Owais Crawford
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) are two of the largest airports in Europe and offer a range of services for travellers in transit. When transiting through a French airport, you may be subject to visa requirements. However, if you are a national of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China), you do not need an airport transit visa. Paris-CDG is about 26 km (16 miles) from Central Paris, and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre. If you have a long layover, you can leave the airport and explore the city, but make sure to allow enough time to pass through security and immigration again on your way back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY) |
| Transit Visa Requirements | Depends on nationality and type of passport. Not required for nationals of countries party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China) and holders of valid residence permits or visas for the European Union, European Economic Area, Canada, the US, Japan, and specific Caribbean countries. |
| Transit Time | Varies depending on route, airline, and whether baggage collection and terminal change are needed. A minimum of 2 hours is recommended for transportation to Paris and back. |
| Facilities | Shops, restaurants, lounges, and left luggage/baggage storage facilities are available. |
| Navigation | Yellow signs indicate connections. Self-service kiosks provide information on boarding gates, travel times, and nearby services. |
| Transportation to Paris | Trains, buses, taxis, and shuttles are available. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements when transiting through Paris
When transiting through Paris, you must comply with the entry and visa requirements of France. If you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage and check in again, you must clear passport control.
Nationals of certain countries do not require an airport transit visa (ATV). These include:
- Aircraft crew members or nationals of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China).
- Holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
- Holders of a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return issued by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, or the Republic of San Marino.
- Holders of a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States, or Japan.
However, if you are a national of certain countries, you must apply for an "A" airport transit visa (ATV). These countries include:
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.
- Angola, Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, the Philippines, the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Turkey, or Uzbekistan.
It is important to note that the visa requirements for transiting through Paris may vary depending on your specific circumstances and nationality. Therefore, it is always recommended to check with the official sources, such as the Paris airport website or the relevant embassy, for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.
CBD Cartridges: Airport Security and Your Carry-Ons
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Boarding gate and travel time
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY) are the two main airports serving Paris, France. Both airports offer connecting flights and have self-service kiosks that provide information on boarding gates and travel times.
When booking connecting flights, it is essential to consider the travel time between your flights. If you purchase a connecting ticket, the airline will take into account the travel time between your flights. In the event of a delay, the airline responsible for the delay will offer a rerouting solution. However, if you purchase your flights separately, you must ensure that you have allowed enough time between flights to make your connection.
At Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, it is recommended to keep a minimum of two hours for transportation to and from the city centre of Paris. For example, if you have a five-hour layover, you will have approximately three hours to explore the city. The airport is located about 26 kilometres (16 miles) from Central Paris, and it takes about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the city centre.
To find your boarding gate at Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly Airport, you can refer to the airport screens, self-service kiosks, or the airport's website or mobile app. Highly visible yellow signs throughout the airport will also direct you to your connection. It is important to keep an eye on boarding times, as walking distances between gates can be long in some terminals. Boarding times can vary depending on the type of flight. For long-haul flights, boarding usually begins around 45 minutes before departure, while for domestic and medium-haul flights, boarding starts about 30 minutes in advance. The gate typically closes 10 to 20 minutes before departure.
Additionally, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport offers baggage storage facilities in Terminal 2, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your luggage. These facilities can store baggage for a few hours or up to 90 days.
Traveling with Acrylic Nails: Airport Security Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baggage transfers
When transiting through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), you will need to consider your baggage transfer between flights, especially if you have to collect your baggage, change terminals, or pass through security and/or immigration.
If you have booked a through-ticket with an airline or travel agent, your airline will usually provide a "minimum connection time" for your layover. This quoted time will take into account the transportation time to and from the airport, which is approximately 45-60 minutes to and from Central Paris. For instance, with a 5-hour layover, you will have approximately 3 hours to explore the city.
If you have to collect your baggage and check in again, you must clear passport control and comply with entry and visa requirements. You can then take advantage of the left luggage/baggage storage facilities in Terminal 2's public area (near the train station) to store your baggage for a few hours or up to 90 days. This way, you can explore Paris without the hassle of carrying your luggage.
Alternatively, you can use a luggage transfer service like Eelway, which operates at each terminal of Orly Airport and Charles-de-Gaulle Airport. This service allows you to leave your luggage at your doorstep and pick it up anywhere in Paris, including stations and airports. Your luggage is sealed and transferred to a secure warehouse before delivery to your desired location.
If you are transferring between terminals at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you will have access to various services along your route to the gate. However, keep in mind that access to other terminals requires a valid boarding pass for a departing flight from that specific terminal.
Sleeping at the Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$29.99 $34.99
Security and border checkpoints
When transiting through a French airport, you may be subject to visa requirements. If you are travelling from an airport in a third country and you will remain in the international zone of an airport located in a French overseas department, the same rules apply as for transit through metropolitan France. If you wish to leave the international zone and enter a French overseas department, you must hold a valid short-stay visa for the territory concerned.
If you are a national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China), a holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or a holder of a residence permit issued by Japan, Canada, the United States, or the Republic of San Marino, you do not require an airport transit visa.
At Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, you must go through security and/or immigration checkpoints. If you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage and check in again, you must clear passport control and comply with entry and visa requirements. If your connection is within the same terminal, you can explore the shops and dining options nearby. If you're transferring between terminals but staying airside, you'll have access to various services on your route to the gate. Access to other terminals is only permitted if you hold a valid boarding pass for a flight departing from that terminal.
You can use the "PARAFE" smart gates in terminals 1, 3, and 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G. Citizens (over 18 years old) holding valid biometric passports of the European Union, the European Economic Union, and the Swiss Confederation are eligible.
Burbank Airport to Amtrak: A Smooth Connection?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options to Paris
Paris has an extensive public transport system, which is a practical way of getting around the city. The Paris Metro is the fastest way of getting around, with over 133 miles of lines and more than 300 stations. The Paris Regional RER train is used as both a train system and subway, connecting the city centre with the airports and Disneyland. Tickets and passes are available at ticket offices and machines in stations. The RER network has five lines serving Paris, running from 6 am to around 12:45 am.
Walking and the metro are recommended as the best way to get around Paris. The metro is easy to navigate, with signs in English, and data available underground. There are passes for unlimited use, and the Navigo Easy pass is valid for ten journeys. The Paris Visite travel card allows unlimited travel on the Metro, RER, Tramway, Orlyval, Montmartrobus, Noctilien, and Montmartre Funicular.
There are several tour bus operators in Paris, including OpenTour, Big Bus Paris, and Foxity Sightseeing Tour. The Batobus is a boat shuttle that travels down the Seine, stopping at the city's top attractions. Paris also has regional Transilien trains, trams, and buses.
If you are travelling to or from the airport, a taxi is recommended, as car transportation in Paris can be hectic. However, if you wish to travel by car, apps such as Citymapper and Bonjour RATP can help you navigate.
Keep Your Beanie On: Airport Security and You
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
When transiting through a French airport, you may be subject to visa requirements. If you are travelling from an airport in a third country and you will remain in the international zone of an airport located in a French overseas department, the same rules apply as for transit through metropolitan France. You do not require an airport transit visa if you are a national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China).
The minimum connection time depends on your route, airline and whether you need to pick up baggage or change terminals, so there is no single answer. If you book a through-ticket with an airline, they will generally quote a "minimum connection time". If you purchase your flights separately, you must ensure that you have enough time between each flight to make your connection.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and lounges across all terminals. Paris-Orly also has various services, stores, bars and restaurants. There are also left luggage/baggage storage facilities in terminal 2's public area.
