L'Etat de Floride vient de voter une loi qui stipule que les étrangers non-résidents doivent désormais avoir un permis de conduire international pour louer une voiture. Mais la mesure n'est pas encore effective.
Lire la suite...
Hier on a donné sur ce forum les dernières nouvelles à cet effet. Voilà donc pour vous prise 2:
| Associated Press
Publié le 14 mars 2013 | Mise à jour le 14 mars 2013 à 11h39
Tallahassee, Floride - Les parlementaires floridiens ont adopté un amendement à une loi controversée votée l'an dernier afin d'abolir l'obligation faite aux visiteurs étrangers d'avoir un permis de conduire international.
La chambre des représentants de la Floride a adopté cet amendement à l'unanimité jeudi. Il sera présenté au sénat où il devait être également approuvé.
Ps.
Et maintenant un(e) de vos concitoyen(ne)s nous arrivent en disant:
Ouin, mais pour "faire sûr" ne serait-il pas mieux ne partir d, en prendre un quand même, juste au cas?
Alors là, ces perpétuel(le)s inquiets ont de sérieux problèmes et devraient aller s'étendre sur le divan de leur psy.
En tous cas, de retour aujourd'hui, je confirme que Avis (qui m'a loué la Mustang de mes rêves d'enfant, rouge cabrio) ne m'a pas demandé de permis international... Mais je l'avais, au cazoù ...😏
Et maintenant un(e) de vos concitoyen(ne)s nous arrivent en disant:
Ouin, mais pour "faire sûr" ne serait-il pas mieux ne partir d, en prendre un quand même, juste au cas?
En même temps, je ne comprends pas où est le problème ! Pour nous, français, c'est gratuit. Et d'ailleurs, pourquoi appeler ça un "permis" alors que ça n'a rien à voir ; une simple traduction en plusieurs langues des mentions de notre permis national.
le soucis c'est que j'ai appelé la préfecture de la Gironde et il m'ont dit qu'il fallait 2 mois pour en avoir un et je par dans 3 semaines, je pensais que c'était plus rapide...
Après plusieurs mails à des compagnies de locations de voitures voici les réponses :
"Bonjour ,
Merci d'avoir choisi Autoescape ,
Pour les Français de passage en Floride, le permis international est indispensable .
La possession du permis "rose" et du permis international est impérative pour toute personne
désireuse de conduire pendant son séjour d’agrément ou d’affaires.
A défaut, de ce permis international, les personnes sont réputées conduire sans permis.
Nous nous tenons à votre entière disposition pour tout renseignement complémentaire.
Cordialement,
Safwane
Service clientèle Auto Escape"
ou encore:
"
Bonjour Mme Le Gall,
Au contraire, le permis international est obligatoire depuis le début du mois de mars en Floride. Il est possible de l’obtenir auprès de votre mairie ou de votre préfecture gratuitement.
Je vous souhaite une excellente journée.
Regards"
et au contraire :
"Nous vous remercions pour votre e-mail. Voici la réponse à votre
demande:
Nous vous confirmons que votre permis de conduire d'origine Européenne +
un passeport électronique vous est suffisant.
Alors je pense qu'Autoescape est en retard dans les dernières nouvelles venant de Floride.
Cette entreprise est une source de renseignements de 2e voire même de 3e ordre !
Il faut arrêter la parano...
Cette loi a été suspendue!
Pas besoin de permis international, cela ne SERT A RIEN!
Ce sujet a été traitée maintes fois sur ce forum, avec les textes officiels.
Si vous avez peur de tout, autant partir avec un TO en bus....
Et on ne sait pas tout...
Dès la semaine prochaine, le permis de conduire Français ne sera plus accepté dans la moitié des états US... si si!
Chaque jour, il y aura un tirage au sort pour dire quels états seront concernés.
Les Francais devront alors passer la licence US pour pouvoir conduire.
C'est mon boucher qui me l'a dit, c'est sa voisine qui lui a dit. Elle connait bien le chauffeur de bus qui passe tous les jours devant l'ambassade US à Paris... Info de première bourre!
SVP pouvons nous stopper cette parano?
Vous non plus, vous ne savez pas tout!
Pour louer des voitures d'une catégorie supérieure à Economy, les conducteurs étrangers aux USA devront avoir une taille supérieure à 1,90m (H et F). Ceci est rendu obligatoire du fait des grosses dimensions des voitures US, avec de petites jambes, les risques d'accident sont plus importants!
