ETIAS for France

France was one of the original signatories of the Schengen Agreement and remains one of the world's most visited countries, so it's a near-certain stop for anyone touring Western Europe. Once ETIAS launches, visa-exempt travelers — from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and dozens of other countries — will need an approved ETIAS before entering France. It's the same authorization used across the Schengen Area: one application, one €20 fee, one three-year validity window, whether your trip starts in Paris, Lyon, or anywhere else.

Getting to France

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is France's main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Europe, with Paris Orly serving as a major secondary hub. Regional airports in Nice, Lyon, and Marseille also handle substantial international traffic. For travelers coming from the UK, the Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel is a popular alternative to flying, connecting London directly with Paris in around two and a half hours. However you arrive, the ETIAS check happens at that first Schengen entry point, whether it's an airport passport gate or the Eurostar terminal.

Do I need ETIAS to visit France?

Yes, if you're a visa-exempt traveler visiting metropolitan France for tourism, business, or transit once the system launches. Applying is done entirely online, costs €20 (free for applicants under 18 or over 70), and most travelers receive approval within minutes; more complex cases can take up to 30 days. The authorization is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, and covers unlimited short trips to France and the rest of the Schengen Area during that time.

Does ETIAS cover all of France, including its overseas territories?

No — this is a common point of confusion. ETIAS and the Schengen rules apply only to metropolitan France (mainland France and Corsica). French overseas territories and departments, such as French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion, and French Polynesia, are not part of the Schengen Area, and ETIAS does not apply to travel there. Entry requirements for those destinations are set separately, so travelers heading to French territories outside Europe should check the specific rules for that destination rather than relying on their ETIAS.