France has once again become a vibrant and vibrant country as the French government continues to relax rules and regulations related to the coronavirus pandemic. Soon, tourists will be flocking to Paris to enjoy the night lights and go to the vineyards for famous French wines.
Although France is relaxing many of its rules, many are still in place. In addition, the French government also has many other requirements for visitors coming from countries outside the EU. That's why I created this blog to help you better understand these rules and regulations.
Let's start with France travel tips for US citizens:
I need a visa for France
Travelers from non-European countries may need a valid visa for their destination in France. However, this blog will only focus on US citizens who wish to visit the country.
Upon arrival in France, you will be subject to regulations that you must comply with. In addition, France currently has restrictions for countries with a high rate of covid19 cases. So first we'll talk about whether US citizens need a visa, the requirements, and as we progress through the blog we'll look at covid19 requirements.
French visa for US citizens
Like many other countries in Europe, France does not require US citizens to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Therefore, US citizens can travel visa-free to France for short stays for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.
Upon arrival in France, US citizens must present the necessary documents to a border official to gain entry into the country. Also, the list of required documents is short and easy to find.
However, US citizens must meet certain requirements before being allowed to enter the country. If US citizens meet these requirements, they can stay in the country for a short time without a visa. On the other hand, if US citizens do not meet these conditions, they may be denied entry to France.
observing:US citizens who wish to work, study or visit France for any of the other purposes mentioned above must obtain an appropriate visa fromEmbassy of France in the United States.
French visa for US green card holders
If a green card holder from the US wants to enter France or the Schengen area, they must firstcheck eligibility. Unfortunately, not all US green card holders will enjoy the same benefits as US citizens or US passport holders.
US green card holders from Schengen visa-exempt countries can visit France without a visa. However, other US green card holders from countries that require a visa to enter the Schengen area must purchase one.tourist visa for visiting France.
As France is a Schengen country, it would be useful to check our detailed quagmireSchengen visa requirements.
US green card holders who wish to apply for a Schengen visa can do so quickly and hassle-free atAtlys.
What are the entry requirements for US citizens in France?
US citizens must present all necessary documents at the port of entry to ensure a smooth and speedy immigration process. If you are missing any of these documents, you may be questioned by the immigration office or, in some cases, even denied entry to France.
As I mentioned earlier, obtaining these documents should not be difficult. To facilitate the immigration process, please bring a printout of your documents with you. It would be better to keep your files and travel documents in your mobile phone.
US citizen documents required to enter France
Upon arrival in France, the following documents are required:
- A valid passport valid for at least 3 months after departure from France
- The passport must not be older than 10 years
- Proof of accommodation such as hotel or hostel booking
- If you are staying with a relative, a certificate certified by the town hall with information about your stay
- Travel plan including return ticket
- Show proof of financial resources
- If you are visiting France on business, you must provide details of establishments or organizations located in France or proof of a trade agreement
Proof of sufficient funds to visit France
- You must provide proof that you have enough money to cover all living expenses as well as medical expenses.
- It is advisable to have health insurance that covers your repatriation medical expenses and expenses in case of death
- If you have booked a hotel/accommodation, you must show that you have 65 euros per day for daily expenses.
- If youNOyou have booked a hotel/accommodation, you must show that you have 120 euros per day for daily expenses.
- If you have booked a partial hotel/accommodation reservation, you must have 65 euros per day for daily expenses during the period in which you have the hotel reservation. After this period you should have 120 euros per day for daily expenses.
- If you are staying with a family member, you must show that you have 32.25 euros per day for daily expenses.
ETIAS requirements for US citizens to visit France
ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorization System is a visa waiver program for Schengen countries. Currently, this is not a requirement; however, it will be implemented in November 2023. After that, ETIAS will be mandatory for all visa-free countries to obtain travel authorization.
Check out our extensive blog atETIAS and requirementsFor more information.
What are the conditions for entering France for Covid19?
Currently, most travel restrictions in France are due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, after the spread of the Omicron virus, the French government introduced stricter regulations and classified countries as "green list countries" and "orange countries".
The green list countries have a moderate level of covid 19 infection, while the orange list countries have a higher level of covid 19 spread. Also, restrictions related to covid19 differ for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers visiting the country.
