France has very relaxed entry requirements for foreign travelers staying less than 90 days. For those who take a short trip, they only need to bring a passport to visit the country. However, if you plan to spend more time in France, you will need to visit the website of the French Embassy or consulate in your country or city to obtain a visa for a long-term stay.
It is very important that you have all the documents you need to enter the country before traveling. Due to the terrorist attacks, France has beefed up its security, so if you don’t have your documents in order, you may be sent home on the French border.
Citizens of the United States and Canada.
Canadian and American residents who plan to travel to France for short visits do not need visas to enter the country. A valid passport is sufficient. However, there are exceptions to that rule for the following categories of visitors:
- Journalists traveling to France on request (a special work visa is required)
- Crew members or workers traveling for short-term professional duties (members of film crews, etc.)
- People with diplomatic or official passports.
If you belong to one of the above categories, you will need to submit an application for a short stay visa to the embassy or consulate closest to you. US citizens can consult the French Embassy in the United States for more details. Canadian citizens can locate their nearest French consulate here.
Visa requirements to visit other European countries
Because France is one of 26 European countries that belong to the Schengen territory, US and Canadian passport holders can enter France through any of the following countries without a visa or passport. Note that the UK is not on the list; You will need to go through immigration inspections at the UK border by showing officials your valid passport and answering any queries they may have about the nature and / or length of your stay.
- Austria
- Germany
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- Estonia
- Greece
- Iceland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Swiss
- The Netherlands
- Czech Republic
- malt
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Latvia
- Iceland
You should also be aware that US and Canadian citizens do not need visas to travel through French airports to countries that do not belong to the Schengen territory. However, it would be wise to check the visa requirements for your final destination, despite any layover you may have in France.
European Union passport holders
Travelers with European Union passports are not required to have a visa to enter France, and can stay, live and work in France without limitation. However, you may want to register with the local police in France and with your country’s embassy as a security measure. This is also recommended for all foreign citizens residing in France, including citizens of EU Member States.
Other nationalities
If you are not a Canadian or American citizen, or a member of the European Union, the visa rules are specific to each country. You can find the visa information corresponding to your situation and country of origin on the French consular website.
