ETIAS France
The new ETIAS authorisation will affect those travelling to France and other countries in the Schengen Area starting in 2026
At ETIASFrance.com you will find:
- Who needs an ETIAS for France
- How will ETIAS for France affect travellers
- How to apply for ETIAS
If you’re planning on travelling to France, you might need to register with ETIAS. This new electronic travel authorisation for France will be a mandatory requirement for many nationalities.
The France ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will allow you to visit France, and all other Schengen countries, safely and efficiently.
Find out more about France’s new visa rules in the sections below.
What is ETIAS France?
ETIAS is a new travel requirement designed to enhance the security of the Schengen Area, including France. The system aims to pre-screen travellers and ensure they do not pose a security risk.
The ETIAS requirement applies to all countries that are part of France’s visa waiver program. It allows these passport holders to continue entering the Schengen zone without a visa, providing they have the ETIAS authorisation.
Important: It’s essential to understand that ETIAS France is not a visa. It’s a visa waiver that facilitates visa-free entry for certain nationalities.
Who needs ETIAS to travel to France?
ETIAS France is required for travellers from over 50 countries who can enter France and the Schengen Zone visa-free through France’s visa exemption policy.
The countries who need ETIAS France include tourists, business travellers, and individuals in transit.
The following nationalities need to register with the ETIAS visa waiver for France:
France and the Schengen Area
France is a key member of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel across Schengen European countries.
French citizens and those with the France ETIAS can move freely within the Schengen member states.
The Schengen countries are mainly EU nations, with some non-EU nations included.
There are 29 Schengen countries. 25 are members of the EU and 4 are not. These countries will all require the ETIAS visa waiver. Cyprus, which is in the process of joining the Schengen area, will also require this new travel authorization.
Here is the full list of countries that will require an ETIAS starting in 2026. The list also includes European microstates which are only accessible through Schengen member countries.
How does ETIAS France work?
Applying for ETIAS France involves a straightforward digital application. The entire process is online, meaning you do not need to do anything in person.
Our step-by-step guide simplifies the process. Providing you meet the ETIAS France requirements, you can register for the authorisation in a matter of minutes.
The information you provide on your ETIAS France form is automatically checked against EU security databases to confirm that you’re authorised to enter France and the Schengen Area.
Providing your ETIAS request is approved, the visa waiver will be digitally attached to your passport. When you arrive in France your passport will then be scanned to confirm your identity and verify your ETIAS authorisation.
How long can I stay with a France ETIAS?
ETIAS for France allows you to visit France and anywhere else in the borderless Schengen travel zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
An approved ETIAS is valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries. This means you can visit the Schengen Area multiple times using the same ETIAS visa waiver for France.
Why do I need ETIAS for France?
The ETIAS authorisation serves multiple purposes:
- Enhances security
- Prevents illegal immigration
- Reduces delays at borders
By providing detailed, up-to-date information on these requirements, ETIAS aims to ensure travellers are well-prepared for their journey to France.
FAQs for ETIAS France
Below are some key questions travellers ask about the France ETIAS.
How many times can I enter the EU with an ETIAS France? Toggle faqs
The ETIAS for France is a multiple-entry visa waiver, meaning travellers can enter and exit the EU as many times as they like during the period of validity.
However, it’s important not to exceed a stay of 90 days within a 180-day period when travelling with ETIAS in the Schengen Area.
When will ETIAS France be implemented? Toggle faqs
The ETIAS policy was approved by the European Commission in late 2016.
Eligible citizens will be expected to have the ETIAS France in 2025.
Are ESTA and ETIAS France the same? Toggle faqs
The ESTA and ETIAS visa waiver systems are similar but do not apply to the same countries. ESTA is for travel to the United States, while the ETIAS will be required for Europe’s Schengen Area.
What’s the difference between a Schengen visa and an ETIAS France visa waiver? Toggle faqs
The Schengen visa is for travellers from non-visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen Area, which requires applying in person at an embassy or consulate.
The ETIAS France visa waiver is for visa-exempt nationals, offering a simpler online pre-travel screening to enhance security.