United States — Visa and entry requirements 2026

Entry rules and official application

Rules checked on 23 October 2026

Passport and purpose covered: Ordinary French passport · tourism
Entry route: ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible
Maximum short stay: 90 days

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

Other passports and travel purposes

This section covers the sources and rules stated below; it does not certify every personal circumstance.
Passport and purpose covered	Entry route	Maximum short stay	Check the official visa service
Argentina	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Australia	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service
Brazil	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
China	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
France	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service
Germany	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service
India	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Indonesia	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Japan	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service
South Korea	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service
Mexico	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Nigeria	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Philippines	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Russia	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Singapore	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service
South Africa	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
Türkiye	Visa or authorised online application required	As granted by the border authority	Check the official visa service
United Kingdom	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible	90 days	Check the official visa service

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.

Visa and entry requirements

ESTA is only available under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a visa. Passport, previous travel and dual-nationality restrictions can make a listed nationality ineligible. The 90-day VWP admission is normally not extendable or convertible; a B visa has different rules.

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

Apply to the competent authority before your current permission expires. An extension, change of status or re-entry is subject to its own conditions; submitting a request does not by itself establish a right to remain.