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Visiting France

Last verified: 2 min read

Entry requirements, visa information, and travel guide for France

Quick Facts

France is a Schengen Area member. Whether you need ETIAS, a Schengen Visa, or nothing at all depends on your nationality.

Capital Paris
Currency EUR
Schengen Yes
Languages French

About France

France is the world's most visited country, offering iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris, the glamorous French Riviera, and the magnificent castles of the Loire Valley. French cuisine and wine are celebrated globally, from Michelin-starred restaurants to local boulangeries.

Beyond Paris, France's diverse landscapes range from the snow-capped Alps and Pyrenees to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast and the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Excellent high-speed TGV trains connect major cities across the country.

Capital Paris
Currency EUR
Population 67.8 million
Languages French

Entry Requirements for France

  • EU/EEA citizens Travel freely with passport or national ID. No visa or ETIAS needed.
  • Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, and others) No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS required from Q4 2026 ({etiasFee
  • Visa-required nationals Schengen Visa required ({visaFee
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Plan Your Visit to France

ETIAS Guide

New travel authorization for Europe

Schengen Visa

For visa-required nationals

90/180 Calculator

Track your allowed stay

Travel Insurance

Required for visa applications

Cities in France

Bordeaux Lyon Marseille Nice Paris

Travel Questions about France

Is France part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, France is a founding member of the Schengen Area, which came into effect on March 26, 1995. France is both an EU member and a Schengen member.
When did France join Schengen?
France was one of the five original Schengen countries (along with Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands). The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, and border controls were abolished on March 26, 1995.
Do I need ETIAS to visit France?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS to visit France starting Q4 2026. ETIAS costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
What airports in France are Schengen entry points?
Major Schengen entry points in France include Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE), Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS), and Marseille Provence (MRS).
How long can I stay in France as a tourist?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in France and the entire Schengen Area combined. Days spent in other Schengen countries count toward this limit.

Prepare for Your Trip to France

Valid passport (check requirements for your nationality)
Visa or ETIAS (depends on your nationality)
Travel insurance Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

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