France eVisa & Travel Information (2025)
Introduction: France applies Schengen rules for short stays and issues national long‑stay visas for study, work and retirement. Paris (CDG/ORY) is the prim
Introduction
France applies Schengen rules for short stays and issues national long‑stay visas for study, work and retirement. Paris (CDG/ORY) is the primary gateway.
Tourist
Short stays follow Schengen rules (90/180), including insurance and means of support for visa‑required nationals. Visa‑exempt nationals enter without a visa for short stays.
Business
Business travel falls under Schengen C or a long‑stay national visa if needed for assignments/employment.
Student
The VLS‑TS long‑stay student visa requires admission and proof of means, with online validation after arrival.
Retirement/Long‑stay: The “visiteur” long‑stay visa is suitable for retirees with sufficient stable income and private health insurance.
Retirement/Long‑stay
The “visiteur” long‑stay visa is suitable for retirees with sufficient stable income and private health insurance.
Transit
Some nationalities require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to transit French airports.
e‑Arrival/Arrival Card: None for Schengen; VLS‑TS validation is done online post‑arrival.
e‑Arrival/Arrival Card
None for Schengen; VLS‑TS validation is done online post‑arrival.
Official links
France‑Visas: https://france-visas.gouv.fr
Official links
Eligibility
Visa‑free short stay includes many non‑EU nationals (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.). Visa‑required nationalities must apply for Schengen C; see France‑Visas for details.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.