how much is france tourist visa

Tourist Visa In France: A Simple Guide

Dreaming of the Eiffel Tower , lavender fields, and Riviera beaches?

Before you indulge in the French experience, a tourist visa might be your golden ticket.

Unravel the path to savoring France’s iconic delights seamlessly.

Let’s dive in!

What is the France Tourist Visa?

If you wish to visit France for tourism for a period shorter than 90 days, depending on your nationality, you might be required to obtain a France Tourist visa first.

The French Tourist visa permits you to stay in France for 90 days at most per a period of 180 days. 

Aside from the cases when your visa is marked as a Limited Territorial Validity visa, you are generally permitted to travel with this visa to other Schengen countries within that period.

What To Consider Before Applying For A French Tourist Visa

Before you apply for a French tourist visa, you should:

• Check Your Passport: Make sure your passport meets the validity requirement. If you still need to, apply for a new one before you apply for a visa.
• Book Your Flight In Time: Do not leave it for the night before your visa appointment after you have completed everything else. You may need help finding a place on a flight on your intended date.
• Make Sure Everything Is As Required: Do not tell yourself, “Maybe they won’t notice this,” or “they can’t make a huge deal out of such a small detail.” 

The consular officers check everything with the utmost attention, so you’d better follow all procedures and meet all requirements.

When Can You Submit The Application?

Submitting the application file at the right time is crucial for a positive outcome on your France Tourist Visa application. According to the French tourist visa rules, the earliest you can apply is six months before your booked flight to France.

On the other hand, the latest you can do so is two weeks before the date of your intended trip.

According to the French authorities in your country of residence and how they have regulated visa admission, you may have to submit your application at:

• The consular section of the French embassy in your country.
• A French consulate in your country.
• A third-party visa-processing center to which France has outsourced visa submission in your country.
• The French embassy/consulate/visa processing center in a neighboring country, to which French authorities in your country of residence have outsourced visa submission.

What If You Have To Travel To Other Countries Besides France?

If you travel to the Schengen Area to visit other countries besides France, you might have to apply to another embassy rather than in France. This sounds a bit complicated to many, but it is straightforward.

First of all, list the countries you plan to visit and write the number of days you will spend in each country. Apply at the embassy where you are planning to spend most days . I.e. 

If you are visiting Germany and France, and you will be spending three days in the first and five in the latter, then you will have to apply at the country embassy, where you will spend more days in France.

On the other hand, if you are spending an equal amount of days in two countries or more, i.e., two in France, two in Germany, and two in Switzerland, then you will have to apply at the embassy of the country where you will be landing first.

How To Obtain A French Tourist Visa?

The application process for a French Tourist visa might seem complicated and frustrating , especially for people who have not obtained a visa before. 

However, if you make a list of the steps you have to take and follow them slowly, then you will quickly achieve your goal and obtain the visa:

• Complete the French Tourist Schengen visa application form.
• Collect the required documents.
• Book an appointment .
• Pay the fees .
• Show up at the appointment.

You can find the France tourist visa application form on the website of the French embassy in your home country. If you do not, you can require a form to be sent to you online through email by the embassy.

Fulfill the application form with honest and correct information. Prepare “how to fill in the visa application form” beforehand to avoid making mistakes. 

Remember that the information you give in this form must comply with that in the other documents. Otherwise, your application will likely be rejected. Remember to print it twice and sign both copies at the end.

Collect The Required Documents

After completing the application form, collect the required documents for a French tourist visa. Take care to have each document in original and copy .

Be sure to complete even one document on the day of your appointment since that might result in the refusal of your application.

You should submit the following documents to apply for a Tourist visa to France:

• French Tourist Visa Application Form: Make sure you complete the proper form and that the information you provide is correct.
• Two passport-style photos: They must be at most three months.
• Your valid passport: It must have been issued within the last 10 years and is valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages to put the visa sticker on it.
• Copies Of Older Visas: If you have ever held any visa to any country, submit copies of those visas.
• Travel Medical Insurance : Medical insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 for your entire stay in France and the Schengen.
• Certificate of criminal record : Official certificate showing that candidate has no open crime case involvement
• Proof of paid visa fee: Make sure to include valid receipt
• Travel Itinerary: This document shows what you will do in France when you arrive and leave and includes proof of arranged transportation, i.e., plane ticket booking.
• Proof of Accommodation in France: It can be a hotel/ hostel booking or a letter of invitation if you plan to stay with friends or relatives.
• Means of subsistence: Proof that you have the financial means to cover your stay in France and other Schengen countries if you plan to. 

