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IN BRIEF
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Paper holiday vouchers, which have long been a popular means of payment for financing leisure activities and holidays, are undergoing significant changes. While they are still widely accepted in France, recent decisions are impacting their use. This guide addresses important new developments to be aware of regarding these titles and their future.
Major changes on January 1, 2025
Since January 1, 2025, new regulations have been put in place regarding the use of paper holiday vouchers. The SNCF, one of the main transport operators in France, no longer accepts this payment method for purchasing train tickets. From now on, only digital titles can be used. This decision aims to address a continuous decline in the use of paper holiday vouchers, which have now become a minority compared to their digital counterparts.
Impacts on users
This could have a notable impact on travelers who have gotten used to using paper holiday vouchers to pay for their train journeys. According to estimates, around 45% of people using holiday vouchers to buy a train ticket do so with the paper format. This represents a significant portion that may feel disadvantaged by this transition. Users will now need to focus on the dematerialization of their titles to continue benefiting from this payment method.
Dematerialization of paper holiday vouchers
For those who still possess paper holiday vouchers, the need to proceed with their dematerialization becomes unavoidable. This process requires sending their booklets of holiday vouchers to the National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) by registered mail. However, it is important to note that this service is not free, as a fee of 10 euros is required for the transformation of these titles. This procedure constitutes an additional constraint for holders of paper holiday vouchers who are already disrupted by the need to adapt to new regulations.
Acceptance of holiday vouchers in the tourism sector
Despite these changes in transportation, more than 124,200 tourism and leisure professionals in France continue to accept holiday vouchers. Whether it’s hotels, restaurants, museums, or amusement parks, this system remains perceived as an advantage for consumers. The concerned establishments, recognizable by an ANCV sticker placed on their windows, allow users to fully enjoy their purchasing power.
Validity and conditions of use
Holiday vouchers have a validity period of two years from the year of issue. For instance, vouchers issued in 2024 will be valid until December 31, 2026. Users are advised to check the validity date of their holiday vouchers carefully to avoid any loss of value. These titles can be used to finance various leisure-related activities, making them a flexible payment method suitable for holidays and outings.
Conclusion on the future of paper holiday vouchers
Despite the increasing restrictions surrounding the use of paper holiday vouchers, their importance in the tourism and leisure sector remains. Regulatory changes mark a transition towards dematerialization that could offer certain advantages, such as greater simplicity for online payments. However, users will need to adapt to these new arrangements, particularly by ensuring they dematerialize their paper titles to continue enjoying their benefits.
