ETIAS authorization to travel to France

France is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Non-Schengen nationals will soon be required to have an ETIAS authorization to enter the country. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

Can you travel to France with an ETIAS authorization?

Yes. For stays of less than 90 days, travelers who are nationals of countries authorized by the ETIAS system will be able to enter France with just an ETIAS travel authorization, without having to apply for a Schengen visa. France has been a member of the Schengen Area since 1995 and is one of the 30 countries covered by the system.

The ETIAS system will apply to all Schengen countries, which means that a single authorization is sufficient if your trip includes France and other European destinations such as Spain, Italy, or Germany.

France and the Schengen Area: France also includes several overseas territories that are not part of the Schengen Area—notably Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, and Mayotte. The ETIAS system applies only to metropolitan France and EU member territories. Check the specific entry requirements for the overseas territories.

How do I obtain an ETIAS authorization for France?

The ETIAS authorization application will be completed entirely online. Filling out the ETIAS form will take only a few minutes if the applicant has a valid biometric passport.

Fill out the online form

Fill out the ETIAS form online on the official European Union website using the information from your passport and answer the security questions.

Pay fees

Pay the ETIAS authorization fee of €20 by credit card. The application will not be processed until payment has been confirmed.

Receive confirmation

The response is sent by email. Processing times vary depending on the request—allow at least 8 days before departure to ensure everything is in order.

Travel with Peace of Mind

The ETIAS system is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print out your ETIAS authorization before going to the airport.

Do you need an ETIAS authorization to make a stopover in France?

An ETIAS authorization will allow travelers to make a stopover in France without a Schengen visa. The main French international airports—Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, Paris Orly, Lyon Saint-Exupéry, and Nice Côte d’Azur—are all located within the Schengen Area. An ETIAS authorization will therefore be required for any transit through the international zone involving entry into French territory.

How much does an ETIAS authorization cost for France?

The European Union has set the fee for the ETIAS authorization at €20. This amount is the same for all Schengen countries—there is no specific rate for France. Payment can only be made online by credit card. The system is free for travelers under 18 and over 70.

Practical Information for Traveling in France

Top Destinations in France

France welcomes approximately 100 million foreign visitors each year. The most popular destinations are Paris and the Île-de-France region, the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco), Provence, Brittany, the Loire Valley castles, the Alps and the Pyrenees, as well as major cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg.

Access to France from Abroad

France has many international entry points. The main airports are Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY), followed by Nice (NCE), Lyon (LYS), Marseille (MRS), and Bordeaux (BOD). France is also accessible by train via the Eurostar from London (through the Channel Tunnel), via Thalys/Eurostar connections from Brussels and Amsterdam, or by ferry from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Passport and Required Documents

To enter France, your passport must be biometric and valid for the entire duration of your stay. Once the ETIAS system is in effect, the authorization will be electronically linked to that passport. If you are traveling for business purposes, please visit our page on business travel with an ETIAS authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions — ETIAS Authorization for France

Does the ETIAS authorization grant access to all of France?

The ETIAS authorization grants access to metropolitan France and the overseas territories that are members of the Schengen Area. It does not cover overseas territories that are not part of the Schengen Area (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, French Polynesia, New Caledonia).

Can you travel to France from another Schengen country with an ETIAS authorization?

Yes. An ETIAS authorization issued for entry into the Schengen Area allows you to travel freely among all member countries, including France. You do not need to specify France as your primary destination if it is not your first point of entry into the Schengen Area.

What happens if my application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will receive an email notification explaining the reasons. You may file an appeal. Please visit our page on ETIAS application denials for instructions on how to proceed.