This could be a bank statement of up to three days covering the last three months or a scholarship certificate stating how much you will receive during your stay.

You will need to book an appointment for your interview with a consular officer of the French embassy. The interview is a must for every applicant over the age of 12. 

Book the interview online at the website of the French embassy or consulate in your country. If that option is not available in your country, you must go to the embassy to schedule an appointment.

How Much Does A France Tourist Visa Cost?

You must pay the visa fee before you attend the interview on the day of your appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center. The fee for a French tourist visa is €80.

You will have to pay the fee in euros or the local currency , according to the exchange rates applied by the embassy.

France Tourist Visa Validity

The validity of your visa depends on the French embassy that issued it to you. The maximum validity of a French tourist visa can be three months within half a year.

The embassy may issue you a visa for the required period, i.e., ten days, three weeks, or even three or five days. On the other hand, you can still get a multiple entry 3 months valid visa, mainly if you are a frequent traveler to the Schengen territory.

Can You Visit Other Countries In Europe?

It depends on the type of Schengen Visa you’re granted. 

If the visa sticker on your passport says “ The Schengen States ” or “ États Schengen” or the exact words in another EU language, then you can travel in the whole Schengen territory with that visa as soon as it becomes valid.

On the other hand, if your visa says “ Schengen states (-the acronym of a country),” it means you cannot visit only that particular country, i.e., “Schengen states (-ES)” means you can visit all the Schengen states but Spain . 

You can also receive a visa that includes only the acronyms of the states you are permitted to visit, i.e., “F, FIN, GR”, which means you can only visit France, Finland, and Greece.

Traveling To France

One cannot ignore the mesmerizing beauty that France carries. Even though you have never visited France, it holds so much merit. Without a doubt, it would drag you down the lane of nostalgia. 

It uplifts you with images of the Paris Eiffel Tower, the Cannes Film Festival, pebbly beaches in Nice, the finest wines in Bordeaux, and impressive architecture in Lyon. 

While half of the world is already in love with France, there are millions of reasons that can make your love for France even deeper. 

France never ceases to fascinate world travelers with its individualistic beauty, art, history , and gastronomic heritage . And that is why it has been the most famous tourist destination in the world. 

Whether you visit France with a profound purpose or want to play around, France has everything for everyone.

Why Should You Visit France?

Home to the paris.

The city of Paris belongs to France. Now, this fact equals every reason you must choose France over every other destination you keep as an option. Paris is the most charming city that no other city can compete with as its existence is nearly perfect. 

With famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Pantheon.

And remarkable museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, the cutest cafés like Laduree, sophisticated streets like Champs Elysees, and theme parks like Disneyland, you cannot deny its alluring beauty in any situation. 

France Is Haven Of History And Culture

France feels a thousand times attractive for its rich culture and history . French people take so much pride in their historical heritage. 

Art, architecture, and literature honor the most significant battles fought during the French Revolution and the Napoleon period. 

You can still witness time being kept intact in France through attractions like the Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre-Coeur, Old Port of Marseille, and more. 

France has almost 39 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list to highlight its strong, culturally enriched presence in human history. 

French Cuisine Is A Gastronomical Treasure

French cuisine is an integral part of the culinary world. It upholds the reputation of France not only for its unique and rich taste but also for its valuable recipes and cooking techniques that are also gastronomical treasures.

Every food lover should taste France’s authentic , traditional, and local foods. 

From croissants, baguettes, and seafood to over 400 cheese varieties, your culinary endeavor will be otherworldly. 

Paradise For Fashion Admirers

France is home to famous fashion brands like Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. For the fashion admirer inside you, France is a shopper’s paradise. You can walk down the famous streets where you can shop till you drop. 

Not just that, the entire French community will inspire your wardrobe update. Even on a regular day, the people of France like to flaunt their rich fashion sense as they walk down the street. 

Fashion brands will also organize Fashion Week events where you can admire the latest collection and grab some aesthetic pieces of clothing. Rue de Rivoli, Champs Elysees, and Les Halles are some of the best streets to style up yourself.

