits-des-passagers-aeriens-reglementation
• Official ETIAS Portal (EU): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
• French Public Service (Traveling with Pets): https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F21374
• Immigration Information (Ministry of the Interior): https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/
• Authorization for Minors to Leave the Territory (AST): https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1359