France is part of the European Union’s Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 European countries which have abolished passport and any other type of border control at their common borders. Once a traveler has entered a country that is part of the Schengen Area, they are granted freedom of movement within the 26 member states of the area.
United States citizens do not require a visa to visit the European Union or France. This visa exception allows stays of up to a total of 90 days within a 180 day period. Stays of longer than 90 days will require a residence permit from the French government. Entry into France using the visa exception for United States citizens requires the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity at the time of entry.
- A valid passport with at least three months validity beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area.
- Two blank passport visa pages.
- Documents showing a travel itinerary (i.e.: airfare receipt showing entry to/from the EU) and proof of a confirmed hotel reservation.
For more information, read Understanding European Visa requirements and the Schengen Area.
Travel Safety & Advisories
For the most up to date and detailed information on the safety of travel to France, read the country report authored and released by the United States Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
Resources In An Emergency
If you encounter a medical emergency or are a victim of a crime in Paris, contact the local authorities immediately. Although 9-1-1 is the emergency number in the United States, that is not true in the majority of other countries. Read this FAQ article I wrote to locate the appropriate emergency contact numbers: What Are The Emergency Response Telephone Numbers In Other Countries?
The U.S. Embassy in Paris can also be a resource to American Citizens. It is located at:
2 Avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris, France
Contact information is listed below:
Phone: +33 (1) 43-12-22-22
Phone (24-hours/Emergency): +33 (1) 43-12-22-22
E-mail: CitizenInfo@state.gov
Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/
The U.S. Embassy is located within a block of the Place de la Concorde, essentially at one end of the Champs-Elysées. The Avenue Gabriel is located one block to the North of this famous avenue, and the streets run parallel. Bus routes 43 and 73 will take you within 5 minutes walking distance. As soon as you see the Place de la Concorde, get off!
