Do I need an ETIAS to go to Paris?

Paris is the capital city of France. Since France will require ETIAS, Paris will too.

Do I need ETIAS for France?

Once live (the end of 2026), travelers from visa-exempt countries will require pre-travel authorization (ETIAS). This includes US and UK citizens.

When will ETIAS start for France?

The end of 2026. An exact date has yet to be announced. This page will be updated as soon as the specific launch date is made public.

Who doesn't need an ETIAS to go to France?

If any of the following apply to you, you do not need to apply for ETIAS: 1. You're traveling to France on a Schengen visa or French visa. 2. You are an EU/Schengen country citizen. There are some other exemptions too, such as for some diplomats, some refugee statuses, etc.

Do Americans need ETIAS to go to Paris?

Yes, once ETIAS launches (end of 2026), US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Paris. If you hold a valid Schengen/French visa or are a legal EU resident, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

I have a French visa. Do I need to apply for ETIAS?

No, so long as your visa for France is still valid.

I have a Schengen visa. Do I need to apply for ETIAS?

No, if you are traveling to France on a valid Schengen visa, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

How long does it take to get an ETIAS for France?

Typically, approval is granted within a couple of minutes after applying. In some cases, it may take longer, however.

Home > ETIAS > Applying for ETIAS for France in 2026: What to Know

Applying for ETIAS for France in 2026: What to Know

France is one of the most visited countries in the world. In 2025 alone, 102 million international travelers arrived, ready to take on the scene.

From its popular cities like Paris and Lyon, to the world-famous vineyards in Bordeaux and the Christmas markets of Strasbourg, France is a vast, diverse country that is simply begging to be explored.

For anyone planning a trip to France, the changing rules and entry requirements can feel confusing, especially when a big change, like ETIAS, is in the works.

Starting at the end of the year, millions of travelers will need to get pre-travel authorization before visiting France. This pre-travel authorization is called ETIAS, which is short for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

If you're a US, UK, or Canadian citizen, you'll be affected, as well as citizens of dozens of other countries.

Is ETIAS required for France?

Once ETIAS is in full effect, it will be required for certain travelers heading to France.

US and UK citizens will need to apply before heading abroad.

For some context, the Schengen area (which France is a part of) has a visa waiver agreement with a handful of countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and several others.

That means most citizens from these countries do not need to apply for a visa to visit France (or any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area, for that matter).

From 2026 on, all travelers from visa-waiver countries (which the US is) will need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter the Schengen area.

Now, not all countries are visa-exempt. If you're not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, such as India or China, you do not need ETIAS. If you want more information about French visas, check out our France Visa Guide.

France ETIAS Exemptions

There are a few exemptions for US, UK, and other obliged foreign nationals.

Visa holders. If you hold a valid French visa (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS.
EU residents. If you're a legal resident in the EU, you do not need ETIAS.
Other statuses. If you're a diplomat, hold refugee status, or in some other cases, you may be exempt from ETIAS. Make sure you check the official ETIAS website.

Just a guess, but...

Planning a trip to France? Get French travel insurance entirely online ?

How to Get an ETIAS for France

Once ETIAS has launched and is officially required, obligated travelers will need to get their pre-travel authorization before they travel.

The process is going to be very simple and 100% online (either in-app or through the official website). Unlike lengthy visa processes, ETIAS will probably take just a few minutes.

You'll,

Create an account on the ETIAS website or in the official app (which has yet to be released).
Start the process by following the on-screen prompts.
Share your personal details, like your name, passport number, etc.
Pay the application fee. It is 20 euros per person ages 18-70. Outside of that range, the fee is waived.

After that, you'll need to keep an eye on your email. In most cases, your travel will be approved in just a couple of minutes.

Still, it can take up to 30 days in some situations, so it's best to plan ahead.

Your ETIAS will be valid for three years (or until you renew your passport, whichever comes first).

For your ETIAS' validity, if you plan another trip to Europe, your ETIAS will also be valid for it, so long as the country is in the Schengen zone.

You can always reapply once it expires.

FAQs: France ETIAS

Sources

Explore France, France's Official Tourism Board: https://www.france.fr/en/article/customs-and-visas-1/

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ETIAS: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/entering-the-schengen-area-implementing-the-future-ees-and-etias-systems/

Tourism Metrics: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/tourism-france-is-still-the-world-s-leading-destination-in-2025