Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Paris, Île-de-France, France
1. Schengen Visa Requirements
For non-EU citizens planning to visit multiple Schengen countries including France, a Schengen visa is necessary. It allows stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Visa Type: Unlike national visas, Schengen visas are short-term and allow multiple entries.
- Processing Time: Processing time can take from 15 to 60 days depending on the embassy and the completeness of your application.
- Validity Period: Schengen visas are usually valid for up to 5 years, multiple entries allowed during that period.
2. French Visa for Long-Stay
For those planning to stay in France longer than 90 days, a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is required. This visa type is also necessary for students, workers, and au pairs.
- Work Permit: Long-stay visas may require a work permit or proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Residency Card: Once in France, you must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour).
- Application Process: The application process involves providing detailed documentation such as a medical certificate and police record.
3. Visa for American Citizens
American citizens can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Electronic Travel Authorization: Prior to travel, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Stay Limitations: You cannot stay in France for more than 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
4. Business Visa Requirements
For business travel to France, a business visa (VLS-TS) is required. This type of visa allows activities such as attending meetings and signing contracts.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from the French company is usually necessary.
- Duration of Stay: Stay can be up to 90 days for short-term, or longer with a long-stay visa.
- Business Purpose: Travel must be for legitimate business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or trainings.
5. Transit Visa Requirements
For passengers with layovers in France of more than 24 hours, a transit visa may be required.
- Direct Transit: Transit visas are not necessary if you remain in the international transit area and do not leave the airport.
- Transit Time: Transit time must be less than 5 hours for some countries, up to 24 hours for others.
- Documentation: Required documentation includes a valid onward ticket and a completed transit visa application form.
6. Visa for Australian Citizens
Australian citizens can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Electronic Travel Authorization: An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required prior to travel.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Stay Limitations: You cannot stay in France for more than 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
7. Student Visa Requirements
For studying in France, a student visa (VLS-TS) is necessary. This allows students to stay and study for the duration of their program.
- Enrollment Certificate: Proof of enrollment at a French educational institution is required.
- Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in France is necessary.
- Residency Card: Once in France, you must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour).
8. Working Holiday Visa Requirements
The Working Holiday Visa allows young adults to travel and work in France for up to one year.
- Age Limitations: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
- Work Restrictions: Work is limited to temporary or seasonal jobs and cannot exceed 6 months with a single employer.
9. Visa for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens can travel to France without a visa for up to 180 days in any 365-day period under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Electronic Travel Authorization: An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required prior to travel.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Stay Limitations: You cannot stay in France for more than 180 days within a 365-day period without a visa.
10. Family Visa Requirements
For family members of French citizens or residents, a family visa (VLS-TS) is necessary to join them in France.
- Family Relationship: Proof of the familial relationship with the French citizen or resident is required.
- Residency Card: Once in France, you must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour).
- Income Requirements: The French sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family member.
11. Tourist Visa Requirements
For tourists visiting France for less than 90 days, a tourist visa (VLS-T) is required.
- Hotel Reservation: Proof of hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in France may be necessary.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary outlining your intended destinations and activities is often required.
- Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in France is necessary.
12. Visa for Japanese Citizens
Japanese citizens can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Electronic Travel Authorization: An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required prior to travel.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Stay Limitations: You cannot stay in France for more than 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
13. Visa for South Korean Citizens
South Korean citizens can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Electronic Travel Authorization: An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required prior to travel.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Stay Limitations: You cannot stay in France for more than 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
14. Visa for Chinese Citizens
Chinese citizens require a short-stay Schengen visa to visit France for up to 90 days.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from the French company or individual is often necessary.
- Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in France is necessary.
- Processing Time: Processing time can take up to 60 days depending on the embassy and the completeness of your application.
15. Visa for Russian Citizens
Russian citizens require a short-stay Schengen visa to visit France for up to 90 days.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from the French company or individual is often necessary.
- Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in France is necessary.
- Processing Time: Processing time can take up to 60 days depending on the embassy and the completeness of your application.