Cette loi doit rentrer en opération début avril 2013.
Les Cies de locations vont proposer des prothèses de jambes que l'on pourra louer pour 7$/jour/jambe...
Une option "tatoo" est à l'étude.
Dommage que ce forum soit pollué par ce genre de réaction primaire....
Si cela vous énerve de lire et répondre à des voyageurs qui ne cherchent qu'a se rassurer ou à informer, passer votre chemin! 😠
+1
Je suis d'accord, tout le monde ne connait pas tout le forum par coeur. Si quelqu'un veut poser une question ou lancer un débat libre à lui. Après libre aux autres de répondre ou si cela agace, de ne pas répondre.
Je suis toujours très amusé par les personnes qui montent sur leurs grands chevaux à la moindre opportunité! 😏
Sur ce forum, il existe un moteur de recherche... et il est demandé de l'utiliser avant de poser une question!
Ce sujet est un faux débat alimenté par des personnes qui doivent passer leur vie à s'angoisser pour un rien.
Le problème est qu'ils créent ainsi un débat qui tourne à la névrose générale pour des névrosés...
Oui je suis un primaire, et je l'assume!
Les névrosés doivent aussi s'accepter!
Si les candidats au voyage ne savent pas s'assumer un minimum, il existe pour eux les circuits en bus proposés par les TO de tous les pays.
Comme cela on règle le problème du permis.
Oh la vache si dès le matin t'es à fond comme ça je n'aimerais pas te croiser le soir...🏴☠️
La névrosée veut juste se renseigner un maximum pour que ses vacances soient les plus sereines possible!!!et pour le moteur de recherche c'est celui là même qui m'a mené à cette discussion!donc avant de s'enerver tout seul : respire un bon coup🙂
Sur ce forum, il existe un moteur de recherche... et il est demandé de l'utiliser avant de poser une question!
Ce sujet est un faux débat alimenté par des personnes qui doivent passer leur vie à s'angoisser pour un rien.
Le problème est qu'ils créent ainsi un débat qui tourne à la névrose générale pour des névrosés...
Oui je suis un primaire, et je l'assume!
Les névrosés doivent aussi s'accepter!
Si les candidats au voyage ne savent pas s'assumer un minimum, il existe pour eux les circuits en bus proposés par les TO de tous les pays.
Comme cela on règle le problème du permis.
Je persiste.
Pour être plus précis, je comprends tout à fait votre réaction. Mais pourquoi ne pas indiqué simplement qu'il y as un moteur de recherche, ou que le sujet est déjà traité et point barre. Venir se moquer des personnes derrière n'apporte rien, c'est juste cela qui me dérange. Faut pas oublier qu'internet et l'outil "forum" n'est pas maîtrisé par tout le monde.
Sinon, tout le monde ne voyage pas régulièrement. Dans mon cas, je vais faire mon premier vrai voyage et de se lancer, tout organiser, ne rien oublier, ça m'as angoissé un peu et c'est grâce à ce forum en partie que je vais partir sereinement.
Mais pourquoi ne pas indiqué simplement qu'il y as un moteur de recherche, ou que le sujet est déjà traité et point barre.
Tout simplement parce que c'est de cette façon que les Français "de base" aiment s'exprimer : ceux-là même qui klaxonnent 1 seconde après que le feu soit passé au vert, qui s'impatientent au supermarché lorsque la caissière est une stagiaire un peu lente ou dans toute autre situation où la patience est de mise... Des gens qui aiment râler pour passer leurs nerfs et décharger leur colère (et de surcroit contre des personnes qu'elles ne connaissent même pas!), il faudrait les inscrire de force à un cours de yoga! 🙂
Vous n'avez que peu le sens de l'humour... et vous etes très très insistante.
Plusieurs personnes vous ont répondu dès le départ que c'était un sujet bidon, déjà traité à plusieurs occasions.
Mais vous revenez et insistez à nouveau sur le même sujet.
C'est pas un peu trop?
Perso, je vais en Floride début avril et ensuite en Georgie, et il n'y a aucun changement par rapport aux années précédentes.
Le permis (suisse dans mon cas) suffit largement.
Ce sujet est un faux débat alimenté par des personnes qui doivent passer leur vie à s'angoisser pour un rien.
Le problème est qu'ils créent ainsi un débat qui tourne à la névrose générale pour des névrosés...
...+1....
....et que je te prends toutes les assurances possibles et imaginables........on sait jamais....
