Belly’s Paris visa in The Summer I Turned Pretty: what’s real and what’s fiction?
Recently, a popular Prime Video series featured a storyline about a student travelling to Paris, which raised a lot of questions about visas.
If you’re not familiar with the show: in the finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the story shifts from Cousins Beach, in the US, to Paris. Belly Conklin, the main character, arrives in France ready to start a new chapter — only to discover that her university place isn’t available after all. Yet she decides to stay. Could she travel to Paris without a valid visa? How could she stay there for so long? And what about that spur-of-the-moment train to Belgium?
While the series is fictional, the issues it highlights are real. Travellers often ask the same questions about studying in France, staying in Paris without a visa, or moving freely between France and Belgium. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning your own trip.
Belly’s situation in the series
In the show, Belly had originally applied for a university place in Paris and even began the student visa process. But when she decided not to go, she withdrew her application. Later, when her personal life unravelled, she called the university, who told her she might still have a place if she came.
When she arrives in Paris, however, it turns out to be a misunderstanding — there is no spot for her. Asked about her student visa, she admits she doesn’t have one. And yet, she remains in Paris for what looks like at least a year, even taking a train to Belgium.
For fans, this raised an obvious question: could someone really do that?
Do you need a visa to visit Paris?
No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Paris or anywhere in the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
However, this exemption only covers tourism or short business trips. Studying, working, or staying long-term requires a visa.
Coming soon: From late 2026, US citizens and other visa-exempt travellers will also need to apply online for an ETIAS authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS isn’t a visa, but a pre-travel check linked to your passport.
Could Belly have applied for a student visa in France?
No, student visas for France must be applied for in your home country before travel; you cannot switch from a tourist stay to a student visa once you’re already in France.
Because Belly’s university place was revoked, her original student visa application would have been void. To study in Paris, she would have needed a new acceptance letter and to restart the process in the US. See Travelisa’s France visa requirements page or the official France-Visas portal.
How long could she stay without studying?
Without a visa, US citizens can stay in France and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Any longer requires a visa or residence permit. Here’s a clear guide to understanding the Schengen 90/180 rule.
Overstaying this limit can lead to fines, entry bans, and difficulties with future visa applications. Find out what really happens if you overstay a Schengen visa.
What happens in the series: Belly is shown living and even working in Paris for a year.
In reality: To live or work in France, you must apply in advance for a long-stay visa or residence permit in advance. Entering as a tourist and then staying to work is not permitted under Schengen rules.
Travelling from France to Belgium: fact or fiction?
Yes, you can travel from France to Belgium without a visa. Both are part of the Schengen Area, which means there are no routine border checks. You should still carry your passport in case of spot checks, but the journey itself is border-free.
In real life, what Belly would actually need is a valid train ticket. Hopping onto a moving train without one would not only be unsafe but could also result in hefty fines from ticket inspectors — a definitely less romantic way to end Belly’s “in all alternate universes” love declaration for Conrad Fisher.
Streaming drama vs travel reality
Prime Video may skip the paperwork, but real-life travel doesn’t. If you’re planning a short break in Paris, a semester abroad, or a multi-country trip across Europe, it’s important to know the visa requirements in advance.
At Travelisa, we simplify the process by helping you prepare your application, check your documents, and make sure everything meets government requirements — so you’ll never find yourself in Belly’s situation at the university counter.