1. Overview
ETIAS will apply to eligible short-stay visitors travelling to metropolitan France for tourism, business, family visits and other permitted short stays. The authorisation is linked to the passport used in the application.
- Travel on an eligible visa-exempt passport
- Plan a short stay within the 90-days-in-180-days rule
- Travel for tourism, business or another permitted short-term purpose
- Are not travelling under an exemption such as EU free-movement rights
2. Who needs ETIAS for France?
Travellers from eligible visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS for short trips to France once the system is operational. Document-specific conditions can apply to some passports.
3. Arriving in France
The ETIAS requirement is linked to your eligibility and travel document. The border procedure can differ depending on how and from where you arrive.
Major international gateways include Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Nice. ETIAS eligibility is checked against the travel document used for the journey.
Eurostar, road and rail arrivals from neighbouring countries are subject to the same ETIAS eligibility rules when the traveller crosses into the ETIAS area.
Ferry and cruise passengers who fall within the ETIAS rules also need a valid authorisation for eligible short stays.
4. Border and territory notes
Metropolitan France is in the Schengen Area. Several French overseas territories are outside Schengen and can have different entry rules, so travellers continuing beyond metropolitan France should check the rules for the exact territory.
Practical information
France uses the euro. ETIAS does not replace the 90/180-day short-stay rule and does not guarantee admission at the border.
Frequently asked questions
When will ETIAS become operational?
Expected Q4 2026. The EU says the specific start date will be announced before launch.
Does ETIAS cover French overseas territories?
Not automatically. Metropolitan France is in the Schengen/ETIAS area, while several French overseas territories have separate entry arrangements. Check the exact territory before travel.
Do I need ETIAS for Eurostar travel to France?
If you are an eligible visa-exempt traveller and ETIAS is operational, the same ETIAS requirement applies whether you arrive by train, air, road or sea.