Country With Distinctive Geography

France’s geography creates more opportunities for tourists with its distinctive geography . Do you want to swim, surf, and snorkel or relax in a sunny spot on a beach? Head directly to Cannes, Nice, or Côte d’Azur.

Do you want to spend your vacation on the snowy slopes and ski to your heart’s content? Visit Mont Blanc. France has a space for every venture you are seeking.

Land Of Art And Museum

You are aware that France is the land of art and museums . 

From the Louvre Museum(the World’s Largest Museum), which houses notable art like the painting of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, to the extraordinary collection of modern art in Centre Pompidou.

Every region of France has a museum that surprises you with renowned masterpieces.

Wine Enthusiast Getaway

There is no better place than France if you are a wine enthusiast who likes to try the finest wines in the world. 

There are more than 450 types of homemade wine collections in France. Every region has a specialty, and you can’t resist trying all the duty-free wines without being bored.

Charming Castles

There are so many Castles in France. You might need an entire month to explore all the Castles reflecting Gothic and Romanesque architecture . The fun part is you can stay in some of them and admire the beauty. 

From Château de Chantilly, Palace of Versailles, to Château de Chenonceau, you will be stunned by these picturesque castles that let you understand France like never before.

Relaxing Countryside

If you want to escape the clamor of the city, there is no better place than France’s countryside with picturesque views . To be clear, over 80% of France is typically villages.

They offer a solid level of peace and tranquility that helps you forget all your worries, enjoy time with the locals, and cherish every moment by etching the breathtaking view in your mind.

Hotspot For Romance

Finally, the most important reason to add France to your bucket list is that France naturally makes it hard to disregard its romantic side. Even the elegance of the French language adds more romance to romantic endeavors in the “ city of love .”

Traveling Costs In France

France is consistently the most popular tourist destination in Europe, with Paris welcoming tens of millions of visitors each year and only Istanbul and London coming close to challenging for the number one spot. But is France expensive to visit?

France is diverse but expensive to visit, with an average cost of €85-580 per person daily. That said, there’s something for everyone in France, and most locations have options to accommodate all types of budgets. 

Accommodation Prices In France

When making a France travel budget, accommodation should be the first thing to research as it can be relatively expensive if you don’t carefully look at your options.

Camping is one of the cheaper options for accommodation in France. Still, not everyone’s idea of a relaxing holiday is sleeping on the floor in a woodland, regardless of how beautiful the landscape is…

Solo young travelers may be disappointed by the lack of hostels across France, although you can find some in big cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. 

Outside of Paris, you can expect to pay no more than €50 for a single bed in a dorm room, although it’s hard to find a bed unde r €30 as you can in other European cities.

Within Paris, the majority of beds in dorm rooms are over €50 , so if you’re traveling with a friend or partner, it’s usually worthwhile staying in a hotel and splitting the cost of the room.

In general, expect the accommodation cost to be more expensive in Paris than in other cities and regions in France.

Looking at hotels in a variety of towns and cities in France, the majority of the double rooms cost over €100 per night, while only about one-third of rooms cost €50-€100 , leaving just a tiny percentage of rooms that cost less than €50 per night. 

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, expect to make more than €300-550 per night for a room – and often much more, depending on the hotel and location.

This shows that accommodation in France can be expensive, although there are many reasonable options to be found if you’re visiting France on a budget; either way, accommodation is a big factor in your overall France trip cost.

Transportation Prices In France

On the other hand, traveling in France is as easy , cheap, and comfortable as it is highly recommended. France, especially the South, welcomes tourists and travelers, so moving around is very simple.

If you’re willing to take a risk, you can even hitchhike from one place to another very quickly to keep your trip to France to a minimum.

The majority of French people are very friendly and will take you as far as they can as well as recommend places to visit and things to do in the area that you might not otherwise know about.

That’s also why the ride-sharing app Blablacar works so well in France. 

It’s hard to book a journey many weeks in advance, but if you’re on a loose schedule, you can find many different cars to join over the coming week and choose whichever driver you have more in common with or which journey best suits your timing or budget.

A 3-hour journey can cost as little as €15 , and you can even find rides over long journeys such as 9 hours from Paris to Montpellier from just €50.

France also has an incredibly well-developed train network, with high-speed trains able to transport you to all corners of the country. However, the cost of train tickets can vary depending on the journey length and how far in advance you book.

There is also a decent bus network that is often less expensive than the train. However, the journeys can take longer and are often less comfortable than a train ride. 

