Your passport must be valid for three months after the date of your return to the United States. For example, if you are returning Sunday January 25th, it will need to be valid through April 25th. If you need to renew/apply for a passport, we recommend you begin the process immediately as it can take a while.

In mid 2025, the European Union will start requiring all visitors to register online with ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) prior to entering Europe. You will not need to do more than enter basic background and passport information and pay a $7 fee. The EU expects nearly all applications to clear online within minutes.

Paris is safe for a big city, but a big city nonetheless. The only area we really recommend avoiding is Boulevard Rochechouart/the base of Montmartre at night.

Violent crime is rare, but theft is rampant. Keep a hand on your belongings, especially on the metro and in crowded areas. French doors "lock" when you pull them closed, but they can be popped open easily, and thieves know it. You must turn the key and bolt your front door when you leave. (That said, as doors latch shut when you pull them closed, make sure you are holding your key when you leave).

There is a fair amount of fraud, even within platforms like Airbnb. Trust your gut and do not rebook if the host cancels. Please feel free to contact Mercer for a second opinion if anything feels out of the ordinary.