Paris (Roissy-en-France, Val-d'Oise) to Des Moines (CDG–DSM) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

French citizens enter the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You must get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA costs USD 21 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at least 72 hours before departure, though most approvals come within minutes.

Your passport must be biometric (the e-passport symbol on the cover). At US immigration, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. Officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans. You cannot extend a VWP stay beyond 90 days or change status while in the US. For longer stays or work, apply for a visa at the US Embassy in Paris (2 Avenue Gabriel, Paris 8e).

Air France, Delta, United, and other carriers fly Paris CDG to multiple US cities direct, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington Dulles. The US dollar is the local currency. Tipping is expected (15 to 20% at restaurants). Travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended since US healthcare charges are extreme by French standards. An ER visit can cost USD 3,000 or more without insurance.

RER B train runs from central Paris (Châtelet–Les Halles, Gare du Nord) to CDG T2 in 30–35 minutes (€11.80, RATP fare). From T2, a free CDGVAL people mover covers T1 and T3. Train frequency is every 10–15 minutes; service runs from around 5am to midnight.

Taxis from Paris have a fixed fare: €55 to the Right Bank (most of central Paris), €65 to the Left Bank. Journey time is 30–60 minutes depending on traffic on the A1. Ride-hail (Uber, Bolt) is often cheaper. Buses (Le Bus Direct) run from major Left Bank and Right Bank stops (€17).