Going to the London Olympics through France

Transcription

1 Going to the London Olympics through France June 2012

2 You are on your way to the United Kingdom in order to participate in or attend the London Olympic Games; you would like to pass for a visit or just in transit: please familiarize yourself with the following information. WARNING The documents in your possession allowing you access to the London Olympics (accreditation card, tickets for attending events, visa issued by a British consulate) do not automatically allow you to enter the Schengen area in general and more particularly France.

3 CONTENTS IMMIGRATION - VISA Should i apply for a visa? How can i get a visa? What happens when i arrive at the airport in france? CUSTOMS INFORMATION No counterfeit items No drugs No protected animal or plant species Certain goods are subject to specific restrictions Take advantage of tax exemptions and comply with their limitations upon arrival in the european union Inform customs if you are traveling with 10,000 or more Download the customs smartphone application ILLEGAL DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO: WHAT DOES FRENCH LAW SAY? Illegal drugs Alcohol Tobacco Drugs, drinking, and driving Opiate substitute treatments HEALTH TIPS What if i am sick during my stay in france? health: what medical services may i use? How am i covered for medical expenses? What if i lose my medication or if i run out during my stay in france? What to do in case of a heat wave? Se rendre aux JO de Londres par la France

4 PREVENTION TIPS What can i do in case of assault or theft? How do i protect against cell phone theft? How do i protect against pickpockets? How to protect my means of payment? How do i file a complaint? Can i buy my tickets from scalpers? What emergency numbers are available? Road safety tips for traveling to london by road TRANSPORTATION By plane By train By boat By road Se rendre aux JO de Londres par la France

5 IMMIGRATION - VISA SHOULD I APPLY FOR A VISA? > If you want to travel in France during the London Olympic Games and if you belong to a nationality subject to short-stay visa requirements in order to enter the Schengen area, you must request a visa at the French consulate, before your departure. This visa will allow you to travel and the Schengen area for the duration indicated on the visa sticker, not exceeding 90 days within a six month period, which also indicates whether one or more entries are allowed (1). > If you come from a country outside the Schengen area and are passing through a French airport (e.g. Paris-Orly or Paris-Charles de Gaulle) in order to board a flight to the UK and you belong to a nationality subject to an airport transit visa (ATV), you must apply for a visa at the French consulate before you leave. This visa will allow you, without leaving the international area, to take your onward flight to the United Kingdom directly. It will also be required for transit on your return from the UK (2).! Warning: An airport transit visa does not allow you to leave the international zone in the transit airport. If you need to change airports for your onward flight, you will need a visa allowing entry into the Schengen area (not an ATV). Airport transit visa exemption: third-country nationals normally requiring an ATV due to their nationality are exempt from ATV requirements if they personally have a valid visa issued by the United Kingdom when traveling to or from this country. HOW CAN I GET A VISA? If you must apply for a short stay visa or an airport transit visa at a French consulate in your country of residence, first check the information on the French Embassy website in your country of residence: - in particular: identification of the consular district to which you belong, address, opening hours, appointment terms, list of documents to be sent; - as well as general visa information at and follow the instructions provided. (1) For information on whether you require a visa due to your nationality: and (2) For more information on whether you require an airport transit visa due to your nationality: page 1

6 Do not underestimate the time required for your formalities: make your appointments as early as possible and gather the documents you need, including: - your travel document (passport), which must be valid for more than 3 months after the visa expires; - documents substantiating the purpose of your trip to the United Kingdom (documents relating to the London Olympics, visa allowing you to enter the United Kingdom, return ticket), and France (return ticket, insurance, accommodations, resources). WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT IN FRANCE? Possession of a visa is a necessary but not sufficient requirement for crossing a Schengen border. > Whether or not you are subject to visa requirements, if you want to enter or transit, you must be able to present all the original documents mentioned above, when you arrive at the airport in France (3) ; > If you do not have these substantiating documents, you risk being denied entry into French territory, i.e. a decision refusing entry, accompanied by a return to your country of departure. In this case, you will not be able to continue your trip to London. (3) Certain categories of persons are exempt from providing substantiating documents at the border. For more information regarding the relevant categories, please follow the link: page 2

