Do Americans and Brits Need a Visa to Travel to France?

Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for France?

Good news for American travelers: U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in France.

As part of the Schengen Agreement, France allows U.S. citizens to enter the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa.

Requirements:

• Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.

• You must have proof of return or onward travel.

• Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended (and may be required for certain activities).

  
  

Important: Starting in 2025, the EU will implement ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This is not a visa, but a mandatory online travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers, including Americans. It will be required before entering any Schengen country.

 Do British Citizens Need a Visa for France?

Since Brexit, U.K. citizens are no longer EU citizens, which means they’re now treated as third-country nationals when traveling to France. However, for short trips, things remain relatively easy.

British citizens do not need a visa to enter France for short stays — again, up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

Requirements:

• A U.K. passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned exit date and issued within the last 10 years.

• Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary may be requested.

• Travel insurance is advised.

  
  

Just like Americans, British citizens will also need ETIAS authorization starting in 2025 to enter France or any Schengen country.

What If You Want to Stay Longer?

If you're planning to stay in France for more than 90 days — whether for work, study, retirement, or extended travel — you will need to apply for a long-stay visa through the French consulate in the US: France in the United States / Embassy of France in Washington or in the UK: France in the UK.

This applies to both Americans and Brits.