France

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท

Phone Code

+33

Capital

Paris

Population

68 Million

Native Name

France

Region

Europe

Western Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

France is a Western European country and EU/Schengen/Eurozone founding member, known as the world's most visited country. Paris, the capital, features the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Champs-ร‰lysรฉes. Visitors are drawn to Paris monuments and museums, French Riviera beaches (Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez), Loire Valley chรขteaux, Mont-Saint-Michel, Provence lavender fields, French Alps skiing, Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions, Normandy D-Day beaches, and exceptional French cuisine and culture. France offers unparalleled art, history, gastronomy, and diverse landscapes from Mediterranean coast to Alpine peaks.

Visa Requirements for France

As a Schengen Area founding member, France follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through French consulates or embassies, submitting completed application forms, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum โ‚ฌ30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. France is the world's most popular tourist destination with over 80 million visitors annually. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area including France; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure.

For tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends/family for US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other eligible nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work without permit.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for tourism, work, residence, or any purpose without restrictions.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries; single, double, or multiple entry; processing 15 days.

For short-term stays including tourism, business, cultural events, conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days; requires specific purpose documentation; leads to residence permit; France-specific, though allows Schengen transit.

For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or residence in France.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.

90/180 rule: Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area, not just France.

Travel insurance: Required for Schengen visa applicants with minimum โ‚ฌ30,000 coverage. Recommended for all travelers.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Paris
States & Regions in France

Explore different regions and their cities.

Diplomatic Network

France Embassies Worldwide

All Countries by Continent

Hosted missions

Embassies in France

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

India in France
United Kingdom in France
United States in France

All countries by continent

Planning your France adventure?

Check Schengen requirements