So you’re planning an exploratory trip to France. Can you just pack your bags and go? Do you need a visa?
Read on for everything you need to know before making your first move.
France is the #1 most visited country in the world, and with the popularity of shows like “Emily in Paris” that glamorize moving abroad, it’s no surprise that many dream of experiencing life as an expat. But before you start packing, be sure that you don’t need a visa.
Without the appropriate visa, you cannot work while in France, nor can you stay in France longer than 90 days. However, you might consider taking a scouting trip to see if France is the right fit for you. For now, whether or not you need to apply for a visa or authorization just to visit France depends on your nationality. American, Canadian, and U.K. (as well as other) nationals can come to France for up to 90 days within 180 days without applying for a visa. France is included in the Schengen Area and a part of the Schengen Agreement, which authorizes free movement for individuals between countries – this means that you don’t need a passport to cross from one country into another.
France is part of the Schengen Agreement, and when visiting you must comply with the 90/180 rule. Photo by Alexey Larionov.
The Schengen Area is different from the EU and comprises 29 different countries: France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Poland, Austria, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Iceland, Bulgaria, and Romania. The main rule that you have to comply with is the 90/180 Schengen Rule, which says that you can only remain in the area for 90 days out of 180 days of any period. Your start date begins the day of your arrival in any of the Schengen member states. You can consult the visa calculator which helps you count the days you are there and avoid overstaying on your trip.
If your country does not have an agreement with the Schengen Area member states, you would need to apply for a Schengen Visa before coming – even if it’s for just a short trip. Some of the countries whose nationals need to apply for a visa include India, China, and Russia. Your application should be submitted no later than 15 days before your desired departure date. You can find more information on the official website of the European Union.
Find out whether you need to apply for a visa to visit France. Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich.
In 2025, the rules to enter all 29 Schengen countries (including France) will change with the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new entry requirement will be similar to the ESTA system that European nationals are currently already required to comply with before visiting the United States. All visitors to the Schengen Area, including from visa exempt countries, will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization. Your application can be submitted online, and you must have valid travel documents in order to apply as it will be connected to your passport. The fee is 7 euros, though there are some exemptions available based on age.
Again, it is important to remember that staying in France longer than 90 days and working are not allowed on a Schengen Visa. There are many different types of visas that can allow work depending on your situation. To find out more about what visa you should apply for, please make a consultation with one of our trusted agents.
Read everything you need to know about landing your dream job in France.
The French Way is a relocation and expat support agency located in Paris helping expats to make the most out of their relocation to France at any stage of their life. Contact us today and we'll be happy to help!
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