7 CUSTOMS INFORMATION What must I do when clearing Customs? NO COUNTERFEIT ITEMS Counterfeit items are absolutely prohibited. You are forbidden from buying them or bringing them into France, regardless of quantity. Customs officers seize all counterfeit goods and customs fines are calculated based on the value of the genuine products that have been counterfeited. NO DRUGS Drugs of any type (including cannabis) are absolutely prohibited. Possessing or carrying them risks criminal sanctions (imprisonment, fines). NO PROTECTED ANIMAL OR PLANT SPECIES Pursuant to the Washington Convention protecting plant and animal species threatened with extinction, you must not transport any endangered animal or plant species or one that presents a danger to the European ecosystem. CERTAIN GOODS ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS For medications and food (meat and fish in particular), you must check before your departure regarding the provisions applicable in this domain, both with regards to your destination country and for your return. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAX EXEMPTIONS AND COMPLY WITH THEIR LIMITATIONS UPON ARRIVAL IN THE EUROPEAN UNION From a country outside the European Union, you MAY import goods in your luggage up to a maximum value of 430 (air or sea) or 300 (other transportation). If you are under the age of 15, your exemption is limited to 150, whatever the mode of transport.! Warning: tobacco and alcohol are subject to quantitative exemptions. page 3

8 Quantitative Exemptions (except for travelers under 17) Tobacco AND Alcohol AND Other Beverages 200 cigarettes - or 100 cigarillos - or 50 cigars - or 250g of smoking tobacco - 1 liter of alcohol above 22 [44 proof] - or 2 liters of alcohol containing less than 22 [44 proof] 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer Beyond these exemptions, you must spontaneously declare the goods as you pass through Customs, in order to pay the corresponding duties and taxes. Not declaring such goods risks forfeiting them and paying a Customs fine. INFORM CUSTOMS IF YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH 10,000 OR MORE If you are in possession of cash, securities, or negotiable instruments in an amount equal to or greater than 10,000, you must declare it to Customs when crossing the French border, regardless of your destination or return country. DOWNLOAD THE CUSTOMS SMARTPHONE APPLICATION You may find all this information on the free, bilingual (French/English) Customs smartphone application (available for iphone, ipad, Android, and Blackberry). In order to download this application, please visit the French customs website: page 4

9 ILLEGAL DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO: WHAT DOES FRENCH LAW SAY? ILLEGAL DRUGS What do I risk if I use drugs? Using drugs is prohibited in France. Drug use is an offense punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a 3,750 fine. Nevertheless, users may also be ordered to attend, at their own expense, an awareness program regarding the dangers of drugs use or to undergo court-ordered therapy consisting of treatment or medical supervision. What do I risk if I offer or sell drugs to another person? The penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment and a 75,000 fine and imprisonment may be doubled for anyone who sells or offers drugs to minors or in or around a school or educational institution. Look-outs, scouts, and other intermediaries are considered accomplices: they incur the same penalties even if they received no consideration in money or in kind. ALCOHOL At what age do I have the right to drink alcohol in licensed premises and buy alcohol? The sale, and even offering alcoholic beverages free of charge, to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited in licensed premises, shops, and public places. The person delivering the beverage may require the customer to establish proof of age. Open bars consisting of selling alcohol as a package deal and service at will are also prohibited regardless of the consumer s age. What do I risk if I m inebriated in the street or in a public place? A person found inebriated in the street, in bars, discos, and other public places may be taken to the police station and placed in a holding cell. The fine for obvious intoxication may reach 150. TOBACCO Where am I not allowed to smoke? In order to protect non-smokers, smoking is prohibited in places intended for collective use including bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Smoking in public places risks a fine of 68. At what age do I have the right to buy tobacco? The sale of tobacco is prohibited to persons under the age of 18 page 5

10 DRUGS, DRINKING, AND DRIVING The risk of fatal road accidents increases very quickly when you have consumed alcohol or drugs. This risk is compounded in cases of combining drugs and alcohol. The risk of a fatal road accident is multiplied by 15 when alcohol is associated with cannabis. What is the legal blood alcohol limit and what are the penalties? It is forbidden to drive with a BAC greater than or equal to 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood: - between 0.5 and 0.79 gram per liter of blood, offenders face a fine of 135 and the loss of 6 driving license points; - from 0.8 grams per liter of blood, offenders face two years imprisonment, a 4,500 fine and the loss 6 driving license points. If a fatal accident occurs, offenders face up to 10 years imprisonment and a 150,000 fine. In all these cases, their driving license may be suspended or canceled. Offenders who do not have a home or a job in France may be forced to pay a fixed fine immediately, failing which, the vehicle may be impounded until a deposit of up to 4,500 is received. If I take drugs (illegal in itself), may I then drive a car? No. Drivers who test positive for a substance classified as a narcotic face up to two years imprisonment and a 4,500 fine. These penalties are increased to three years imprisonment and a 9,000 fine for drivers also under the influence of alcohol. OPIATE SUBSTITUTE TREATMENTS I would like to continue my opiate substitute treatment. Opiate substitute treatments are legal in France. It is strongly recommended you have your treatment with you for the trip as well as your prescriptions because they may be requested at a border crossing or upon any contact with the police or gendarmerie. If during your trip in France, you need to get your treatment, contact a doctor or a structure of specialized care (in town or at a hospital) presenting the prescription established in your home country. (See list of structures on Help and Information Drug Information Service: All information regarding UK drugs laws page 6