If you’re planning a road trip or are keen to try your hand at driving in France, however, you can easily rent a car from French Airports or city centers from €50-100 for a small car. 

Within French towns and cities, you can use the bus, tram , or metro for €1.50-2.50 for a single ticket, although there are often cheaper alternatives for 10 journeys or 24 hours if you think you’ll use public transportation in France often over your stay.

Or, for a greener and more active alternative, you can find city rental bikes in the streets of the most prominent cities in France, which you can rent for €0.50-1.50 per hour or €5 a day to get around quickly.

These city bikes do require a credit card to make sure you return the bike, so if you don’t have one or you’re in a smaller town, you can still rent a bicycle for around €20-30 a day, sometimes with an additional few euros for a helmet or basket.

Some of these bike rental shops also have e-bikes available so you can save your legs, although the price can be a lot more expensive, from €35-70 per day.

Food Prices In France

Dining is one of the best activities in France, and the options won’t disappoint you. Sure, you can find cheap French fast food chains and cafeterias everywhere like Flunch and Quick, but it would be a waste of a trip to the gastronomic center of Europe to eat here.

The cost of food in France can vary depending on your habits. Breakfast is a cheap and easy affair, with bakeries on every corner selling fresh pastries and baguettes for less than a couple of euros each.

Meanwhile, you can have a cheap and cheerful lunch of a delicious sandwich for a few euros from any cafe or turn it into a meal deal in the French cafe La Mie Caline, where you can get a sandwich, cake, and drink for a very affordable price. 

The classic French croque monsieur can be found everywhere, as well, for low prices.

Of course, it’s always affordable and a great way to support local vendors to pick up some bread, local cheese, or some meats from small delis or market stalls and have a lunch picnic, too!

However, if you’re going to make the most of your trip to France and dine as the locals do, you can find excellent set menus for lunch for €15-30 for 2-3 courses of usually expertly prepared and locally sourced dishes.

For dinner, there are many options in France in terms of price and cuisine, but you can almost always guarantee it will be high-quality food .

A mid-range restaurant will serve exquisite dishes, often prepared in the same traditional way over many generations, so you know they have the classic French cooking down to a T. 

Evening set menus can cost between €20 and €45 for three courses in most restaurants, with a bottle of wine costing €20-60 .

So, you only need to spend a fortune in a 5-star restaurant in France if you’re out for a special occasion or want to enjoy a spectacular view, such as the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Here, you can have a 5-course dinner time tasting menu for €255 .

Your French rendezvous awaits, and the tourist visa is the first step to those dreamy Parisian nights and Provençal sunrises.

Voyage magnifique begins with the right paperwork!

Voyage Verified!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

• Types Of Visas In France
• Tax Refund In France
• Temporary residence In France

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Schengen short-stay visa (foreigner in france for up to 3 months).

Verified 27 March 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland (outside EU), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein (outside EU), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (outside EU)

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

A set of computer techniques that automatically identify an individual based on their physical, biological, or behavioral characteristics. Most of them have the particularity of being unique and permanent (DNA, fingerprints, iris, etc.).

Heavy acts (drug trafficking, impersonation, facilitation of illegal entry, movement or residence, concealed work, scams, etc.) which make a person dangerous in the future

European file allowing law enforcement and magistrates from Schengen countries to have information on wanted persons (fugitives, missing persons, etc.). Foreigners refused entry to a Schengen country are also entered in this register.

You are a foreigner and you want to stay in France for less than 3 months? You must have a visa short-term (Type C). This visa is common to the countries of the Schengen area . It allows you to stay in France and in the other countries of space Schengen , except in exceptional circumstances. Other documents are also required, depending on the purpose of the stay. Here's the information you need to know.

Who must hold a Schengen short-stay visa?

You are affected if you meet the following 3 conditions:

• You are foreigner
• Your stay is one maximum duration of 3 months in France (or in another space country) Schengen )
• You don't have a residence permit or long-stay visa in a space country Schengen

Warning  

This procedure does not concern a foreigner who is a national of European country nor the members of his family living in France with him.

Depending on your nationality and the type of passport, you may be exempt from the visa requirement. You can check if you need a visa using the Visa Assistant service. The process is done on the Internet:

Check if you need a visa - Visa Assistant

What is a Schengen short-stay visa?

A visa is a sticker affixed by a country's administration to a person's passport to allow him or her to enter and stay for a specified period of time.

