→ France visa for United States citizens
French citizens looking to explore the United States will find that an ESTA is required for most short-term visits, allowing a stay of up to 90 days for tourism or business, though other specific visa types are available for longer durations or different purposes. Direct flights from Paris typically take around 8 hours, connecting the Old World to iconic American cities. Be sure to account for the significant time difference, as the East Coast of the US is usually six hours behind France. The journey from France, with its rich history, to destinations like New Orleans, where French heritage is still vibrantly celebrated, offers a unique cultural exchange unmatched by many other routes.
Visa-free90d stay· verified 2026-05-10
Entry requirements
- Passport validity
- 3+ months
- Blank pages
- 2+
- Onward ticket
- Required
- Funds proof
- Required
- Health insurance
- Required
- Yellow fever cert.
- Required
- Biometrics
- Required
Visa options
TouristShort-stay Schengen visa (Uniform Schengen visa, type C – tourism)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply BusinessShort-stay Schengen visa (Uniform Schengen visa, type C – business)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply FamilyShort-stay Schengen visa (Uniform Schengen visa, type C – family/private visit)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply StudentShort-stay Schengen visa (Uniform Schengen visa, type C – short course/internship ≤3 months)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply OtherLong-stay visa (Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS‑TS, general category)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply OtherLong-stay visa (VLS – to apply for residence permit after arrival, “VLS non‑TS”)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply WorkTalent – European Union Blue Card (long-stay visa / residence permit)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply WorkTalent – European Union Blue Card (multi‑year residence permit following VLS‑TS)
1460dmultiple-entryvalid 4y
Apply WorkTalent Passport – long‑stay visa for international talent (other than EU Blue Card)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply FamilyLong-stay visa for family reunification (VLS‑TS “Family” / family reunification)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply FamilyLong-stay visa for spouse of French national (VLS‑TS – “Spouse of French citizen”)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply FamilyLong-stay visa for minor children joining family (VLS – “Minor child”)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply OtherLong-stay visa “Visitor” (non‑VLS‑TS temporary visitor, no work)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply WorkLong-stay visa for “Passeport Talent – Innovative project founder”
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply WorkLong-stay visa for “Passeport Talent – Highly qualified employee (outside EU Blue Card thresholds)”
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply Working HolidayLong-stay visa for Working Holiday (France bilateral working holiday schemes)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply HumanitarianHumanitarian long-stay visa
Apply MedicalLong-stay visa for medical treatment (under “Visitor” or specific medical visa)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply MedicalShort-stay visa for medical treatment (Schengen, type C – medical reasons)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply OtherShort-stay national visa for overseas territories (French overseas collectivities)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply OtherLong-stay visa for overseas territories (French overseas collectivities)
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply Schengen-wide 90 days within any 180-day period.