France eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

France is one of the world's most visited destinations, welcoming over 90 million tourists annually. As a founding Schengen Area member, France shares uniform short-stay rules across 27 European countries. Major international airports include Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) and Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE).

Citizens of many countries — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil and more — may visit France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Nationals not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen Type C visa from the French consulate before travel. From 2025, visa-exempt nationals also need ETIAS pre-registration (an online authorization valid 3 years, costing €7).

Tourist & Short Stay (up to 90 days)

Visa-free travelers must carry: a valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond departure), proof of sufficient funds (approx. €120/day), confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid across the Schengen Area.

Nationals requiring a Schengen Type C Visa apply at the French consulate in their country of residence. Biometric data (fingerprints + photo) is collected at the application centre. The fee is €80 (adults). Multiple-entry Schengen visas may be issued at the consulate's discretion based on travel history.

Business Visa

Short business trips (meetings, conferences, trade fairs) fall under the Schengen Type C visa. Provide: an invitation letter from the French company on company letterhead, proof of your own company registration, last 3 months' bank statements, and a cover letter stating purpose and duration. For assignments longer than 90 days, a national long-stay work visa (VLS-Salarié) is needed.

Work & Long-Stay Visa (VLS)

Stays exceeding 90 days require a Visa de Long Séjour (VLS) obtained from the French embassy/consulate before departure. Key categories:

• VLS-Salarié — employment with a French contract
• VLS-Passeport Talent — highly skilled professionals, researchers, artists, investors
• VLS-Visiteur — retirees/persons of independent means (no work permitted)
• VLS-Regroupement Familial — family reunification
• VLS-Étudiant — students

After arrival, most VLS holders validate online via the ANEF portal within 3 months. Long-term residents apply for a Titre de Séjour (residence permit) for stays beyond one year.

Student Visa

Non-EU students need a VLS-TS Étudiant. Most nationalities must pre-register via Campus France in their home country. Requirements: acceptance letter from a French higher-education institution, proof of accommodation, and financial resources of at least €615/month. Validate the visa online via ANEF within 3 months of arrival.

Airport Transit

Nationals of certain countries need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through French airports even without passing immigration. Check the full list on france-visas.gouv.fr. Clearing immigration to catch a connecting flight requires standard Schengen entry documents.

Required Documents (Schengen C Visa)

• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
• Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages)
• Two recent colour passport photos (35×45 mm, white background)
• Flight itinerary / confirmed return or onward tickets
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations or host invitation letter)
• Travel/health insurance (min. €30,000 cover, valid in all Schengen countries)
• Bank statements (last 3 months showing sufficient funds)
• Employment letter or proof of self-employment / student enrollment
• Visa fee payment receipt

Visa Fees

Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Check if you need a visa at france-visas.gouv.fr
2. Create an account and complete the online application form
3. Book an appointment at the French consulate or VFS Global/TLScontact centre
4. Attend in person with all required documents and submit biometrics
5. Pay the non-refundable fee
6. Track your application online; collect your passport when notified

Official Links

• France-Visas — Official Visa Portal
• ANEF — VLS Validation & Residence Permits
• Campus France — Student Pre-registration

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and many others including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina are visa-exempt for short stays. Full eligibility list at france-visas.gouv.fr.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.