11 HEALTH TIPS WHAT IF I AM SICK DURING MY STAY IN FRANCE? HEALTH: WHAT MEDICAL SERVICES MAY I USE? For an emergency, overnight or on weekends, I call: - 15, a toll free number that will direct me to the emergency medical services (EMS - SAMU) who will determine the most appropriate medical service: healthcare association, private physician, on-call medical home, hospital facility, or clinic , European emergency number, which will direct me to the fire brigade, then in case of medical need, to the EMS (SAMU) itself. If it is not an emergency during the day, I go to a private physician s office. The list of physicians according to their specialties, geographic areas, and fees charged may be found on the health insurance site. HOW AM I COVERED FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES? As a European citizen, I may request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving, in order to be reimbursed upon my return for medical expenses paid in France. All information may be found on the Health Insurance website or CLEISS (Center for European and International Liaisons for Social Security). If I am not a European citizen, the following link provides access to information specific to my country: viens en vacances.html In any case, I may voluntarily take out travel insurance that will cover, for example, the cost of repatriation and medical assistance, if such coverage is not already provided by my credit card or my usual insurance. WHAT IF I LOSE MY MEDICATION OR IF I RUN OUT DURING MY STAY IN FRANCE? I prepare my medication before I leave for the duration of my trip. With my doctor or pharmacist, I identify the international nonproprietary name (INN) of my medication, and if possible I have it written on my prescription. I can find the INN for every medication in the Medication Directory or at If I do not have this information, I have to contact my doctor in my home country to obtain it. page 7

12 I ask advice from a pharmacy to see if my medication is OTC or on prescription. If a prescription is necessary, I must consult a doctor in France in order to obtain one. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A HEAT WAVE? - In order not to dehydrate, I drink regularly and moisturize my skin throughout the day. - I remain minimally exposed to heat during the journey. - I make regular breaks in cooled places. - I pay attention to vulnerable people, particularly the elderly. - I do not leave young children unattended in the car. - If I am a victim of heat stroke or illness, I immediately call 15. For more information: (version traduite en anglais) ou page 8

13 PREVENTION TIPS WHAT CAN I DO IN CASE OF ASSAULT OR THEFT? I may request assistance from the police or gendarmerie by calling 17 or 112. I can go to the nearest police or gendarmerie station to file a complaint. HOW DO I PROTECT AGAINST CELL PHONE THEFT? I avoid putting my cell phone in an outside pocket or lending it to a stranger. If I am robbed, I inform the police or gendarmerie as soon as possible by calling 17 or 112 In addition, I immediately contact my cell phone provider to have my phone line blocked. If I subscribe to a French telephone company, I must then communicate my phone s unique ID number (IMEI) when filing a complaint in order to prevent unauthorized use of the phone. HOW DO I PROTECT AGAINST PICKPOCKETS? JI prefer a small bag or a fanny pack to a backpack and I do not expose my personal belongings in plain view. If I am robbed, I inform the police or gendarmerie as soon as possible by calling 17 or 112. HOW TO PROTECT MY MEANS OF PAYMENT? I carry as little cash with me as possible while not leaving my wallet in a back pocket or in plain sight. I try not to handle money in public or exchange currency on the street. It is best to use exchange offices. HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT? I can file a complaint in a police or gendarmerie station. If I do not speak French, agents can receive my complaint and give me a receipt in my language. For more information: t-plainte/depot-plainte/view page 9

14 CAN I BUY MY TICKETS FROM SCALPERS? I must never buy tickets from scalpers because the tickets may cost more and may be counterfeit. I must buy my tickets through official dealers. Pour en savoir plus : WHAT EMERGENCY NUMBERS ARE AVAILABLE? - police and gendarmerie: 17 - emergency number: fire services: 18 - EMS (medical emergencies - SAMU): 15 ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO LONDON BY ROAD In France: ALCOHOL: The blood alcohol level must be less than 0.5 g/l of blood, i.e mg/l of breath. (So I do not drink more than two drinks as usually served in bars and cafes). SPEED: I must adjust my speed to the limits indicated on roadside signs and the circumstances (location, climate, traffic conditions, road conditions, etc.). I must respect safety distances and increase vigilance at night. Finally, I regulate my speed by frequently consulting the speedometer in my car. In France, the speed limit is: - 50 km/h in urban areas - 90 km/h in rural areas km/h on expressways FATIGUE : I must drive without fatigue following my normal sleep habits. During the trip, I take frequent breaks (every two hours) and I do not hesitate to take a break and rest at the first sign of fatigue (back pain, heavy eyelids, yawning, inattention, etc.). MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: All vehicles must be equipped with a reflective safety vest and an emergency warning triangle. If you do not have these devices in the vehicle, you will be liable to a fine of 135. A breathalyzer is also required in each vehicle as of July 1st, 2012 (only NF stamped breathalyzers are valid). Not having one is punishable by a fixed fine of 11. page 10

