Las Vegas: City or theme park?

👍🏻 Safety

As a general rule, the United States does not present a safety risk for visitors. However, when it comes to the city of Las Vegas in particular, you need to be careful. Although the city is continuing to combat fraudulent practices, some areas are still not very popular. We advise you to stay away from these areas and stay close to the famous Strip!

Formalities and Visa for the USA

Since January 2009, nationals of visa-exempt countries, have been required to submit an online request for travel authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours before departure. This authorisation is valid for two years or until your passport expires.

If you have an old-style passport, you will need a visa, as this type of passport is not machine-readable and therefore not secure under US regulations. However, you can use it until its expiry date. But note that the tourist visa will cost you 80 euros. The United States requires an individual passport, whatever the age of the traveller. Babies (even a few months old) and children must therefore have a passport like adults (or an individual visa if the child is included in the passport of one of the parents who has a visa). The individual passport for children should be applied for at the Préfecture or Sous-préfecture de Police in the place of residence. It is valid for 5 years and costs 30 euros.

Because of the attacks of 11 September 2001, security checks are more numerous and longer for travellers to the United States. Don't forget to allow a little extra time at the airport.

🚕 Transport

Getting around Las Vegas is relatively easy. It's quite possible to get around the tourist area on foot, as it's fairly small and concentrated around the Stip and Downton. If you want to get away from the city, particularly to explore the surrounding countryside, you'll need a car.

⚕️ Health

No vaccinations are required, but very good insurance is strongly recommended (care and repatriation costs), in the event of illness or accident, given the very high cost of medical care in the United States. To contact the emergency services, dial 911 (police, fire brigade, ambulance).**

💳 Expenses

The prices of products displayed in shops are always exclusive of tax. State tax, in this case 7.75%, must be added. An additional local tax may be applied to hotels in certain towns, for a total that can vary from 11% to 14%. Prices quoted in the service sector (restaurants, taxis) always exclude a tip: it is customary to add a 15% tip to the price quoted. If you pay by credit card, you should add the tip yourself and make up the final bill before signing.