Short Stay Visa Requirements: up to 90 days

American passport holders are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

As of October 18th, 2013, the rules for calculating short stays within the Schengen area have changed. More details and a calculator online on the European Commission website. Visitors who intend to work in France do need to obtain a work authorization or get their "convention d’accueil" prior to their arrival in France.

Long Stay Visa Requirements: more than 90 days

American passport holders are all required to obtain a visa to spend more than 90 days in France.

Holders of official or diplomatic passports can submit their application directly to the visa section of the Consulate general of France in Washington DC (no appointments required, Monday to Friday, except holydays, from 2.30 to 3.30 pm).

They have the possibility as well to apply at one of the nine VFS Global centers regardless of their location (without appointment, from 1.00 to 3.00 pm).

Visas issued to holders of official passports (i.e. related to their functions) are free of charge (visa and service fee, if submission in a VFS visa application center).

A visa is required for holders of a refugee travel document or a permit to reenter. We invite you to contact the French consulate of your residence for further information.