15 SANCTIONS: In case of violation, you are subject to a fine and, if appropriate, a temporary prohibition against driving on French territory. Criminal penalties are also provided depending on the seriousness of the offense. Non-resident drivers who commit offenses in France and do not pay their fines may have their vehicle blocked and, where appropriate, impounded, until such amounts are paid. Pour en savoir plus : In the United Kingdom: Never forget to drive on the left. Left-hand driving requires special attention especially in a vehicle with the steering wheel on the right.! Beware: when passing another vehicle, leaving a parking lot, or crossing a traffic circle. Be especially careful during the following maneuvers: - passing on roads in United Kingdom will therefore be conducted under conditions of reduced visibility due to the driver's position. You must resume your position in the traffic lane on the far left after passing. - exiting parking requires the driver to hug the left. - crossing a traffic circle (roundabout), in the UK, is entered from the left with the requirement to give priority to vehicles coming from the right. Rules you must never to forget for safe driving - On UK roads, the distances are in miles, maximum speeds in mph (miles per hour). Foreign drivers must multiply these figures by 1.6 to find an approximate match with kilometers and kilometers/hour. - On British motorways, the speed limit is 70 miles/hour or 110 km/hour. - On roads, the speed limit is 60 miles/hour or 95 km/hour. - In urban areas, the speed limit is 30 miles/hour or 48 km/hour. - Speed is frequently monitored on roads in the United Kingdom. Speeding by less than 20km/hour risks a fine of Alcohol abuse, for which the maximum rate allowed is 0.8 g/l of blood, risks a fine of up to 6, Running a red light is punishable by a fine of about 1,000. Mandatory toll to access Central London Vehicles entering central London have to pay a toll of 8, or about 10. page 11

16 TRANSPORTATION What I need to know regarding transportation, if I am going to get to the London Olympics BY PLANE Air traffic between France and London is mainly provided by Orly and Roissy-CDG airports. However many airports throughout the country provide service: Avignon, Beauvais, Bergerac, Beziers, Bordeaux, Brive, Brest, Calvi, Carcassonne, Clermont-Ferrand, Deauville, La Rochelle, Limoges, Lyons, Montpellier, Nantes, Nice, Pau, Perpignan, Rennes, Tarbes, Toulon, Tours. From Paris, there are specific tickets for access by public transport (direct bus or regional express trains - RER) to Orly and Roissy Charles de Gaulle. All information on: Security measures relating to air transportation France imposes security measures regarding liquids carried in luggage. In general, put all your liquids in your checked baggage, except those absolutely necessary during the flight. If are traveling with just carry-on baggage, put your liquids in a plastic bag (freezer bag) approximately 20 cm x 20 cm. Pour plus d informations : BY TRAIN There is a TGVair ticket combining an international flight and a trip by TGV between the Airport Charles De Gaulle TGV station and the following 20 train stations: Aix en Provence TGV, Angers St Laud, Avignon TGV, Bordeaux St Jean, Brussels Midi, Champagne-ArdenneTGV, Le Mans, Lille-Europe, Lorraine TGV, Lyons Part- Dieu, Marseilles St Charles, Montpellier St Roch, Nantes, Nimes, Poitiers, Rennes, St Pierre des Corps, Strasbourg, Toulon, and Valence TGV. All information on this site: page 12

17 On the French rail network - Tickets are not bought on the train but before your departure in stations, agencies, and on the Internet. Every journey made by TGV requires a reservation. - My ticket must be stamped before boarding the train and baggage must be labeled (last name, first name, address). - Beware: you may not access the platform 2 minutes prior to departure. Accessibility: SNCF has developed several services for persons with impaired mobility: reception and assistance at the station, Emergency Accessibility Line, Train-Home service... For more information: pdf BY BOAT Several French ports offer a cross-channel link: Roscoff, St Malo, Carteret- Barneville, Granville-Dielette, Cherbourg, Caen Ouistreham, Le Havre, Dieppe, Calais, Dunkirk. I can find all necessary information on the ports and shipping companies websites. BY ROAD You should know that in France most expressways have tolls. So I plan to pay tolls in Euros or using credit cards. To calculate the price of my trip: For information regarding traffic conditions: Channel Tunnel Eurotunnel offers up to 4 departures per hour in peak times, the crossing takes 35 minutes. Reservations are required. For more information: In order to provide maximum transparency and information to travelers, in February 2012, the Transportation Service Quality Authority launched the This unique site provides the public with more than 27,000 data items regarding air carrier and long distance rail punctuality. It offers guidance to travelers by providing clear answers to any questions they may have before or after their trip. page 13