Do Americans Need a Visa to Travel to France in 2025? What U.S. Citizens Should Know
Last Updated June 7, 2025
If you’re heading to France in 2025, there are a few rules you’ll want to double-check before you go. Even though Americans can visit without a visa for short stays, that doesn’t mean you can just show up with your passport and nothing else.
Here’s a simple, up-to-date guide to what U.S. citizens need to enter France. Whether you’re going for a vacation, a few months abroad, or something longer-term we’ll answer your most pressing questions.
Quick Facts
You don’t need a visa for trips under 90 days
Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years
It also needs to be valid for at least 3 months after your return
ETIAS is not required in 2025. It’s been delayed to 2026
For longer stays, you’ll need a long-stay visa before you leave
Short Trips: No Visa Needed (But Read the Fine Print)
Americans can stay in France (and most of Europe’s Schengen Area) for up to 90 days without a visa. That includes trips for tourism, business, visiting family, or short-term study.
Just remember that the 90-day limit includes time spent in any Schengen country, not just France. So if you’ve already been to Spain or Italy recently, those days count toward the total.
Jean-Paul: “Immigration officers sometimes ask for your return flight or where you’re staying, even if you don’t need a visa. It’s smart to keep that info printed out.”
Passport Requirements
There are two rules your passport must meet to enter France:
It must be valid at least 3 months beyond your departure from France
It must have been issued within the last 10 years
Even if it looks valid, you can still be denied boarding if it doesn’t meet both of these rules. Always double-check.
What’s Going On With ETIAS?
ETIAS is the new European travel authorization that’s eventually going to be required for Americans visiting France. It’s been delayed several times and won’t go into effect until 2026.
So if you’re traveling in 2025, you don’t need ETIAS yet. When it does start, it will be an online form and a small fee — more like a pre-trip registration than a visa.
For the latest updates, visit the official ETIAS page here.
Staying Longer Than 90 Days? You’ll Need a Visa
If you want to stay more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) from the French consulate before your trip.
You’ll need this if you’re:
Working or studying in France
Joining a family member long-term
Spending an extended period for personal travel, sabbatical, or retirement
The application requires documents like proof of housing, financial resources, and travel insurance. It can take several weeks, so start early.
A Few More Things to Know
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll need their own passports (and these expire every five year so be sure to double check)
It’s a good idea to carry printed travel documents, especially if your phone dies after a long flight
You may be asked questions at passport control, so know where you’re staying and when you’re leaving
There’s no vaccine requirement for entry, but basic travel health insurance is always smart
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry a chip card and have some euros on hand just in case
Final Checklist Before You Fly
Passport issued less than 10 years ago
Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your trip
No ETIAS needed in 2025
Printed flight and hotel info
Long-stay visa (if staying more than 90 days)
Bottom Line: Do Americans Need a Visa for France?
Not for short trips. You can visit France for up to 90 days without a visa. But your passport needs to meet certain rules, and for anything longer, you’ll need to apply in advance.
France is one of the easiest countries to visit as a U.S. traveler. Just take a few minutes to make sure your paperwork is in order, and you’ll be set for a smooth arrival.