The short-stay visa allows you to enter and travel in France and other countries in space Schengen .

Exceptionally, it may be valid in France or in one or more countries in space Schengen only (for example, France and Belgium).

Unlike a national long-stay visa (type D) , the visa Schengen does not allow you to settle in France.

On what grounds can a Schengen visa be granted?

This visa can be granted for example for one of the following reasons:

• Tourist trip
• Business travel
• Family visit
• Short Training, Internship
• Exercise of a paid activity (for example if you are an artist on tour in France, sportsman, model, etc.), after having obtained a provisional work permit

What is the authorized length of stay with the Schengen visa?

The short-stay visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days for a continuous stay or for several stays in the countries of space Schengen over a period of 180 days.

At the end of this 90-day maximum, you must leave the space Schengen .

A simulator allows you to calculate the maximum length of a non-European foreigner's stay in the Schengen area:

Calculate the maximum permissible length of short stays in Schengen countries

What documents are required for a short stay, in addition to the visa?

Depending on the reason for your stay, you must present the following documents, in addition to the visa:

• Proof of your livelihood (cash, traveler's checks, international bank cards, etc.)
• Proof of guarantees for your repatriation (return transport ticket, etc.)
• Insurance covering medical and hospital expenses, including social assistance, for care you may receive in France (the minimum coverage requested is €30,000 )
• Proof of reception or proof of accommodation in a hotel or a host establishment, if your stay is part of a private or family visit
• Documents on the purpose and conditions of your stay in France, if your trip is touristic or professional or is for hospitalization or research work

If you want to work during your short stay, you must have a work permit .

How to apply for a Schengen visa?

You must complete your visa application on the internet:

Apply for a visa

The request must be made at the earliest 3 months before departure planned.

After completing your application on the internet, you must make an appointment at the French Consulate of the country in which you reside.

The process is done on the Internet.

Who shall I contact

• Visa department (French embassy/consulate abroad)

Please note

If the main destination cannot be determined, it is the country of entry into the Schengen area who is competent to issue you the visa.

For example, if you plan to spend 15 days in Belgium and 15 days in France for tourism arriving through Belgium, you must make your request at the Belgian consulate.

Validity of the passport

Your passport must be valid at least 3 months after the end date of your visa. It must also have been issued since under 10 years .

Recording of the applicant's data

Your data biometrics are saved to a file, called Visabio .

These data are the scanned images of your photo and fingerprints (children under 12 years of age are not affected).

You cannot object to this registration. However, you have the right to access and correct the file.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa?

To find out the cost of the visa, you can consult the Rates of the pages of the France-Visas wizard:

France-Visas - Cost of visa according to country

The amount of the visa fee must be paid to the visa office at the time of application.

In countries where the State has entrusted the receipt of applications to a private provider, the application fees must be paid to that provider. The latter may also charge additional service charges abroad.

After payment, a receipt with an indication of the amount paid shall be given to the applicant.

In case of refusal of the visa or cancelation of the stay, the amount paid is not refunded.

Can the issue of a Schengen visa be refused?

A Schengen visa may be refused on the following grounds:

• You can't introduce the supporting documents concerning your stay in France (proof of accommodation, resources, medical insurance, etc.)
• You present false travel documents or documents of questionable authenticity
• You have already stayed 90 days during the current period of 180 days in the French territory
• Your presence in France would represent a threat to public order
• You are registered for the purposes of non-admission in the Schengen Information System or pose a threat to the security, public health or international relations of a country the Schengen area
• You are subject to a prohibition order ( judicial prohibition of french territory , expulsion order , return ban , administrative inadmissibility )
• Your intention to leave French territory before the end of the visa is not established
• You cannot provide precise information about the purpose and conditions of your stay in France

The short-stay visa requested by the holder of a diplomatic or service passport may be refused to a national of a State which does not cooperate sufficiently in the readmission of its nationals in an irregular situation or which does not comply with a bilateral or multilateral agreement on the management of migratory flows.

Your Schengen visa may be refused:

• Explicitly by a written decision which must specify the reason for the refusal
• Implicitly if your request is not answered after 2 months

Can an appeal be lodged against a refusal to issue a Schengen visa?

You can appeal against a visa refusal decision in court. But you must first make a mandatory prior administrative remedy (Rapo).

How to make a Rapo?

