Travel Requirements for France: What U.S. Citizens Need to Know for 2025
Published May 2, 2025
Planning a Trip to France? Here's What You Need to Know First
Even if you’ve been to France before, it’s important know about the requirements to enter France as things do change. Whether you’re traveling for a week or a few months, here’s what to know before you go.
Key Takeaways for U.S. Travelers to France in 2025
You can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after you return and issued within the last 10 years
A long-stay visa is needed if you plan to stay more than 90 days
ETIAS authorization has been postponed and now is not required until 2026
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for France?
For short trips, the answer is no. U.S. citizens can travel to France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study and is part of the broader Schengen Agreement, which allows seamless travel between participating European countries.
Jean-Paul: Even though you don’t need a visa for short visits, immigration officers may still ask where you’re staying and when you’re leaving, so keep that information handy.
Jessica: It’s helpful to print out return flight info, and hotel confirmations. In case you get asked, it’s easier to show those than try to pull them up on your phone after a red-eye flight, especially since cell service is spotty at the airport.”
France Passport Rules 2025
Make sure your passport meets France’s updated 2025 requirements:
Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Zone
Must be issued within the last 10 years
These rules apply even if your passport appears valid. If it doesn’t meet both conditions, you could be denied boarding before you ever reach France.
What Is ETIAS and Will You Need It for France?
ETIAS was supposed to be implemented in 2025, but has since been pushed out until 2026. Beginning the end-2026, U.S. citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization to enter France or any Schengen country. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, and it’s a new digital screening process designed to improve border security while keeping things simple for travelers. Click here for the most up-to-date information regarding ETIAS.
How Long Can U.S. Citizens Stay in France?
The standard rule for visa-free travel still applies in 2025: You can stay in France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. That clock starts ticking the day you enter the Schengen Area.
You don’t need to stay in France the entire time for the rule to apply. Visits to any other Schengen country (Spain, Italy, Germany, etc. but not the UK) also count toward your 90-day total.
If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) before you travel.
You’ll need a long-stay visa if you:
Plan to work or study in France
Stay more than 90 days for personal or family reasons
Travel long-term for retirement or sabbatical
Applications are handled through the French consulate in your region and usually take several weeks to process.
Final Checklist for U.S. Travelers to France
Before your flight to France, make sure you:
Have a passport valid for at least three months beyond your return date
Meet the 10-year issue rule
Check to see if the ETIAS start date has change and apply if required
Print your travel plans, hotel confirmation and return ticket
With these requirements in mind, you’re well on your way to a smooth arrival in France. Bon voyage!