"Ce sujet est un faux débat alimenté par des personnes qui doivent passer leur vie à s'angoisser pour un rien.
Le problème est qu'ils créent ainsi un débat qui tourne à la névrose générale pour des névrosés..."
+1000 pour Hubert!
Pour m'amuser (n'ayant rien à faire) j'ai regardé les messages de notre brave Aurélie.
Sur 33 messages: 1/3 sur le permis international en Floride. 1/3 sur le budget en Floride et 1/3 sur les dates pour acheter un billet d'avion pour la Floride.
Si c'est pas de l'angoisse, cela y ressemble non?
Et elle n'est pas encore partie.
Je sais; c'est primaire comme réaction.
Je vais en Floride dans 10 jours et j'ai même pas de permis international, je suis un fou, un rebelle!
Bonne journée à toi.
un rebelle et une mauvaise langue!!!facile de se moquer derrière son écran, punaise mais un forum si c'est pas fait pour s'informer et discuter c'est fait pour quoi bande de nazes!!!!faut arrêter les agressions là ça devient saoulant!😠
ou bien il va être obligé de passer aux quarts "1/4 message de rebellion contre les abrutis du forum", mais je sais pas si monsieur sait compter jusqu'à 4....
Je me permets de mettre mon grain de sel dans cette discussion. Je pars prochainement pour la Georgie et, il y a déjà des discussions à ce sujet, le permis international y est demandé.
Suffit d'une petite recherche http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.aspx?con=1741471757&ty=dl
Site sur lequel on peut lire : Non-US citizens holding a valid foreign driver’s license are allowed to drive in the state of Georgia for tourism or business purposes. If the foreign license is not printed in English, the driver must also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or similar translation issued in accordance with the provision of the Convention on Road Traffic, any similar treaty, international agreement, or reciprocal agreement between the United States and a foreign nation. Non-US citizens must obtain an IDP from their home country prior to coming to the U.S.
Je dis ça, après, les gens font ce qu'ils en veulent....
Le débat récent en Floride sur l'obligation d'avoir un permis international a buté sur le fait que la Convention de Genève dont les USA sont signataires interdit d'obliger les conducteurs à avoir un permis dans la langue du pays visité, d'où l'annulation de la nouvelle loi, et un argument juridique opposable aux autres états américains...mais comme tu dis, chacun fait ce qu'il veut.
Et pour ceux qui trouvent que certains ne sont pas sympas, le problème est que malgré la réponse donnée, très précise que je me permet de remettre : "Tallahassee, Floride - Les parlementaires floridiens ont adopté un amendement à une loi controversée votée l'an dernier afin d'abolir l'obligation faite aux visiteurs étrangers d'avoir un permis de conduire international. La chambre des représentants de la Floride a adopté cet amendement à l'unanimité jeudi. Il sera présenté au sénat où il devait être également approuvé."
certains continuent à écrire qu'ils ne savent pas quoi faire. Sans vouloir choquer quiconque, je dirais juste : lisez la loi et respectez là....et en cas de doute d'un loueur de voiture, imprimez le texte officiel du département des affaires routière de l'état de Floride qui se trouve sur son site : http://www.flhsmv.gov/news/pdfs/PR021413.pdf
Je croyais que ce débat inutile devait être clos?
Traité d'abruti un contributeur participatif inscrit depuis 10 ans et qui DONNE des conseils souvent judicieux?
Voyageforum est un site d'échanges d'expériences et de conseils.
En quoi contribuez vous?
Je signale que les liens officiels sur ce faux débat ont déjà été donnés à plusieurs reprises, et que l'utilisation du moteur de recherches, en amont, aurait évité ces débordements.
Et pour ceux qui ont peur de tout, il suffit d'éviter la Floride et la Georgie...
un contributeur participatif inscrit depuis 10 ans et qui DONNE des conseils souvent judicieux?
Je n'aime pas pinailler, mais chez moi, une inscription le 2 avril 2007, ça fait un peu moins de 6 ans. On se recontacte dans 2 semaines pour l'anniversaire? 😉
Voyageforum est un site d'échanges d'expériences et de conseils.
Effectivement, c'est certainement ce que pensait la personne qui a posé la question avant que tout le monde ne la prenne à partie. Mais cela a le mérite de nous faire un point d'accord!
En quoi contribuez vous?
Un forumeur n'est pas forcément un contributeur, l'important c'est d'échanger. Vous savez, il y a des gens qui donnent sans attendre quoi que ce soit en retour et sur un forum, on ne vous remettra pas une médaille pour ça, c'est juste le principe.