You must write to the Deputy Director for Visas of the Directorate-General for foreigners in France (Ministry of the Interior), which is responsible for examining administrative appeals against decisions by diplomatic or consular authorities to refuse short-stay visas.

The Rapo must be trained in 30 days from the date on which you were notified of the visa refusal decision.

The Deputy Director of Visa may:

• Dismiss your appeal, or
• Either instruct the consulate to issue you the requested short-stay visa.
• Deputy Director of Visas

What if the Rapo is rejected?

The Rapo : titleContent shall be rejected:

• Either if a written decision to refuse is sent to you (explicit rejection),
• Or if you don't have a response within 2 months of sending your RAPO (implicit rejection).

You can then file an application for annulment, within 2 months after the implicit or explicit rejection of your Rapo.

The Administrative Court of Nantes has jurisdiction to hear and determine actions for annulment of visa refusals.

Administrative Court of Nantes

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

Statute and miscellaneous references

Regulation of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas

Articles 16, 17, 32 (2), 34 (6) and Annex 6

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L312-1 and L312-1-1

Principle of short-stay visas

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: article R313-1

Documents relating to the purpose and conditions of the stay

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: article R313-2

Livelihood documents

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: article R313-3

Coverage of medical and hospital expenses

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R313-4 to R313-5

Repatriation guarantees

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R142-1 to R142-10

Visabio File

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles D312-3 to R312-8

Appeal against visa refusals

Code of Administrative Justice: Articles R312-6 to R312-19

Jurisdiction of the Administrative Court of Nantes: Article R312-18

Decree No. 2014-1292 of 23 October 2014 on exceptions to the principle of "silence means acceptance" and exceptions to the 2-month period of birth of implied decisions (domestic)

Implicit refusal in case of silence on the visa application by the consulate for more than 2 months

Order of 10 May 2010 on the documents and visas required for foreigners to enter the European territory of France

Online services and forms

Online service

What is the "student competition" short-stay visa?

Additional topics

The steps of applying for a visa

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

How to read a Schengen visa sticker? (PDF - 33.7 KB)

Photo Standards for a Visa Application (PDF - 586.5 KB)

Specific disputes: jurisdiction of the administrative court of Nantes

Map of the Schengen area

All of Europe

Compulsory prior administrative appeal

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How to Get a Tourist Visa for France

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 Approved

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Approximately 79 million people toured France in 2010, making it the most visited country in the world. Its rich culture, food, wine and scenery make it a great place to visit for a few weeks to a few months. The type of visa you need to visit France depends upon your nationality and your length of stay. France allows citizens of many countries to visit without a tourist visa for 3 months. [1] X Research source If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a French long-stay visa after you have returned home. If you need a Schengen or long-stay visa to enter France, then you must make an appointment with your local French consulate and provide the appropriate documents. This article will tell you how to get a tourist visa for France.

Select a French Visa

• If your native country is Andorra, Monaco or Switzerland, or it is part of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), then you do not need a tourist visa to France for any length of time. [3] X Research source
• You will not need a 3-month tourist visa, if you hold a passport from 1 of the following countries: United Kingdom, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, or the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People's Republic of China.
• If your country is not listed, then you will most likely need to apply for a 3-month Schengen visa to visit France. Countries that require a Schengen visa include South Africa, India, Algeria, Philippines, Ukraine, China, Thailand, Russia, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. The Schengen visa is based on an agreement between 25 European countries that allows tourists to enter 1 of the 25 countries and go between other Schengen countries without showing their passport. [4] X Research source

• If you need to stay longer than 3 months, apply for a long-term stay visa. This is required for any nationality outside of the EU and EEA. Most often, the applicants for long-stay visas are applying to work, study or attend a family reunion.

Apply for a French Visa

• Allow extra time if you are apply from 1 of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burundi, Guinea, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Palestine, Rwanda, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Belarus, Congo, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Niger, Oman, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, Bahrain, Burma, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Syria, Vietnam, or US Refugees.

• Both applications include sections for personal, address, traveling, passport, insurance and return information. Fill it out completely and legibly. Print in black ink or use a typewriter.

• Make 2 copies of all of the identification pages in your passport.

