Travel To Paris: Us Citizen Passport Options

US citizens travelling to Paris, France, need to have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, which can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period. US citizens do not need a visa for stays shorter than 90 days. However, from 2025, US citizens will need to register with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to travel to France.

US passport validity requirements for France

To travel to France, US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. This means that if your passport expires less than three months from the day you plan to leave France, you will be denied entry. It is recommended that your passport has at least six months' validity remaining when you travel abroad.

Please note that the 12-page US emergency passport is not considered a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France. If you are travelling on this type of passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials.

From 2025, US citizens will need to apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa waiver to travel to France and other Schengen countries. The ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years but will only be valid with the passport used to apply. If your passport expires before the ETIAS permit, you will need to submit a new application.

ETIAS authorisation for France

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new travel permit that will be required for US citizens travelling to France and the rest of Europe. It is expected to be operational from 2025 and will be valid for three years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first.

US citizens can currently travel to France without a visa for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, from 2025, American passport holders will be required to register online for ETIAS. The ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to the US passport and verified when the travel document is scanned at the border.

To be eligible for ETIAS, US citizens must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid US passport with more than three months of validity remaining from the intended date of departure from France.
• Stay in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days per 180-day period.
• Visit France for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
• Meet the safety and security requirements.

The ETIAS application process is entirely digital and can be accessed online via a desktop, tablet, or mobile device. Applicants will need to provide personal information, travel details, and answers to specific security questions. It is important to provide accurate and complete information to avoid processing delays. A valid credit or debit card is also required to pay the travel authorisation fee.

Once the ETIAS application is approved, travellers can confidently navigate their trip to France, knowing that they have met the necessary requirements for entry.

France's visa requirements for US citizens

France is part of the European Schengen Area, which allows US citizens to enter the country without a visa for short-term tourism or business purposes. However, there are specific requirements that US citizens must meet to enter France. Here are the key points regarding visa requirements for US citizens travelling to France:

Passport Validity:

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. It is recommended that your passport has at least six months' validity remaining when travelling abroad.
• The Government of France does not recognise the 12-page US emergency passport as a valid travel document for visa-free entry. If travelling with this passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by French immigration officials.

Visa Requirements:

• US citizens with valid passports can enter France without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within each six-month period.
• For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens are required to obtain a visa.
• From 2025, US citizens will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to travel to France and other Schengen countries. ETIAS is an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU citizens. It will allow US travellers to spend up to 90 days in any Schengen member state.
• US citizens travelling to France for purposes other than tourism, business, or transit may need a specific visa, such as a work or study visa.

Other Requirements:

• Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
• Immigration officers may request that you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.
• It is recommended to obtain a bilingual health certificate for travel purposes, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Ensure that you are up to date with all recommended vaccinations before travelling to France.
• Medical insurance that provides coverage in France is highly recommended, as US Medicare does not apply overseas.

What to do if your passport is lost or stolen in France

As a US citizen, you can travel to Paris with a valid US passport. However, it's important to keep your passport safe while travelling. Here's what to do if your passport is lost or stolen in France:

Report the loss or theft:

• Go to the local police station to report the loss or theft of your passport. This will protect you in case of misuse, and you will receive a police report.
• Report the loss or theft to the US Embassy or Consulate in France. You can do this by visiting the Embassy's Consular entrance (4 avenue Gabriel) on any Embassy business day between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., no appointment is needed.

Gather necessary documents:

• You will need to complete and print Form DS-11 and Form DS-64. Do not sign the DS-11 form.
• If your passport was valid for more than 6 months, you only need to complete Form DS-82.
• If you have never had a US Social Security Number, fill out and submit this form. If you do not remember your number, email the Federal Benefits Unit before applying for the passport.
• Take one colour 2x2 inch photo.
• Gather evidence of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or expired US passport.
• For minors under 16, both parents must be present and provide valid identification and evidence of parentage, such as a birth certificate. Applicants aged 16-17 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Prepare a self-addressed envelope with the appropriate postage (Collissimo, Lettre Suivie, or Lettre Recommandée). Keep a copy of your tracking number.

Pay the fee:

Pay the passport application fee via the US government's secure payment site. The fee is $135 for applicants under 16 and $165 for applicants over 16. Print the electronic confirmation email and include it with your application.

Schedule an appointment:

Make an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in France (Paris, Marseille, or Strasbourg) by visiting their online calendar.

By following these steps, you can obtain an emergency passport and minimise the impact of losing your passport in France.

US Embassy and Consulate locations in France

As a US citizen, you can travel to Paris with a valid US passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. It is recommended that your passport has at least six months' validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.

Now, here is some information on US Embassy and Consulate locations in France:

US Embassy in France:

The US Embassy in France is located in Paris:

2 avenue Gabriel 75008 Paris, France

Consular Services: 4 avenue Gabriel 75008 Paris, France

US Consulate Generals in France:

• Bordeaux: 89 Quai des Chartrons 33300 Bordeaux, usabordeaux@state.gov
• Lyon: Espace Cordeliers 2, rue Président Carnot 69002 Lyon, usalyon@state.gov
• Marseille: Place Varian Fry 13006 Marseille
• Rennes: 30, quai Duguay-Trouin 35000 Rennes, usarennes@state.gov
• Strasbourg: 15, avenue d’Alsace 67082 Strasbourg

Frequently asked questions