The new visa waiver program for Europe’s Schengen Area will be arriving later than expected. The latest announcement from the European Union (EU) has stated that the ETIAS system will now be launched in 2025 instead of 2024. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been in the works for several years. It
ETIAS Visa Waiver for France
Check eligibility
Select your country of passport to see if you are eligible to apply online.
Select your country
▾
In 2025, the European Union will introduce ETIAS, a new Travel Information and Authorisation System. ETIAS will become a requirement to travel to France and most European countries. Once available, you will be able to find more information on this website. The European Union official website is https://european-union.europa.eu/, and a specific ETIAS website will soon be launched.
French ETIAS Information
The ETIAS visa waiver for France is the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This electronic travel authorization is expected to be introduced in 2025, and will allow eligible citizens to travel to France for tourism, business, medical treatment or transit purposes.
The ETIAS for France is being implemented in order to allow visa waiver citizens to travel to and within all of the countries which make up the Schengen passport-free Area, and strengthen European borders against security threats.
The French ETIAS visa waiver will be a multiple-entry travel authorization and is expected to allow a maximum 90-day stay in the Schengen Area with each entry. The ETIAS France will be valid for 3 years from the date of approval.
Eligible citizens will be able to apply through the simple ETIAS application for France to receive an approved travel authorization. To complete the ETIAS France application form, applicants will be required to fill in some personal, passport, and travel information, and answer a few questions related to health and security matters.
Those eligible to apply for the ETIAS to France who wish to travel to the Schengen Area for purposes other than tourism should contact the nearest French Embassy or Consulate for further information.
Highlights
The ETIAS permits stays of up to 90 consecutive days in France
Valid for 3 years starting from the date of registration
Grants multiple entries
Visitors can use ETIAS for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment
Travelers can visit all Schengen countries, including France
What is Necessary?
Passport with at least 3 months’ validity
Email address to which the ETIAS for France can be sent
Method of payment (credit or debit card)
ETIAS Requirements for traveling to France
It will be necessary to meet the following France ETIAS visa waiver requirements in order to submit an ETIAS application:
- Passport from an eligible country with a minimum validity of 3 months from the date of arrival
- Credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS for France application fee
- A current email address to which the approved ETIAS France will be sent.
ETIAS requirements to travel to France specify that the holder must use the same passport to enter the Schengen Area as that used to complete the ETIAS application, as the approved ETIAS France will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. Those with multiple passports due to dual nationality should bear this in mind.
It will be necessary to submit a new application if the traveler’s passport expires during the period of validity of the ETIAS.
Further requirements for an ETIAS for France, in the form of supporting documentation upon arrival, may be requested depending on the first Schengen state the applicant chooses to travel to.
ETIAS France: Eligible nationalities
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- United Kingdom
European ETIAS Countries
Country policy
France Visa Policy
>
Familiarize yourself with the visa policy of France and discover visa requirements for your nationality.
Schengen Visa to France Requirements
All foreign citizens not eligible to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver, or those who wish to travel to the country for purposes not permitted with a French ETIAS, are required to apply for a France visa.
As France is one of the Schengen Area countries and shares the same visa policy, a France visa is the same as a Schengen visa. In order to apply for a Schengen visa for France, it is necessary to make an appointment at the nearest French embassy or consulate.
It is necessary to download, print, and complete a France visa application to take along to the appointment. Other documents required for a France Schengen visa include:
- A passport with at least 3 months validity from the intended entry date to France
- 2 recent photographs which meet the France Schengen visa photo size requirements
Round trip flight reservations or travel itinerary - Proof of sufficient finances for the trip, e.g. bank account statement
- Evidence of travel insurance to cover a stay in the Schengen Area
- Proof of accommodation in France such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from family or friends.
It is necessary to supply all of the supporting documentation requested in order for the application to be approved and avoid a France visa refusal.
It may also be necessary to supply further supporting documentation depending on the type of France visa the applicant requires. For example, those applying for a medical treatment visa for France are required to provide a letter from a medical practitioner in their home country, as well as an official confirmation of the treatment by a medical institution in France.
During the embassy appointment, applicants are also required to pay the France visa fee using a valid payment method. It usually takes a maximum of 2 weeks to get a France visa approved, so applicants are advised to apply at least 15 days before the intended date of arrival to ensure sufficient processing time.
Visa requirements checker
Select nationality
▾Select destination
▾FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
France Visa FAQ
What is the ETIAS Visa Waiver for France?
The ETIAS visa waiver for France is an electronic travel authorization, expected to be implemented by November of 2023, which will allow eligible citizens to travel to France and all other Schengen member countries for short stays.
What is the difference between ETIAS France and Schengen visa?
