Home βΊ France passport βΊ United States
π«π· Does a French need a visa for the United States πΊπΈ?
No visa, but an ETA. French passport holders do not need a visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Checked against Wikipedia's list of visa requirements for French citizens on 2026-10-04. Entry rules change: confirm with the embassy of the United States or its official government website before you travel.
What this means for your trip
An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.
It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.
United States at a glance
Capital: Washington D.C. Β· Currency: United States dollar (USD, $) Β· Official languages: English Β· Calling code: +1
Plugs and voltage
You need a travel adapter: the United States uses plug types A, B, France uses C, E. Mains voltage differs (the United States: 120 V; France: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100β240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.
More about entering the United States β
Your embassy in the United States
If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United States, contact the embassy of France:
- Embassy of France, Washington, D.C. Β· 4101 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 Β· fr.franceintheus.org
- Consulate General of France in New Orleans Β· nouvelleorleans.consulfrance.org
- Consulate General of France in New York Β· newyork.consulfrance.org
- Consulate General of France in Washington Visa Section Β· consulfrance-washington.org
Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.
Easier destinations near the United States for French passport holders
- π²π½ Mexico β Visa-free 180 days
- π¦π¬ Antigua and Barbuda β Visa-free 180 days
- π¦π· Argentina β Visa-free 90 days
- π§πΈ Bahamas β Visa-free 90 days
- π§π§ Barbados β Visa-free 90 days
- π§πΏ Belize β Visa-free
- π§π΄ Bolivia β Visa-free 90 days
- π§π· Brazil β Visa-free 90 days
The other way round
πΊπΈ American passport holders visiting France: American passport holders can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days.
The French passport at a glance
All destinations for France passport holders β Β· Who needs a visa for the United States β
Questions
Do French citizens need a visa for the United States?
French passport holders do not need a visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Does an American need a visa for France?
American passport holders can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days.