Europe
France Visa Requirements
Art, Culture & Cuisine — everything you need to know about visiting France.
About France
France is the world's most visited country, and it's easy to understand why. Paris — the City of Light — houses some of the world's greatest art and architecture, from the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame to the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay. Beyond Paris, the Loire Valley's châteaux, Provence's lavender fields and medieval villages, the Riviera's glamorous coastline, Alsace's fairy-tale wine towns, and the snow-capped Alps offer an extraordinary diversity of experiences.
Visa Requirements for France
France is a member of the Schengen Area, which means entry requirements apply across 26 European countries. Citizens of many countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK can enter France and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizens of other countries must apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C) for tourism. The EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to launch in 2025 for visa-exempt travelers.
Travel Tips & Entry Advice
Book major attractions like the Eiffel Tower summit and the Palace of Versailles in advance to avoid long queues. France has excellent train connections (TGV high-speed trains) between major cities. Many businesses close in August for summer holidays. A basic knowledge of French greetings is appreciated. Markets and bistros often don't accept cards — carry some cash. Paris' free Vélib' bike-share system is a great way to explore the city.
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Key Facts
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- French
- Region
- Europe
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