Visa Requirements for French Citizens

French citizens can visit 188 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. This includes all 27 EU member states, the entire Schengen area (29 countries), the United Kingdom (up to 6 months), the United States (with ESTA), Canada (with eTA), Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), Australia (with ETA), New Zealand (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Argentina (90 days), Mexico (180 days), and many Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and South American destinations.

French citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourist or business visits to the United States. Instead, they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for $21 (approximately €20). ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each. For longer stays or work purposes, a B1/B2 visa costs $185 (approximately €170).

No, French citizens do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom in 2025. Despite Brexit, French passport holders can enter the UK visa-free for tourism, business meetings, or family visits for up to 6 months. No advance registration or electronic authorization is required. For stays longer than 6 months or for work purposes, a UK visa is required with fees starting at £127 (approximately €150).

French citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada, which costs CAD $7 (approximately €5). The eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires and allows multiple entries for stays up to 6 months each. Applications are processed online within minutes in most cases. For extended stays or work permits, separate visa applications are required.

Standard visa requirements for French citizens include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs meeting destination country specifications, bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds, proof of employment or business registration, confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings, travel insurance (often mandatory), and a cover letter explaining travel purpose. Requirements vary by destination country.

Despite having one of the world's most powerful passports, French citizens still require advance visas for approximately 30 to 40 countries. Major destinations requiring visas include China (tourist visa ¥140, approximately €18), Russia (visa €35 to €80), India (e-visa $25 to $80, approximately €23 to €74), Saudi Arabia (e-visa SAR 480, approximately €118), Vietnam (e-visa $25, approximately €23), and most Central African nations. Cuba requires a tourist card (€27) purchased before arrival.

Yes, French citizens can obtain visas on arrival in many countries including Egypt (visa on arrival $25, approximately €23), Jordan (visa on arrival JOD 40, approximately €52), Nepal (visa on arrival $30 to $125, approximately €28 to €115 depending on duration), Cambodia (visa on arrival $30, approximately €28), Indonesia (visa on arrival $35, approximately €32), and Maldives (free 30-day visa on arrival). Some countries also offer e-visas for faster processing.

To maximize visa approval chances as a French citizen: apply at least 4 to 8 weeks before travel, provide 3 to 6 months of bank statements showing stable income, include proof of employment or business ties in France, show previous international travel history in your passport, provide a detailed travel itinerary with confirmed bookings, ensure all documents are translated into English or the destination country's language where required, and demonstrate strong ties to France such as property ownership or family connections.

Visa processing times for French citizens vary by destination: China tourist visas take 4 to 7 business days (express 2 to 3 days available), India e-visas are processed within 72 hours, Russia visas take 4 to 20 business days depending on type, Saudi Arabia e-visas are typically instant to 24 hours, and Australia ETAs are usually approved within minutes. During peak travel seasons (summer and holidays), processing times may be longer. Always apply well in advance of planned travel dates.