ETIAS France is not a visa but an electronic travel authorization which will allow eligible citizens to apply online for travel authorization to enter all Schengen Area member states. Those not eligible for the ETIAS visa waiver will be required to apply for a Schengen visa at an embassy or consulate.
While the ETIAS visa waiver for France permits travel to all Schengen states, a Schengen visa is only issued for one specific country. Non-visa waiver citizens who wish to travel to more than one Schengen state will have to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where they will spend the most time.
Who needs to apply for the France ETIAS visa waiver?
Applicants can check their eligibility for the ETIAS for France using the visa checker above.
There are currently a number of nationalities able to travel to the Schengen Area visa-free. Once the ETIAS visa waiver for France is introduced (expected to be in 2025), travelers from visa waiver countries will be required to apply for the ETIAS in order to travel to France and the rest of the Schengen Area.
What's the price of the European Visa Waiver for France?
The cost of the European visa waiver for France is €7. The French ETIAS fee is the same for all eligible citizens.
How long is the European Visa Waiver for France valid for?
The European visa waiver for France (ETIAS) is valid for 3 years from the date of approval and allows multiple short stays in France and other Schengen Area states during its validity.
How long can I stay in France?
The ETIAS visa waiver for France is expected to allow a stay of 90 consecutive days with each entry to France or other Schengen Area countries.
How do I apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver to France?
Eligible citizens will be able to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver for France through a simple online application. The approved ETIAS France will be electronically attached to the applicant’s passport.
How long does it take to apply for ETIAS France?
It will only take applicants a few minutes to complete the ETIAS France application. The French ETIAS visa waiver processing time has not yet been announced and will be published on this site when available.
Do children need an ETIAS for France?
Yes, all travelers from eligible countries, regardless of age, including minors, will be required to submit a separate ETIAS application. Children under 18 will need to obtain a kids European visa waiver for France.
What do I need to make an ETIAS to France application?
Applicants will need to provide the following required documents in order to submit an ETIAS for France application:
- Passport from an eligible country with a minimum validity of 3 months from the date of arrival in the Schengen Area
- A current email address to which the approved ETIAS will be sent
- Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS France application fee.
Is the ETIAS Visa Waiver to France multiple entry?
Yes, the ETIAS visa waiver for France is a multiple-entry travel authorization. It allows the holder to travel to France and other Schengen countries multiple times during its validity.
Do I need a French ETIAS if I have a Schengen visa?
No, those who require a Schengen visa to travel to France will not be eligible to apply for the French ETIAS.
I have a criminal record, can I still apply for ETIAS for France?
Eligible citizens should be able to get an ETIAS visa waiver for France without any complications even if they have a criminal record for a minor offense. Travelers entering the Schengen passport-free zone are currently not asked about prior minor offenses.
Those who have served more than 3 years of jail time, or have been convicted of human trafficking or drug offenses with more than 2 years of jail time, are likely to be refused ETIAS authorization and entry to the Schengen Area.
Can I use my ETIAS for France to travel to other European Countries?
Yes, the ETIAS for France will allow the holder to travel to any of the Schengen Area countries during its validity.
Can I extend my ETIAS while in France?
The ETIAS for France will allow the holder multiple short stays in Italy and other Schengen Area countries during its 3-year validity. In order to obtain an extension after the ETIAS expires, it will be necessary to submit a new ETIAS application from outside the Schengen area.
How to check the ETIAS Visa Waiver for France status?
It will be possible to check the status of the ETIAS France via the updates and notifications sent to the email address provided on the application form.
What happens if my French ETIAS visa waiver application is rejected?
Applicants are expected to be able to submit a new ETIAS application if the ETIAS for France is denied. It is expected that all applicants will need to ensure that all the information provided on the form matches the details of their travel document, as even small mistakes will result in the rejection of the application.
However, this information has not yet been confirmed and updates will be published on this site closer to the expected launch date of the ETIAS.
How can I renew my ETIAS visa Waiver for France?
In order to obtain a renewal for the ETIAS visa waiver for France, it will be necessary for the applicant to submit a new ETIAS application from outside of the Schengen Area.
Related News
In today’s world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Be it for leisure or work, many of us find ourselves regularly on the move across borders. However, one integral aspect that you may overlook is the safety of your travel documents. Losing these critical papers can turn a dream holiday into a
Venturing abroad is an exciting experience, filled with new cultures to explore, foods to taste, and vistas to see. However, before immersing oneself in these novel experiences, one must navigate the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. While the general rule of thumb dictates that visa requirements ask you for a sober, straightforward exchange of
Traveling the world can be an enriching experience, opening doors to new cultures, customs, and unforgettable memories. However, not all countries are as welcoming to tourists, and obtaining a visa can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the hardest countries to get a visa for, and the reasons behind their strict visa
Disclaimer
Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.