Americans in Paris
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State advances the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity, by leading America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for country-specific travel information.
- Program Orientation
- Travel Arrangements
- On Site Transportation
- COVID-19 Entry Requirements
- Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
- Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
- Insurance
Program Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation
There will be a program-specific orientation with the instructor and/or program provider at UC Davis. This orientation addresses travel, packing, academics, health and safety, and more. It also provides you the opportunity to meet with others on your program. Prior to orientation, you will receive a Program Specific Guide that will further support program preparation.
On-Site Orientation
Soon after arrival to the program destination, you will have an on-site orientation. The on-site orientation serves to introduce you to the new environment as well as provide on-site resources and support.
Travel Arrangements
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to the program site. Detailed instructions for making flight arrangements are sent to enrolled students via email once the program is confirmed. Wait to purchase plane tickets until you receive this email. Instructions on how to get to the program accommodations will be included in your Program Specific Guide.
As UC Davis Summer Abroad programs are not affiliated with a host university, participants will enter as a tourist. If you intend to participate in another study, intern or travel program beforehand or afterward, you are responsible for your visa situation. Study Abroad can provide a verification of enrollment letter when requested.
On Site Transportation
The best way to see Paris is by strolling the neighborhoods. You will likely want to purchase a metro pass and top it up weekly. The cost is about 25 EUR per week. Travel to Normandy will be by charter bus.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements
While a UCD/UC student may be granted a policy exception to the COVID-19 vaccination program, host countries, institutions, program providers, venues or businesses related to UC Davis Study Abroad programs may have their own additional requirements with which student participants will need to comply.
For a list of programs that currently require vaccination against COVID-19, please review our Program Updates and Resources Related to COVID-19.
Country-Specific Requirements
For additional information about country-specific requirements related to COVID-19 please review the U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Country Specific Information. Information is subject to change and you are encouraged to continually check for updates as it relates to your planned travel.
Important Note for Students with Non-U.S. Passports: Please be aware of the Requirements for Air Travelers to the U.S. Non-U.S. passport holders may be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.
Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
A valid passport is required for this program. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for tourist stays up to 90 days. The 90-day period begins when entering the Schengen Area.
Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
A valid passport is required for this program. Non-U.S. citizens should check for visa and other entry requirements via the consulate of their travel destination(s): French Consulate in San Francisco.
For the Schengen visa, apply via the country where you will travel the longest as this will be considered your “main country of destination.”
You are responsible for obtaining your own visa. Study Abroad will supply a verification of enrollment or other necessary documents for non-U.S. citizens upon request.
International students in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa interested in studying abroad, should ensure the U.S. visa in their passport has at least 90 days validity remaining whenever they travel abroad. If the U.S. visa expires or is about to expire (even if the I-20 is current), students may be required to apply for the visa to their study abroad country in their home country.
Non-U.S. citizens unable to gain access to the study abroad country will be subject to cancellation fees as shown in the cancellation schedule. For this reason, international students are highly encouraged to research entry to their destination country well in advance, and before enrolling in the program if possible.
Insurance
Participants are enrolled in GeoBlue Global Health Insurance and UC Traveler Insurance for the duration of the program and will be provided with specific coverage information. More details about coverage is available in the Health & Accident Insurance section of our Health and Safety Resources.