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Visas to France
The nationals of the Schengen Agreement countries do not require a visa. However citizens of countries outside the Schengen Agreement should apply for a visa. Two types of visas are issued depending on the duration of stay: a short stay and a long stay visa. For more info on whether you need to apply for a visa to enter France, visit the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Later, contact the Consulate near you to verify your information about the required documents and the visa fee before sending or bringing in your application.
Short Stay Visa
- A short stay visa may be obtained for purposes such as shopping, business, tourism or a family visit.
- For a period under three months a visa is not required by nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chili, Costa Rica, Croatia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Malaysia, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Democratic Republic of Korea, Macau, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Norway, Panama, Romania, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela, the United States of America.
Long Stay Visa
- A long stay visa is obtained to live in France and the French territories for purposes such as studying, working or retirement.
- If you intend to live in France longer than the period stipulated by the visa, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at a French prefecture. It is illegal to live in France for a period longer than 6 months without holding a residence permit.
Transit Passengers
Transit passengers travelling by the same or the first connecting aircraft do not need a visa if they have the documentation needed and they do not leave the airport. An airport transit visa is required even when not leaving the airport by nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Syrian Arab Republic.
Students
- Students on a school trip may not require a visa if their names are on the List of Travellers. Nationals of Bermuda may require a visa if they wish to enter other Schengen countries. Those nationals who are exempt from visa regulations may be required to produce hotel bookings, return ticket to country of residence of financial means of support either at the point of entry or within the Schengen area.