How to Enter France
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
U.S. citizens may enter France and Monaco for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. France is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which allows for visa-free travel between member countries. Monaco has an open border with France and constitutes a de facto part of the Schengen area for short visits. U.S. citizens traveling with either an official or diplomatic passport do require a valid Schengen visa.If you are traveling for reasons other than business or tourism – such as employment, study, or internship – you must obtain a French or Monegasque visa for that purpose before you leave the United States. You should be aware that it is nearly impossible to obtain or change visa status while in France.
Contact the French Embassy in Washington at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel. (202) 944 6000, or the French Consulate General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco for the most current visa information.
If you are transiting France or Monaco en route to other countries, make sure you know all of the entry and exit requirements for your trip and final destination. If you don’t have the right documentation, you might be denied boarding to your connecting flight. Some countries require a certain number of blank visa pages or more than six months of remaining validity on your passport.
Special Travel Circumstances in France
There are strict regulations concerning the temporary importation into or export from France of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, sales samples, and other items. You should contact the Embassy of France or one of France's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Note on the French Foreign Legion: U.S. citizens interested in joining the French Foreign Legion should be aware that the cognitive and physical tests to join are extremely challenging. Legionnaire candidates should ensure that they have access to sufficient funds to return home should their candidature be refused.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.