France

Visa Requirements for French Citizens

French citizens may need to apply for a visa through various means when traveling abroad. This includes applying for a visa in person, an eVisa, an ETA, or a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Some destinations also offer entry without a visa.

They can apply for an eVisa or ETA for 56 countries, with applications available online.

VOA is eligible for 20 countries. For traditional sticker or stamped visas, French citizens must visit the relevant embassy or consulate. Depending on the country’s policy, online appointment scheduling may be required before the visit.

The primary entry requirement for French nationals is a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the intended entry date.

Ranking 3rd globally in passport strength, French passport holders can visit 126 countries without a visa.

Visa requirements vary by destination, so it is recommended to check the specific visa regulations of the country before beginning the application process.

French citizens can apply for an eVisa and eTA to these countries effortlessly with us:

Countries Offering eVisa and ETA to French Citizens

An eVisa is an electronic visa that can be applied and received online, subsiding the need to visit the embassy or consulate of the destination country. It can be saved on your smartphone or printed out to present at the airport.

An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a travel permit that allows entry to the destination country without applying for a visa in advance. Upon arrival, the visa can be obtained directly from immigration authorities.

Like the eVisa, an ETA is applied for online and sent to your email. While an eVisa provides flexibility for travel at any time, an ETA is only valid for a limited period. 

You must visit the destination country’s immigration authorities within this timeframe to receive your visa.

If you miss the deadline, the ETA will no longer be valid, and you must reapply.

Here is a list of countries where French citizens can get either an eVisa or ETA:

eVisa Required Countries (49)

  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Comoros
  • Congo (Dem. Rep.)
  • Cuba
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Maldives
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Russian Federation
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam
  • Zimbabwe

eTA Required Countries (7)

  • Canada
  • Kenya
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan
  • Seychelles
  • Sri Lanka
  • United States of America

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

VoA or Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to apply for a visa after arriving at the destination country’s airport or border. 

As the immigration authorities hold the power to change the policy of VoA at times, it is best to check the recent range in policy of your destination country before traveling. 

The countries mentioned below allow French citizens to get a VoA:

VoA - Visa on Arrival Countries (20)

  • Bangladesh
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Comoros
  • Djibouti
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Madagascar
  • Maldives
  • Mauritania
  • Nepal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • Togo
  • Zimbabwe

Visa-Free Destinations

As France’s passport ranks 3rd worldwide, citizens can visit 126 countries without a visa.

Here is a list of countries French citizens can visit visa-free:

Visa Free Countries (122)

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Netherlands
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Palau
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Tuvalu
  • Turkiye
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia

Visa-Required Destinations

French citizens need to get a sticker visa before traveling to 16 countries worldwide. You can apply for the visa online or offline.

In some countries, you can complete the online visa application without visiting the embassy or mailing your passport. This depends on the visa rules of the country you’re applying to.

If you’re applying offline, you’ll need to go to the embassy or consulate of the country to submit your documents, application form, and passport.

The duration of your visit depends on the type of visa and the reason for your visit. Be sure to check the specific requirements before you start your application.

Here’s a list of countries that require a visa for French citizens:

Visa Required Countries (16)

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ghana
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • North Korea
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkmenistan
  • Yemen

General Visa Requirements for French Citizens

Some general visa requirements apply in every country. French citizens traveling abroad must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Valid Passport: A valid French passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the date of entry to the destination country. 
  • Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form that needs to be submitted either online or physically to the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The application form will require your personal information, travel details and documents, and your reason for visiting the country.
  • Photograph: One or more passport-size photographs. These should be recently taken (within the last three months) and should have a white background, showing your face from all sides.
  • Flight Tickets: Some countries require you to submit your proof of travel. This includes your inbound and outbound flight tickets.
  • Proof of Accommodation/Stay: The proof of your accommodation or the place you will stay (hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or friends and family) is required. You must show proof of booking or provide a genuine address on your visa application form.

Travel Restrictions for French Nationals

Travel restrictions for French nationals may vary depending on the destination country and current global conditions. We recommend checking the Travel Advisory section in the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs about your destination before your travel for further information. 

Partners We Work With

Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries can we visit with a French passport?

With a French passport, you can visit 216 countries worldwide. Ranked 3rd globally, the French passport allows visa-free access to 123 countries.

Which country visa is free for French?

French citizens can visit 123 destinations visa-free. You can check the visa-free destinations from above this page.

Can a French hold three passports?

Generally, French citizens are allowed to hold two passports under certain circumstances (such as if one passport is unavailable for official reasons). However, holding three passports is uncommon and typically not allowed under French law unless there are specific, exceptional cases (e.g., foreign citizenship or travel restrictions). It is always best to check with the French authorities for precise regulations.

What is the best way to prove citizenship?

The best way to prove French citizenship is by presenting a valid French passport or a French national identity card. Birth certificates issued by French authorities or naturalization certificates are also commonly accepted for citizenship verification.

Can a French have dual citizenship?

Yes, France allows dual citizenship. A French national can hold citizenship in another country alongside French citizenship as long as the other country also permits dual nationality.

  • Information Updated on:
  • March 19, 2025