France · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
France is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole area. Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; everyone else applies for a short-stay (type C) Schengen visa through the official France-Visas portal. A new ETIAS authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers — check the current requirement.
France is part of the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; others apply for a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa through France-Visas. A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors — check the current requirement.
- Schengen short stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; others need a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa.
- Apply for the short-stay visa through the official France-Visas portal.
- A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers — verify before booking.
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has operated at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026: non-EU visitors are registered biometrically on entry and exit instead of having passports stamped.
- 1
Check your visa requirement
Use the France-Visas wizard to confirm whether your nationality needs a short-stay visa, and whether ETIAS already applies to visa-exempt travellers.
- 2
Apply through France-Visas
Complete the online application on the official France-Visas portal, then book an appointment with the mission or its authorised centre.
- 3
Prepare the standard Schengen file
Typically: application form, passport, photos, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds and Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance.
- 4
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit the file in person; fingerprints are collected for most first-time Schengen applicants and reused for a period afterwards.
- 5
Count your 90/180 days correctly
The limit is a rolling calculation across all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Track your entries and exits across the whole area.
- Visa requirement and ETIAS status checked on France-Visas
- Online application completed on the official portal
- Appointment booked with the mission or authorised centre
- Itinerary, accommodation and funds documented
- Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance held
- Passport valid per Schengen rules
- 90/180 day count tracked across all Schengen states
- France-Visas — short-stay visa
Official short-stay (Schengen) visa portal.
- ETIAS (official EU site)
Official EU travel-authorisation information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a French Schengen visa to visit other countries?
A uniform short-stay Schengen visa is generally valid across the whole area, but you should apply through the country that is your main destination or first point of entry. Some visas carry territorial limits — check what is printed on yours.
Do I need travel insurance for a French short-stay visa?
Yes — short-stay applicants must hold travel medical insurance meeting the Schengen minimum coverage and valid across the area for the whole stay. Confirm the current requirement on France-Visas.
Can I work in France on a short-stay visa?
No. Short-stay Schengen status covers tourism and permitted business activities such as meetings and conferences, not employment. Working requires a different authorisation.
Government portals
- Government of France — Office of the French Prime Minister — government policies, ministers, and key legislation
- France Public Services (Service-Public) — France's unified administrative services — residence permits, taxes, social security, civil records
- French General Tax Directorate (DGFiP) — French income tax, VAT, wealth tax filing; tax residency determination; French tax number (NIF) application