France Has Changed. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Even if you visited two or three years ago, the France you land in this year may feel different. In this video we walk you through what is changing in France in 2026 for travelers, from passport control at the airport to museum prices, fuel costs and Airbnb rules, and what to do about each one before your trip. We live between France and Florida, and this is exactly what we tell friends and family before they come.

The five changes we cover

• Visible security: armed military patrols at airports, train stations and big sights under the Vigipirate program. It can be unsettling at first, but they are there as a deterrent.
• The Entry-Exit System (EES): since April 10, 2026, passport stamps are being replaced by automated biometric checks. You need a biometric passport, and you should expect longer lines at arrival.
• Higher museum prices for non-EU visitors: when we filmed, the Louvre had gone from 22 to 32 euros and Sainte-Chapelle was 22 euros for non-Europeans. Visitors 18 and under are still free.
• Fuel costs: if you rent a car, a full tank could cost 110 to 120 euros at the time of filming, and some discount stations run dry. Electric cars are worth considering.
• Airbnb crackdown: Paris now limits rentals to 90 days a year, and listings must show a 13-digit registration number. Unregistered apartments risk last-minute cancellation.

ETIAS: do not fall for scam sites

ETIAS is a separate travel authorization that has been postponed several times and was not needed when we filmed. Be very careful with websites charging a fee to “process” it for you. Always check the official ETIAS website first.

Our advice before you go

If you plan to visit several museums a day, the Paris Museum Pass can soften the new prices. For accommodation, check that any rental has its registration number, or consider a hotel. And at the airport, build in extra time and a little patience.

To plan the rest of your trip, our Paris Guide Bundle covers where to stay, eat and explore. You can also browse our selection of the best tours in Paris, read our full guide to Louvre tours, or join us on Patreon for real-time updates.