20-hour layover in Paris CDG, 5:15 pm to 1:50 pm

I’m an American citizen traveling with Air France from Athens to JFK in New York via Paris. Do I need a transit visa to leave the airport and spend the night in Paris? Can I check a bag through or must I retrieve my luggage and go through immigration and customs?

Thank you.

Best Answer

As an American citizen, you do not need a visa to enter France for short visits.

Your baggage will be checked through to your flight to JFK and you will not need to claim them. If you do choose to enter France, you will cross immigration and hand your passport to the immigration officer just like those heading for baggage claim. Then, you can skip baggage claim and go through customs with your carry-on items only.

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20-hour layover in Paris CDG, 5:15 pm to 1:50 pm - Eiffel Tower

20-hour layover in Paris CDG, 5:15 pm to 1:50 pm - Gray and White Concrete High Rise Buildings

20-hour layover in Paris CDG, 5:15 pm to 1:50 pm - Louvre Museum During Golden Hour

What do you do on a 20 hour layover?

If you book a flight with a layover, do your homework ahead of time by checking out the airport website for information. Find out if there are restaurants, shops, or other activities to pass the time. Some airports (usually those in larger cities) have theatres, museums, gyms, and even play areas for the kids.

Can you leave the CDG airport during a layover?

Can I leave Charles de Gaulle Airport during a layover in Paris? YES, except if you are a national of a non-Schengen country and only have an airport transit visa. An airport transit visa allows you to travel through an airport's international zone without entering the country's territory.

Do I need to go through customs for a connecting flight at CDG?

You won't have to go through customs or immigrations (assuming you're ticketed through) and you'll be passed through as a transit passenger.

How long of a layover do I need at CDG?

Minimum connecting time recommended by EASY CDG1 hour for connections within the same terminal. 1 hour 30 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals.

5 hour layover at CDG

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