France
United States
United States visa for French citizens
Entry requirement
French citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- 6 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at fr.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Fee
- US$40.62
All visa types for the United States
For the ETA, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62, and applications are made on esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.
Where to apply in France
- Embassy of the United States in Paris
2, avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris
- Consulate General of the United States in Strasbourg
15, avenue d'Alsace, 67082 Strasbourg Cedex
- Consulate General of the United States in Marseille
12, Place Varian Fry, 13006 Marseille
- Consulate of the United States in Rennes
Quai Duguay Trouin 30, 35000 Rennes
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- Consulate of the United States in Bordeaux
89, Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux
US visas issued to citizens of France
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 10,503 | 9,576 |
| Student (F, M) | 7,850 | 7,509 |
| Exchange (J) | 12,488 | 11,475 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 15,008 | 15,536 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 4,541 | 4,045 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 2,921 | 2,667 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 165 | 124 |
| Other | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 53,478 | 50,933 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 8.5% | 9.7% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 50,933 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of France, the 29th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Work and treaty visas (H, L, O, E and others) made up 31%, exchange visitor visas 23% and visitor visas 19%. That is 5% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (53,478).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of France received 18,201, about as many as in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 9.7% for citizens of France in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 8.5%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of France anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in France.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to France
United StatesFrance Visa-free, 90 days France visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
French citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long French citizens can stay in the United States
French citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.
How French citizens apply
French citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United States’ neighbours for French citizens
Mexico admits French citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to France
US citizens can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do French citizens need a visa for the United States?
French citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
How long can French citizens stay in the United States?
French citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.
How much does the United States ETA cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.
Do US citizens need a visa for France?
US citizens can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days.
Can French citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; French citizens need an ETA for the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.