Visiting France? Find Out If You Need A Visa To Travel

Paris and the French Riviera are just two of the major attractions in France. For those wishing for a European vacation, this is a great country to start. Find out what you need to kick-start your French tour, including whether or not you will need to get a visa to travel.

Visa requirements for France

Needing a visa to travel to France depends on your own individual circumstances, including where you are traveling from and how long you plan to stay. The country is part of the Schengen area, a block of 26 countries that need no internal border controls.

Due to this, member countries (including non-EU nations like Norway, Iceland and Switzerland) can enter France with just a passport or their national ID card. Moreover, they can stay in any of the member countries indefinitely. Freedom of movement is just one of the many benefits of being part of the EU.

Non-EU nationals visiting France

Citizens and residents of countries outside the EU bloc and Schengen area will need a passport to enter France. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure. Moreover, they will require proof of travel insurance, proof of a return ticket and accommodation and, if required, a visa.

The best way to find out if you need one is to visit the French government’s France-Visas website for information on what you require to visit France. Moreover, the website features a handy Visa Wizard to help you find out if you need a visa and how to apply. Bear in mind, that France is known for its strict red tape, so ensure your documents are in order before flying there.

Which nationalities can visit France visa-free?

Citizens of approximately 60 non-EU countries don’t need a visa for a short stay (vacation or business) in France. These countries include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, the US and many Latin American countries.

Meanwhile, citizens of visa-free nations can normally stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. What this means is that once you leave France after 90 days, you can’t re-enter the Schengen zone for a further 90 days.

Partly due to Brexit, the EU’s Entry/Exit System is planning to beef up security at external EU borders this year. They plan to electronically monitor border crossings, making it easier to identify those who have overstayed their welcome.

However, citizens of some countries have special bilateral visa-waiver agreements. This allows them to visit one Schengen nation with no reference to how much time they spend in other Schengen Area countries. These visas require special permission from border officials and can be checked on the government travel advice for the traveler’s home country.

Meanwhile, due to delays caused by the pandemic, the new European Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) comes into operation in May 2023. With the new rules, citizens of visa-free countries must apply for pre-travel authorization online. This will need to be done at least 72 hours ahead of travel.

How to apply for a Schengen visa

Citizens from non-visa-free nations, including India, Pakistan, China, Nepal and South Africa, require a Schengen Visa to visit France. For those intending a short stay, the Uniform Schengen Visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is valid for travel throughout the Schengen Area. The visa costs €80 ($80) for adults and €40 ($40) for children from six to 12. Children under six are free.

Find out more information on the French government’s website France-Visas. Alternatively, visit your closest French embassy or consulate.