France ETIAS Requirements for American citizens
Apply ETIAS France from U.S.From 2026, United States citizens will need to apply for the online ETIAS visa waiver to travel to France and other Schengen countries.
The ETIAS authorisation for France is being introduced to improve European border control and reduce security threats. The ETIAS for France will allow U.S. travellers to spend up to 90 days in any Schengen member state. They must meet the France ETIAS requirements for Americans.
United States citizens can visit France and the other Schengen Area countries visa-free for up to 90 days for business or tourist purposes. However, from 2026, American passport holders will be required to register online for ETIAS.
To be eligible for visa-free travel, US citizens will have to meet the France and ETIAS requirements for Americans.
Do US citizens need a visa for France?
US citizens do not need a visa to travel to France for up to 90 days. American passport holders can go to France for tourism, business, or transit visa-free.
From 2026, US citizens will need to register with ETIAS to travel to France. ETIAS is not a visa, it is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU citizens, including Americans. ETIAS will make France an even safer travel destination.
Applying for ETIAS is 100% online with no embassy appointments or interviews. The authorisation is electronically linked to the US passport on approval and verified when the travel document is scanned at the US border.
US citizens need a visa for France to stay longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, business, or transit. Travellers should check France’s visa requirements for US citizens for more information about work and study visas.
ETIAS France requirements from the United States
Travellers must meet France’s ETIAS requirements for United States citizens to be eligible for visa-free entry.
American passport holders must:
- Stay in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days per 180-day period
- Visit France for tourism, business, or transit purposes
- Meet the safety and security requirements
US citizens need a visa for France if they do not meet these ETIAS requirements. ETIAS France applications are cross-checked against safety and security databases. Applicants who present a security threat will not be granted ETIAS.
US passport requirements to apply for ETIAS France
Travellers must hold a US passport with over 3 months of validity remaining from the intended date of departure from France to apply for ETIAS France. Applicants need to provide their passport number, issue date, and expiry date.
The ETIAS authorisation is only valid with the passport used to apply. The travel authorisation is linked to the passport number and cannot be transferred.
If the US passport expires before the ETIAS permit (3 years) a new application must be submitted.
ETIAS France application from the United States
To get the France visa waiver, eligible passport holders will need to fill out the ETIAS France application form online.
In addition to the requirements stated above, a valid credit/debit card will be needed to pay the travel authorisation for France fee. Applicants will also need to provide a current email address to receive the France ETIAS permit via email.
The information American ETIAS applicants need to provide includes:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Passport number, issues, and expiry date
- Date and place of birth
- Travel information
It is important to double-check all the data entered to avoid processing delays or rejection of the ETIAS application for France.
Applicants pay the ETIAS France fees for US citizens securely online by debit or credit card to finalise the request.
Documents and entry requirements for US citizens to France
Americans need the following documents to travel to France:
- Valid US passport
- ETIAS authorisation (from 2026)
France requires a visa for US citizens if they are not eligible for ETIAS. The same ETIAS can be used to visit France and the rest of the Schengen Area. The total stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days per 180-day period.
Note that an approved ETIAS of visa does not guarantee entry to the Schengen Area.
Medical requirements for Americans travelling to France
United States citizens travelling to France do not require any specific vaccine to enter the country, but should be up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations before travelling to France.
It is also recommended to get medical insurance that provides coverage in France, as US Medicare does not apply overseas.
Travellers must pay for medical services before receiving treatment, with the exception of emergency services. It is possible to fill in a “Feuille de Soins” (treatment form) for later reimbursement from insurance. Those unable to pay for medical treatment in France may be refused treatment.
Travellers who require prescription medication are advised to check its legality in France, and to carry the medication in the original, clearly labelled packaging alongside the prescription. Emergency medical services in France can be reached by dialling 15 or 122 to connect to an operator.
FAQs for Americans travelling to France:
Do you need a visa to go to Paris as a US national? Toggle faqs
No, you do not need a visa for short trips to Paris or elsewhere in France, but you will need an ETIAS authorisation in the near future.
What are the medical requirements for Americans travelling to France? Toggle faqs
Currently, there are no specific medical requirements for US nationals travelling to France. It is advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.
It's wise to stay informed about any travel advisories or vaccine recommendations.
How long can Americans stay in France with the ETIAS? Toggle faqs
With an ETIAS authorisation, Americans can stay in France and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Can US citizens visit other European countries with the ETIAS? Toggle faqs
Yes, the ETIAS authorisation allows American citizens to travel freely within the Schengen Area. This includes most European countries — 29 out of 44.
By familiarising yourself with the ETIAS requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience to France and beyond.
Why do Americans suddenly need the ETIAS? Toggle faqs
The Schengen Area is launching the ETIAS for all visa-exempt travellers, including citizens of the United States. As part of Schengen, France will have ETIAS as an entry requirement.
The ETIAS platform is designed to improve security for the region. ETIAS France applications will be cross-checked against safety and security databases. Applicants who present a security threat will not be granted ETIAS.
This will make visits to France from the US safer than ever before — a huge benefit for a simple form that can be completed in minutes.
It will also preserve visa-free travel to Europe for American citizens.
-
Embassy of France in United States- Rr. Skenderbej 14, 1000 Tirana, Albania
- (+355) 42 38 9700
-
Embassy of United States in France- 57, Avenue Marceau, 75116 Paris, France
- (+33) 1 4723 3100
- embassy.paris@mfa.gov.al