Do you need ETIAS for France?
France is one of the most-visited ETIAS destinations, particularly for UK travellers heading to Paris, Disneyland Paris and the Alps. Once it is mandatory, those travellers will need to hold an ETIAS before they set off.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
France at a glance for ETIAS
- Paris and Disneyland Paris
- ski trips to the Alps (Chamonix, Tignes, Val d’Isère)
- Eurostar, Le Shuttle and Channel ferries
- driving or transit through France to Spain, Italy or Switzerland
Is France part of ETIAS?
Yes. France is a Schengen country and is fully inside the ETIAS scheme. The same ETIAS rules apply to Paris, the south of France, the Alps and French overseas border points within the Schengen area.
Eurostar, Le Shuttle, ferries and driving through France
France is where many UK travellers first cross into the Schengen area, so the way you arrive matters. Eurostar passengers clear French border checks before boarding at St Pancras, and that is the point you enter, so you will need ETIAS. The same goes for Le Shuttle from Folkestone and ferries to Calais or Dunkirk: once you reach French soil you have entered. If you are driving on to Spain, Italy or Switzerland, France is usually your first country of entry, and one ETIAS still covers the whole trip across those countries.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS for France?
Yes, UK passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for France once it becomes mandatory. That covers Eurostar to Paris, flights to Nice or Lyon, driving via the Channel Tunnel and ski trips to the Alps.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for France?
Yes. Americans visiting France for tourism, family visits or business meetings are expected to need ETIAS once the system is mandatory. Longer stays for work or study still require the appropriate French visa.
Do Canadian and Australian citizens need ETIAS for France?
Yes, Canadian and Australian passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for France on the same basis as UK and US travellers once the system becomes mandatory.
How long can you stay in France on ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area. ETIAS itself is expected to be valid for up to 3 years (or until your passport expires).
Can you visit other European countries on the same trip?
Yes. ETIAS covers all 30 ETIAS countries, which is handy for trips that combine France with Italy, Spain, Switzerland or Belgium.
When should you apply for ETIAS for France?
There is nothing to apply for today. When the system opens, aim to apply a few days ahead of travel.
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Common questions
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
Related pages
Be ready for ETIAS before your next trip to France
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.