• 3 1.4 by 1.7 inch (3.5 by 4.5 cm) passport photographs. Your face must take up approximately 80 percent of the picture and it must show your ears and hairline.
• Your hotel or tour reservations and your departure and return flight information. These should be separate and detailed documents.
• Proof of medical insurance coverage while you are traveling in France. The minimum coverage for medical expenses shall be EUR 30 000.
• Original bank statements from the last 3 months, to show proof of funds while you are traveling in France.
• Proof of residence in the region where you are applying. A utility bill and an identification card with that address listed may work as proof of residence.

Community Q&A

• If you have already visited France for 3 months, you must leave for 90 days before entering without a visa again. You must also leave for 90 days before applying for a 6-month tourist visa. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You may also be able to use a credit card to make your visa payment; however, this is not guaranteed. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you are a minor, then you must also provide a copy of your birth certificate and a notarized parental authorization letter. If you plan to study, you must have a copy of your French school registration. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• The visa fees in dollars or pounds may change according to exchange rates. Thanks Helpful 40 Not Helpful 16
• There are a number of private companies who submit your Schengen visa for you. You do not need to use a company or pay for an application in order to get a Schengen visa. Thanks Helpful 48 Not Helpful 23

Things You'll Need

• Long-term visa application form
• Schengen (short-stay) application form
• Passport photos
• Airline reservations
• Hotel or tour reservations
• Proof of residence
• Proof of funds
• Proof of medical coverage
• Appointment for Biometric at the French consulate

Other wikiHows

• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/tourist-or-private-visit
• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/short-stay-visa
• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/long-stay-visa
• ↑ https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/who-needs-schengen-visa/
• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/visa-application-guidelines#Etape3
• http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/IMG/pdf/Long_Stay_Visa_Application_Form-2.pdf
• http://www.learn4good.com/travel/fr_visa.htm

About this article

To get a tourist visa for France, make an appointment with your region's French consulate 1-3 months before your departure to France. Before your appointment, look on the French government's website under "Getting a Visa" for all of the documents you should bring. Prepare to fill out 2 copies of the Visa application form and pay a fee of $83 for a short term visa or $138 for a long term visa. Then, go to your appointment and wait 3-6 weeks for your visa to be approved. To learn how to select which French visa you need, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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France visa

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France tourist visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Having to get a visa to France takes all the fun out of traveling. We are here to get it back. Just apply online below and let us do the rest

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A France tourist visa is one of the most demanded visas in the world. France entertains millions of visitors every year who visit for holidays and sightseeing. These visitors enjoy the nice weather, luxurious cities and exciting social scenes in Nice, Lens, Brittany, Strasbourg, many other cities and, of course, Paris. There is so much to see in France, including nice beaches during the summer months, historic sites and landscapes and some of the best restaurants in the world.

However, if you want to apply for a tourist visa, you must meet the requirements.

Who Needs A Tourist Visa?

Tourist visas are only required for those who are not from European Union, Schengen countries and visa exempt countries. Not all people require a visa to enter France. For instance, citizens of EU countries don’t require a visa to enter France as the EU operates a visa-free policy for all citizens. Besides the EU, there are some other countries whose citizens are allowed into France without a visa.

If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you need a visa to enter France.

What Is A Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa is a travel document issued to foreign nationals who are not from visa-exempt countries. This visa is solely for tourists coming to France. Tourist visas are valid for only 6 months and allow the holder to stay for a maximum period of 90 days. If you have this visa, you can visit any part of France, including autonomous regions like Monaco, Andorra and French overseas territories.

Note: A tourist Schengen visa doesn’t come with a work permit, so you cannot work in the country during your stay. Engaging in paid work is a crime according to French law, so be advised.

How To Apply For A France Tourist Visa?

The tourist visa is one of the easiest French visas to apply for as long as you have the documents to apply for it. You don’t have to visit the French embassy in your home country or submit many documents to get this visa. Only a few documents are required, and you can complete the visa applications process online. Here are the steps to visit for a tourist visa.

Log onto VisaHQ to open the application form

Select France as your destination

Choose your country of citizenship

Select “Tourist visa” as your preferred visa of choice

Fill out the visa application form

Scan and upload your travel documents

Pay the visa fee

Submit the application form for approval

If your application is successful, the French authorities will send the visa to the registered email you provide. All you have to do is print out the visa and bring it along with you on your trip to France. Tourist visas take between 5-15 working days to process, so always check your inbox all the time to monitor the process.

Required Documents To Apply For A France Tourist Visa

If you want to apply for a tourist visa, these are the documents you must provide.

