Entry requirements for France

Entry requirements for France
Shutterstock.com
Updated 2019-08-14 15:35

France is one of the most-visited countries in the world, and the rich quality of the French lifestyle itself is admired around the world. With a rich history, unique architecture and sumptuous food, it is no surprise that the country continues to attract. Since the shocking attacks that rocked the world in 2015 and 2016, the French authorities have taken multiple measures to protect both its citizens and tourists, and the country remains a safe destination. The visa procedures have been simplified for many countries, so pack your bags and “allons-y”!

France is part of the Schengen group of countries. The Schengen Area consists of 26 countries and includes members of the European Union as well as signatories of trade agreements with the EU. This includes countries like Norway and Switzerland. Therefore, if you are travelling from afar, France can be your entry point as well as your gateway to the rest of the Schengen zone. France boasts an excellent network of air connections as well as trains running from Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam and Italian cities, to name a few, including the superb TGV system - France's high-speed rail network.

Do I need a visa for France?

Some nationalities do not require a visa to travel to France and the wider Schengen area. Additionally, holders of diplomatic and official duty passports are covered by various sets of policies. Nationals of the European Union, of the European Economic Area, and of Switzerland are not subject to visa requirements, irrespective of the duration of their stay. Certain ordinary passport holders are also exempt from the visa requirement for short stays.

A short stay is either a single stay which lasts less than 90 days or a series of short stays which last less than 90 days in a 180-day period. For many travellers, this means travelling in and out of France and the Schengen zone with no visa requirement whatsoever. For instance, nationals of Australia, Canada, Brazil or Japan do not need a visa to visit France for a short stay. Finally, it is important to note that for some nationalities, a visa is needed if you are transiting through a French airport. Please refer to the link below for additional information about specific requirements on transiting through France.

For regularly updated information about visas and exemptions, you can consult France's official visa website, where you will also find information if you are transiting through France. For easy and quick information as to whether you need a visa, use the official Visa Wizard.

What if I need a visa for France?

If you come from one of the countries requiring a visa, or if the duration of your stay will exceed the visa exemption period, it is best to get in touch with the consulate of the country in which you will apply for the visa. Different countries will have slightly different procedures, and the lengths of queues at different consulates can vary widely. Short-stay visas are issued for tourism, specific business activities, family visits or certain training courses. France categorises longer-stay visas as visas exceeding three months, and these can be delivered for study, work or family reunions. There are specific requirements for long-stay visas, and these include registration with French Immigration and the Integration Office (known as OFII in France) as well as registration with the prefecture of the area in which you intend to stay while in France, so it is advisable to visit the relevant government website for more information.

When and how do I apply for a visa?

You can prepare your application for a visa online and then track your application as it is processed. However, please note that the online French Visa Portal is not yet used by all countries. If you are able to use the portal, you will be able to create your own account, fill in the necessary forms and then print the completed dossier ready to take to the relevant consulate - along with all the necessary supporting documentation. You should apply well in advance of your planned travel date, as the waiting times vary extensively depending on your nationality - but keep in mind that you cannot apply more than three months in advance of your planned travel dates. You can find out where to submit your application on the France Visa website.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.