Get the France visa for US citizens
Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for US citizens traveling to France
France visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens do not currently need a visa to visit France for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. However, once the new travel authorization system becomes operational, US travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before entering France or other Schengen Area countries. ETIAS has no confirmed start date: the EU withdrew its last-quarter-of-2026 target in July 2026 and has said it will give several months' notice. Once it starts, a transitional period of at least six months follows, in which travelers without one can still enter if they meet the other entry conditions. A grace period of at least six months follows, during which a traveler's first entry after the transition can still be made without one.
ETIAS for France: A mandatory online travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area. Once implemented, it will allow US citizens to enter France for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit.
France entry requirements for US citizens
Requirements verified against official government sources
- US passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen Area
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- Travel itinerary or purpose of visit
- Other supporting documents, depending on purpose/situation
How US citizens can apply for a France visa
Three simple steps — iVisa prepares, reviews, and files your France document for your trip from the United States.
Complete the application
Answer a few simple questions and upload your documents, choose your processing speed, and pay securely. Most travelers finish in minutes.
We review and submit your application
Our experts check your application for the errors that cause government rejections, fix them with you, then submit it directly to the France government on your behalf.
Receive your France travel document
Once approved, your France travel document arrives by email — ready to travel, with clear instructions on how to use it.
Why US citizens choose iVisa
Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reviews errors, and gives you peace of mind — so you just show up and travel.
Start my application- 3M+happy customers
- 24/7customer support
- 13+years of experience
- 99%approval rate across all destinations
Straight forward and simple. The only 2 comments I'd make for others to help them out are... first, take time to notice the "I'm traveling with family" checkbox. It's not very prominent and easy to miss. Second, foreign addresses aren't done the same as in the US, so that may take an extra minute.
At the beginning my Information wasn’t correct! I had Chat with Several Agents before getting it Entered Correctly.! It took a Day before my Documents were Corrected. But they we’re working Fast to Complete the Task. Was Upset about the Whole Situation. But the End Result was Pleasing
You process with Ivisa was accurate and done in timely manner. Thanks
Only issue I had was that I had to pay twice because when it completed the first time it didn't send the form with the barcode. When I spoke with a representative she couldn't tell me why I didn't and advised to do it again. Therefore I spent a total of $61.95 for the certificate.
I feel like what I would get was misrepresented. This is the same document you get for completing a PLF form that is free and very easy to complete. You are also led to believe that you will get a health attestation form which is not the case. Do not pay for this service.
I was trying to get a Health Declaration Form, instead paid the $45.50 and received a Passenger Locator Form, which I had already downloaded & received from Euplf.eu for free! Still don’t have a Health Declaration form!
The service was top notch. I do have a question...I received two (2) forms that appear to be identical. Are they different or the same? Should I carry both with me as I travel through France?
I made a mistake in typing my first email address and paid for an incorrect application. When trying to connect to a staff person to correct the mistake, the website would not connect to a staff person or give a support number to call. Rather than take time to search for what I was to do on the web, I just filled out and paid for a second application.
I like how I had the option of making corrections really quickly.
All directions were clear on filling out the certificate prelim. Helpful tool to have completed and ready for entry.
France visa FAQs
Quick answers for US citizens traveling to France.
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are available 24/7 on chat, email, and WhatsApp.
Do US citizens need a visa for France?
No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit France for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, once ETIAS starts operating and its transitional period ends, US travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering France or any other Schengen Area country.
What is the processing time for ETIAS for France for US citizens?
The ETIAS system has not launched yet, so official processing times have not been confirmed. Most applications are expected to be processed quickly once the system becomes operational. With iVisa, you can apply for the ETIAS for France online and receive expert guidance throughout the process.
How long can US citizens stay in France?
US citizens can stay in France and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit without a visa. Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, travelers will still be able to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the same conditions.
Do US citizens need a visa when transiting through France?
US passport holders generally do not need a visa for airport transit in France if they remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration. If you need to leave the airport or enter the Schengen Area during transit, you must meet the standard entry requirements.
Can US citizens extend their stay in France?
Short stays in France under visa-free entry or ETIAS authorization cannot usually be extended beyond 90 days within a 180-day period. Travelers who wish to stay longer must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by French authorities before their permitted stay expires.
Start your France visa application today
Get approved quickly — we handle the paperwork, the review, and the government filing, so you just show up ready to travel.
Apply nowOther travel documents for France
Travel visas for other countries
France visas for other nationalities
Download the iVisa app
Track your application status in real time and keep every travel document in one place — wherever you are.
