Entry rules and official application

Rules checked on 23 October 2026

Passport and purpose covered
Ordinary French passport · tourism
Entry route
EU/EEA free movement rules
Maximum short stay
3 months

The stay shown is a maximum under the stated route. A shorter stay may be granted.

Other passports and travel purposes

Check your own nationality, passport type, residence, route and travel dates with the official authority. The French-passport summary is not an eligibility decision for another nationality.

Schengen

For third-country visitors, the Schengen short-stay limit is 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole area. If a visa is required, the standard fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6 to under 12; children under 6 are exempt. Other exemptions and reduced treaty fees exist. Normal consideration is 15 calendar days and can take up to 45. The passport generally must have been issued within the past 10 years and remain valid at least 3 months after planned departure. Visa applicants normally need travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 cover. EU/EEA free movement and qualifying family-member rules are separate.

Fees and processing times

A fixed fee or guaranteed processing time is not published here unless it is supported for the exact product. Consular tariffs, nationality-based exemptions and appointed-provider charges can differ.

Prepare your documents

Use the official checklist for passport validity, permitted entry points, accommodation, funds, onward travel and insurance where required. Requirements for minors, emergency passports and dual nationals can differ.

Visa validity and authorised stay

The validity of a visa or travel authorisation is the period in which it can be used. The length of each visit and the number of entries are separate conditions. Follow the admission record issued at the border.

Application, payment and decision

Choose the category matching the actual purpose of travel. Apply through the government portal or its appointed provider, check the fee before paying, and allow for requests for additional documents. Approval and entry are decided by the competent authorities.

Work, study and residence

A tourist exemption or visitor visa does not automatically authorise employment, long-term study or residence. Check the appropriate permission before starting these activities.

Extension and change of status

A Schengen short-stay extension is exceptional. Article 33 of the Visa Code covers force majeure or humanitarian reasons preventing departure; an extension on those grounds is free. Serious personal reasons may also be considered. An ordinary holiday extension, an automatic new 90 days or a border run is not a right. Contact the competent national authority before expiry and obtain confirmation of your lawful status. A national residence-permit procedure is separate.