En tout cas, je pense que ces réponses et surtout le ton qui les accompagnait a certainement refroidi la personne qui avait posé la question à la base et qui ne s'attendait certainement pas à ce type de réaction.
Décidemment, c'est une partie mano à mano?
Les 10 ans concernaient ALBUNDY, pas moi!
Aurerious (ou approchant) ne contribue en rien, elle pose et repose les mêmes questions... sur un sujet bidon!
En quoi echangeait-elle et sur quoi?
Pour les réponses de certains, c'était sans doute plus de l'humour qu'autre chose, maladroit peut-être, mais sans plus!
🏴☠️je vois pas pourquoi tu m'agresse , alors que je donne juste un conseil , et en dehors de forum voyage j'ai une vie et j'ai le doit de discuter sur un sujet ancien de 8 mois.
juste pour infos je reviens de la hollande , las Vegas et Los Angeles et et des parcs de l'ouest américains pour cette année 2013.
BONNE SOIRÉE LES P'TITS LOUPS😎
Effectivement sur VoyageForum, le ton de certains laisse parfois à désirer...
Juste pour mon retour d'expérience personnel, puisque j'ai contribué à ce post avant mon voyage :
Je suis allé en Floride fin mai 2013 avec les 2 permis de conduire (national et international), j'ai loué une voiture à Orlando et le permis international ne m'a jamais été demandé par le loueur (Alamo). Je lui ai même proposé et il m'a dit que c'était inutile.
Pour ceux qui ont la chance de partir là-bas prochainement, profitez bien, c'est génial! 😎
Effectivement sur VoyageForum, le ton de certains laisse parfois à désirer...Juste pour mon retour d'expérience personnel, puisque j'ai contribué à ce post avant mon voyage :
Je suis allé en Floride fin mai 2013 avec les 2 permis de conduire (national et international), j'ai loué une voiture à Orlando et le permis international ne m'a jamais été demandé par le loueur (Alamo). Je lui ai même proposé et il m'a dit que c'était inutile.
Pour ceux qui ont la chance de partir là-bas prochainement, profitez bien, c'est génial! 😎
j'ai fait Miami et Orlando en 2010 et 2012.
bizarrement la Floride est l'un des états qui impose le permis international pour les étrangers et pourtant les loueurs ne le prennent jamais , pire je me suis fait arrêté par la police , et quand j'ai présenté mon permis international , elle a refusée et a réclamé mon permis français .
Connaissant la rigidité des américains sur le respect de la loi , alors partons et marchons avec nos deux permis.
sinon aux states c'est top !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
arrêté par la police , et quand j'ai présenté mon permis international , elle a refusée et a réclamé mon permis français
Il n'y a rien de pire ici, au contraire, c'est tout à fait normal. Le permis international n'est, en aucun cas, une pièce d'identité ; c'est ton permis normal qui est LE PERMIS, donc logique que la police te le demande. L'international ne sert, pour moi, que de "traducteur" des mentions diverses, donc nullement indispensable au policier pour sa compréhension du document.
Le problème législatif, c'est autre chose.
Mais, de toute façon, puisque pour nous français c'est (une des rares choses encore) gratuit, je l'apporte effectivement avec moi 😉, même si pas obligatoire.
bizarrement la Floride est l'un des états qui impose le permis international pour les étrangers
Bonjour,
Samsagace a déjà donné la réponse à ce faux débat, hélas récurrent : NON, la Floride n'impose pas le permis international !
et pourtant les loueurs ne le prennent jamais , pire je me suis fait arrêté par la police , et quand j'ai présenté mon permis international , elle a refusée et a réclamé mon permis français .
Je suis allée cherché un permis de conduire internationale chez CAA QUÉBEC aujourd'hui et j'ai été très surprise d'apprendre par la préposée qu'en Georgie aux…
Un parc d'attractions consacré à la série Les Simpsons devrait ouvrir ses portes pendant l'été 2013 à Orlando en Floride. Il sera situé dans l'enceinte des…
+ 3%, c'est la croissance du nombre de français qui ont visité les USA l'an dernier. La France reste toujours le 8eme pays émetteur, représentant en gros 2,2%…
Auparavant uniquement en anglais, les visites de Los Angeles assurées par les bus de la société Starline sont désormais proposés en neuf langues, dont le…
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In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments…
What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive.
PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15%
Valid until: November 13, 2025!
One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
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