France Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know (2025/2026 Update)

Planning a holiday to France? Whether you're arriving from the UK, the US, or another part of Europe, it's important to know about the new rules being introduced in 2025 – especially the EES and ETIAS systems.

✈️ 1. Entry Rules by Country

🇬🇧 UK Travellers

Visa-free short stays up to 90 days in 180 days.
Must have a passport issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
From mid-2025, you’ll also need ETIAS authorisation before travelling (see below).

🇺🇸 US Travellers

Visa-free travel for tourism, up to 90 days in 180.
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure from France.
ETIAS required from mid-2025.

🇪🇺 EU Citizens

Travel with a national ID card or passport.
No visa, ETIAS, or EES checks apply to EU nationals.

🔍 2. EES (Entry/Exit System)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is launching in late 2025. It replaces passport stamping for non-EU travellers.

You’ll scan your passport and fingerprints at an electronic border gate.
A facial image will be taken to confirm identity.
It automatically tracks your entry and exit to/from the Schengen zone.

➡️ Applies to UK and US travellers, not EU citizens.

🌐 3. ETIAS (Travel Authorisation)

ETIAS = European Travel Information and Authorisation System
Starts: Mid–Late 2025

Required for UK, US, and over 50 other non-EU countries.
Apply online before your trip (cost: approx €7).
Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
Not a visa – but mandatory for entering France.

🔗 Apply at: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

🧳 4. Practical Travel Tips

✅ Ensure your passport meets validity and issue date rules
✅ Pre-book ETIAS once it becomes mandatory (from 2025)
✅ Arrive early at ports/airports for EES scanning
✅ Take travel insurance that includes cancellation cover
✅ Don’t overstay the 90/180 day rule

ℹ️ More Info

📌 Remember

You do not need ETIAS or EES yet – but they’re coming soon! Be ready for the change so your holiday goes smoothly 😊