France Visa Policy

The visa policy of France covers the immigration rules and regulations of Mainland France in Western Europe and its overseas territories. France doesn’t have an indigenous visa policy but operates the same Schengen Policy as other countries in the Schengen Zone. This visa policy is a component of several laws that regulate the entry and exit of foreign nationals across the European Union and many other countries on the continent, excluding The Republic of Ireland, which has a separate visa policy.

According to the Schengen policy of France and its neighbors, nationals from selected countries are allowed to enter France and its territories abroad by air, land, and sea without visas if they wish to stay for up to 90 days in 6 months. Such visitors don’t have to apply to the French embassy for a visa; they only need to apply for ETIAS approval online and receive the same visa from their registered email addresses. Those whose countries are not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate before traveling to France. Some also qualify for a visa on arrival, depending on their nationality.

Currently, 27 countries make up the Schengen Area, and France is one of them. The network consists of 23 European Union members and 4 non-European members that belong to the EFTA. However, some countries that don’t belong to the Schengen Area but partially implement the same Schengen policy are Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Iceland, and Switzerland. These countries have separate national policies but recognize Schengen visas issued by Schengen countries.

Furthermore, French citizens are free to reside in other Schengen countries as permanent residents while accepting the same for citizens of other Schengen countries due to the freedom of movement and settlement policy.

Visa Free Countries

If you are a citizen of any of the eligible  countries, you can stay in France for 6 months, including in other Schengen countries, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.

If you hold a residence permit issued by any other Schengen state or a visa, you can still enter France because of the same visa policy. Short Stay visas issued by other Schengen states remain valid for visits to France.

Visa free visitors can only visit for tourism, business and transit using their status but should they wish to stay for much longer or wish to visit for any other reason they must apply for a national or Schengen visa. Visa applications should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of France abroad.

ETIAS Visa Waiver Program For France

The Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System is a new electronic pre-vetting program introduced by the European Union to protect all member states from harmful immigration, terrorism, and health risks. This system is already in partial operation and will become fully operational and mandatory for all visitors from visa-exempt countries coming to Europe starting in 2024. This document is solely for business, transit, tourism, and medical treatment and is only meant for short visits that will not last for more than 90 days.

Applicants must submit a completed application form containing all their information such as their passport details, travel information and itinerary information. A scanned bio data page of their passport should accompany the application which will be processed speedily.  Successful applicants will receive the ETIAS application in their email while inconclusive applications will be forwarded to the local processing unit in France for personalized vetting. The decision makers at the local unit will then decide whether to approve or reject the application.

ETIAS is valid for three years and is a multiple-entry document. Any eligible visitor must submit their relevant information and passport for screening and approval online. The process takes only 30 minutes or less, and you should receive feedback in that time; if you are successful, the permit will be forwarded to your email. You should note that this document is not a visa and cannot be used for long stays.

Lastly, be informed that this document is a multiple entry document which can be used to visit not only France but other European nations that are signatory to the Schengen Agreement. Holders may also visit Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria but the total number of days spent in multiple countries should not exceed 90 days.

France Visa Online – Get your France e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you planning for a short trip to France anytime soon? You may not need a visa from the French foreign mission if you are eligible for an e-visa online. Electronic visas are easy to apply for and are processed and issued electronically within 3 days or less if you use VisaHQ. Our platform has all the resources and information you will need to complete and submit your application.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ?

To apply for French ETIAS, please do the following

Fill out the ETIAS form: You must fill out the ETIAS application form on our platform with the correct entries.

Attach your documents: Attach the bio-data page of your valid passport.

Get Your ETIAS: After paying the application fee, submit it for processing. The system will screen your information scores from multiple security databases, and if it doesn’t trigger any alert, the approval will be sent to your email address.

Note: If it triggers an alert, it will forward your information to the local ETIAS unit in French for further vetting, and you will receive a notification.

Why Use VisaHQ

• Quick application
• First-class support services
• Multiple online visa applications
• Secure and transparent Platform

Visit our application page now to apply.