ETIAS Visa France for US Citizens

Do you plan to visit France, the land of the Eiffel Tower, tasty cheeses, and ooh-la-la? If you are a US citizen, you will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) pass beginning in 2023.

Citizens of the US will need to apply for the online ETIAS visa waiver for travel to France beginning of 2023. The ETIAS authorization for France is to strengthen European borders and reduce terrorist and other security threats.

The ETIAS for France will allow US travelers to stay in any Schengen member country for up to 3 months within every 180 days if they meet the France ETIAS requirements.

Click2Visas is keeping a close eye on the implementation of the ETIAS. We guarantee that you will receive your ETIAS more quickly if you apply with us.

What is ETIAS Visa France?

The ETIAS for France is the European Travel Information and Authorization System to enter France. This is expected to be implemented by the end of 2022 and allow eligible citizens to travel to France for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes.

The ETIAS for France is being implemented to permit visa-free citizens to travel to and within all of the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen passport-free area and deepen European borders against security threats.

The French ETIAS visa waiver will be a multiple-entry travel authorization, valid for three years from the date of approval.

ETIAS Visa France requirements for US citizens

All French overseas territories such as French Guiana, French West Indies, and Reunion follow the same visa regulations as mainland France. To submit an ETIAS application, you must meet the following France ETIAS visa waiver requirements:

• Valid US Passport – When applying for an ETIAS, applicants must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 90 days (3 months) beyond the length of their intended stay. Passports older than ten years may not be accepted as valid travel documents.

Applicants with dual nationality, and thus multiple passports, should use the same passport to complete the ETIAS application as they will travel to France because the ETIAS will be electronically linked to an individual passport.

• Credit or Debit card – A valid payment method, such as a debit/credit card, to pay the ETIAS fee.
• Flight Tickets – Return flight tickets to the US or tickets to an onward destination.
• Medical Requirements – Although no specific vaccine is required for US citizens traveling to France, it is prudent to be up to date on all recommended vaccinations from the US CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention organization) before traveling to France.

Note on Medical Health

It is also advised to obtain Medical Insurance covering you in France, as Medicare does not apply outside of the United States. Except for emergency services, it will be necessary to pay for medical services before receiving treatment.

Most health-care providers in France only accept cash payments, but it is possible to fill out a “Feuille de Soins” (medical treatment form) for later insurance reimbursement. Those who cannot pay for medical treatment in France may be denied care.

Travelers who require prescription medication should check its legality in France and bring the medication in its original, clearly labeled packaging, along with the prescription.

Sufficient Funds – Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the stay, such as bank statements.

Minor Requirements – Both parents must sign the completed France visa waiver application form. In cases where the only single parent has full child custody, a family court order is essential—the child’s birth document and copies of both parents’ passports/ID. If the child is visiting alone to France, a parental authorization letter from both parents/guardians will be essential to obtain the ETIAS France for minors.

FAQ on ETIAS Visa France

Is it necessary for me to apply for an ETIAS for each country I visit?

No, US traveler only needs one approved ETIAS to visit all ETIAS member countries. There is no need to apply for an ETIAS in each member nation you visit. An approved ETIAS visa will cover all visits to ETIAS member countries, regardless of the traveler’s entry point or exit from the European Union.

How long does it take to submit an ETIAS application?

You will require less than 10 minutes to finish your online application form. Your ETIAS application will be processed immediately after submission, and you will get a final decision from the system within 96 hours or even less. A few applications may take up to four weeks to process if additional documentation from the applicant is in need. If there is a denial for your ETIAS you do not have any other travel authorization, you will be unable to enter France or any other European Union country.

What is the cost of ETIAS?

People between the age range of 18 to 70 will pay €7 for ETIAS. No fee to anyone under the age of 18 or anyone over 70.

How does ETIAS and Schengen Visa differ?

ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for travelers who can currently travel to Europe without a visa. On the other hand, the Schengen Visa is to travel to Europe for travelers who are unable to travel to EU countries without a visa.

How will the ETIAS system function?

ETIAS functions similarly to how anyone from a visa-free country applies for an American ESTA. One of the key diffrence between the ETIAS and the ESTA is that the new ETIAS will apply to a much larger number of people than the American one. At the same time, the amount of information it will provide, which was previously non-existent, will be significantly increased.

Can I use an ETIAS to work or study in France?

A valid ETIAS visa waiver allows US citizens to travel to France for tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment. American citizens cannot use an ETIAS visa waiver to work or study in France.

Is ETIAS required if I already have a long-term visa from one of the member countries?

If you have a valid long-term stay visa from one of the Schengen Area Member States, you do not need to request an ETIAS authorization. You will enter the Schengen Area if you present your valid permanent residence visa at the border. If your EU visa has expired, you must apply for ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area.

How Do I Obtain an ETIAS Visa Waiver?

It is simple and quick to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. You can only apply online because it is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. US applicants must fill out the ETIAS online form with biographic information and answer a few security questions.