Do US Citizens Need A Visa For France: Entry Requirements & Application Process

Will you need a visa to enter France? Here are the entry requirements and application process.

Key Takeaways

• US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in France - up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• A long-stay visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days, such as for work, study, or family reunion.
• You can start the application process online, followed by an appointment at a French consulate.
• Additional entry requirements include a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket.
• Passports and Visas.com provides you with an expedited visa service for urgent travel to any country.

Do US Citizens Need A Visa For France

United States citizens do not currently need a visa to travel to France for short stays. You can enter France and other Schengen Area countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or transit. 

But, starting 2025, U.S. travelers will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization prior to their trip. This requirement applies to all visa-exempt non-EU citizens, including US citizens.

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How To Apply For ETIAS France

1. Fill in the ETIAS France online form. You will need to provide personal details, contact information, passport data, education and occupation information, and travel plans.
2. Pay the ETIAS France processing fee.
3. Receive the approved permit by email.

How To Apply For A French Visa (Needed For Longer Stays)

Getting a visa for France is not a completely online process, as you will need to visit a local VFS Global visa center near you.

1. Determine Visa Requirement

• Use the Visa Wizard: Start by checking if you need a visa and which type is applicable based on your travel purpose (tourism, work, study, etc.). This can be done on the France-visas website.

2. Complete Your Application Online

• Create an Account: Once you confirm that you need a visa, complete your application on the France-visas portal. You will need to create an account to manage your application.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Provide all required information with accuracy to avoid rejections.

3. Prepare Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents based on the type of visa you are applying for. Commonly required documents include:

• Valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel itinerary
• Financial means to support your stay

Read More: Which Countries Do Not Require 6 Months of Passport Validity in 2025?

4. Submit Your Application

• Visit a Visa Centre: After completing your online application, submit it at your local VFS Global visa center and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) if required.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee during submission - 99 Euros or about $104.

5. Track Your Application

After submission, you can track the status of your application through the France-visas portal or directly with VFS Global. 

Read More: Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Australia: Entry Requirements & Fees

How Can Our Experts Help You Get A Visa

Our dedicated manager will take care of everything so you get your visa as fast as possible.

As experts with over 30 years of experience, we will guide you through the entire visa application process of any country.

Here's what you need to do: 

• Provide your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your entry date with at least two blank "VISAS" pages).
• Complete the country-specific visa application.
• Give us two standard U.S. passport photos (taken at an official provider, not printed at home)
• Include a copy of your round-trip tickets or travel itinerary with your name on it. 

We'll keep you updated on your application's status online 24/7 and alert you when it's complete. 

Contact Us Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorization for visa-exempt non-EU citizens. It is not a visa but a requirement for U.S. citizens to enter France and other Schengen countries for stays up to 90 days.

Do I need to pay a fee for the ETIAS application?

Yes, the ETIAS application has a fee of €7 for applicants over 18. Minors and seniors over 70 are exempt from this fee.

Can US citizens work in France without a visa?

No, US citizens cannot work in France without a work visa.  

Is traveling to France safe for US citizens?

France is safe for US citizens with a low risk of crime in most areas. However, exercise common sense precautions, such as avoiding unlit areas at night and keeping valuables secure.

Is Passports And Visas.com a reliable company?

Yes. We are a nationally recognized US passport and travel visa service - mentioned in publications like the Washington Post, New York Times, and USA Today. And, we have already served over 2 million happy customers. Click here to get started with us.