Vaccinated travelers arriving in France
- Vaccination status for travelers over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated
- A fully vaccinated passenger does NOT HAVE to present a negative covid19 test result
- The Janssen or Johnson & Johnson vaccine must be administered 28 days prior to arrival in France
- Other vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), such as the second dose of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria or Covishield), must be administered 7 days before arrival in France
- Vaccination (messenger RNA vaccine) is mandatory for Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines for adults aged 18 years and 9 months.
Unvaccinated travelers arriving in France
- Partially or unvaccinated passengers must submit a negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before the flight or a negative antigen test result taken less than 48 hours before departure
- If you are recovering from a covid 19 infection, you must provide a certificate of recovery that is valid for six months from the date of the examination
- A positive PCR or antigen test result must be at least eleven days old and less than six months old
- Unvaccinated passengers must register on the digital platforméOS-COVIDBefore departure.
- Children under the age of 12 are exempt from these formalities.
While in France, you must downloadAll Covid apps, which allows you to store a vaccination certificate, a negative test or a recovery certificate.
PERCEPTION:The French health pass (vaccination pass, vaccination pass, health pass) is no longer required.
What is the procedure for US citizens to enter France?
When you arrive at the French border, whether by air, sea or land, you must undergo administrative procedures. At the border control, you must present all necessary documents to the immigration officer. The immigration officer will verify the authenticity of the travel documents presented.
The immigration officer will authorize the traveler to enter France by stamping his passport. The stamp in your passport will confirm your entry into France. If the immigration officer gives you a date before which you must leave the country, you must stick to it.
How long can US citizens stay in France without a visa?
US citizens can stay in France for up to 90 days without a visa. However, the number of days you can legally stay in France is determined by the visa stamp in your passport. This time period is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry such as an international airport.
US citizens must check their visa stamps and leave the Schengen area before the visa expiration date. If you overstay your visa, you could face legal consequences and could be denied entry to France in the future.
If US citizens wish to stay for a longer period of time, they must obtain a visa with permission. In addition, you cannot stay in the Schengen area, including France, for more than 90 days in any 180-day period or the period of validity of your visa. You can read our informative blog atThe 90/180 rule for the Schengen area.
You can also use unofficialonline calculatorto check the maximum period you can stay in the Schengen area.
Don't forget to check out our other dedicated post atSchengen areafor more updates and information.
Waiver:Rules and regulations related to the coronavirus pandemic are subject to change without notice. To make sure you receive the latest news, check ourtravel page on Atlys.
common questions
Which countries are on the green list?
More and more countries are constantly being added to the list as the new rules apply. The member countries are South Africa, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada and Cape Town Green, Colombia, Comoros , Congo, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ecuador, Swaziland, United States of America, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Hong Kong, Mauritius, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, New Zealand, Oman , Uganda, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, El Salvador, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Chad, East Timor, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Make sure you have the latest updates by checking our extensive list of countriesHERE.
Which countries are on the orange list?
You can check the orange list countrieshere. Travelers from these countries must present proof of vaccination, a sworn statement that they do not have symptoms of Covid-19,fill in the application formand a compelling reason to enter metropolitan France.
Which vaccines against Covid-19 are accepted in France?
In France, Janssen or Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria or Covishield) are accepted. In addition, vaccines that fall under the vaccine regulations of the European Medicines Agency and the European Union are also accepted.
Is a mask mandatory in France?
You must wear a mask in closed spaces such as public transport, shopping centers and shops.
What if I test positive in France?
If you test positive or show symptoms of covid 19 in France, you must self-isolate in accordance with the recommendations of the public health insurance body.
How can non-US citizens get a visa for France?
Non-US citizens or travelers from a visa-requiring country can read our dedicated blog atFrench tourist visaor checkSchengen visa requirements.
What are the Covid requirements for returning to the US?
According toCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you must have the following documents upon arrival in the US:
- Negative covid19 test results for all passengers older than 2 years, regardless of proof of vaccination
- The result of the covid-19 test must not be earlier than 1 day before travel and can be done with a virus test kit
- Alternatively, provide proof of recovery from COVID-19 that is less than 90 days
- Adults and children 2 years and older must wear a mask that fits well
Is France a Schengen country?
That. France is a Schengen country. You can check the list of European and Schengen countrieshere.
American embassies in France
You can check the list of US embassies in FranceHERE.