France
France visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens do not need a visa for short stays in France (up to 90 days in any 180). From 2026, most will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying. Check your passport validity and blank pages before you go.
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GuideFrance
Key facts
- Visa required
- No (short stays up to 90 days)
- ETIAS requiredcheck
- Yes, from 2026 (check)
- Max stay
- 90 days in any 180
- Passport validity
- At least 3 months beyond stay
- Blank pagescheck
- 2 recommended
Quick answer
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens do not need a visa for short stays in France (up to 90 days in any 180). From 2026, most will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying. Check your passport validity and blank pages before you go.
Passport summary
The table below shows the visa-free stay for each passport type. All are subject to the 90/180 rule and ETIAS from 2026.
| Passport | Visa-free stay | ETIAS needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | 90 days | Yes (from 2026) | Check |
| UK | 90 days | Yes (from 2026) | Check |
| Canada | 90 days | Yes (from 2026) | Check |
| Australia | 90 days | Yes (from 2026) | Check |
| New Zealand | 90 days | Yes (from 2026) | Check |
| Ireland | 90 days | Yes (from 2026) | Check |
ETIAS is not yet live; check the official ETIAS site before travel.
Entry details
You can enter France without a visa for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. The 90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen Area, not just France. If you stay longer, you need a visa or residence permit.
Border control may ask for proof of funds, accommodation, and a return ticket. Carry printed copies of your booking confirmations.
Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Some airlines enforce this strictly at check-in.
ETIAS and other travel authorisations
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new system for visa-exempt travellers. It is not a visa; you apply online, pay a small fee, and receive an authorisation linked to your passport. It is valid for three years or until your passport expires.
As of 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. Check the official ETIAS website for the go-live date and apply well before your flight once it is live.
FAQ
Common questions about France visa requirements.
Sources
Official government sources and the date we verified the information.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for France?
No, for short stays up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. You need a valid passport and, from 2026, an ETIAS travel authorisation.
How long can I stay in France without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180‑day period, counted across the whole Schengen Area. Longer stays require a visa or residence permit.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to France?
Yes, from 2026. ETIAS is not a visa; you apply online, pay a fee and receive an authorisation linked to your passport. Check the official ETIAS site for the launch date.
What passport validity is required for entry to France?
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area; airlines may enforce this at check‑in.
Are there any entry requirements beyond the passport and ETIAS?
Border officers may ask for proof of funds, accommodation, and a return ticket. Carry printed copies of booking confirmations.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – France
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – France
- officialGovernment of Canada – France
- officialSmartraveller – France
- officialSafeTravel – France
- officialDepartment of Foreign Affairs – France
- officialETIAS official website
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – France
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – France
- officialGovernment of Canada – France
- officialSmartraveller – France
- officialSafeTravel – France
- officialDepartment of Foreign Affairs – France
- officialETIAS official website
Ask about France
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