Passport: Your passport is arguably the most important travel document you must provide. The passport must not be older than 10 years and have at least 3 months of validity left after their departure date. The passport must also have at least two pages left for visa stickers. You don’t have to submit physical copies, only a scanned copy of the bio page.

Photograph: Two recent coloured photographs showing your face clearly. The photographs must be on white backgrounds and uploaded using the required 35mm x 40mm dimensions.

Proof of funds: A bank statement for the last six months showing the minimum required balance to cover your living and travel expenses.

Proof of accommodation: A copy of your hotel reservation. You can book a hotel online in advance.

Medical Insurance: Medical travel insurance covers at least €30,000 for medical expenses.

Travel Itinerary: Information about your itinerary includes your arrival and departure dates as well as the places you plan to visit.

In some cases, you may be required to provide extra documents besides the ones listed above. Just make sure you only provide valid documents; otherwise, your application will be rejected.

Things To Note

It is important to point out that French immigration has the legal right to decide whether you can enter the country. There are cases where visitors with visas are denied entry into France either because the officers found out they obtained the visa under a false pretext or used fake documents. Expect to answer some questions at the airport when you arrive, so ensure that you provide clear answers.

A France tourist visa application form is available on VisaHQ and will take you only 30 minutes or less to complete. Visit the page to apply for a French visa today.

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France visa policy.

The visa policy of France covers the immigration rules and regulations of Mainland France in Western Europe and its overseas territories. France doesn’t have an indigenous visa policy but operates the same Schengen Policy as other countries in the Schengen Zone. This visa policy is a component of several laws that regulate the entry and exit of foreign nationals across the European Union and many other countries on the continent, excluding The Republic of Ireland, which has a separate visa policy.

According to the Schengen policy of France and its neighbors, nationals from selected countries are allowed to enter France and its territories abroad by air, land, and sea without visas if they wish to stay for up to 90 days in 6 months. Such visitors don’t have to apply to the French embassy for a visa; they only need to apply for ETIAS approval online and receive the same visa from their registered email addresses. Those whose countries are not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate before traveling to France. Some also qualify for a visa on arrival, depending on their nationality.

Currently, 27 countries make up the Schengen Area, and France is one of them. The network consists of 23 European Union members and 4 non-European members that belong to the EFTA. However, some countries that don’t belong to the Schengen Area but partially implement the same Schengen policy are Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Iceland, and Switzerland. These countries have separate national policies but recognize Schengen visas issued by Schengen countries.

Furthermore, French citizens are free to reside in other Schengen countries as permanent residents while accepting the same for citizens of other Schengen countries due to the freedom of movement and settlement policy.

Visa Free Countries

If you are a citizen of any of the eligible  countries, you can stay in France for 6 months, including in other Schengen countries, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.

If you hold a residence permit issued by any other Schengen state or a visa, you can still enter France because of the same visa policy. Short Stay visas issued by other Schengen states remain valid for visits to France.

Visa free visitors can only visit for tourism, business and transit using their status but should they wish to stay for much longer or wish to visit for any other reason they must apply for a national or Schengen visa. Visa applications should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of France abroad.

ETIAS Visa Waiver Program For France

The Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System is a new electronic pre-vetting program introduced by the European Union to protect all member states from harmful immigration, terrorism, and health risks. This system is already in partial operation and will become fully operational and mandatory for all visitors from visa-exempt countries coming to Europe starting in 2024. This document is solely for business, transit, tourism, and medical treatment and is only meant for short visits that will not last for more than 90 days.

Applicants must submit a completed application form containing all their information such as their passport details, travel information and itinerary information. A scanned bio data page of their passport should accompany the application which will be processed speedily.  Successful applicants will receive the ETIAS application in their email while inconclusive applications will be forwarded to the local processing unit in France for personalized vetting. The decision makers at the local unit will then decide whether to approve or reject the application.

ETIAS is valid for three years and is a multiple-entry document. Any eligible visitor must submit their relevant information and passport for screening and approval online. The process takes only 30 minutes or less, and you should receive feedback in that time; if you are successful, the permit will be forwarded to your email. You should note that this document is not a visa and cannot be used for long stays.

Lastly, be informed that this document is a multiple entry document which can be used to visit not only France but other European nations that are signatory to the Schengen Agreement. Holders may also visit Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria but the total number of days spent in multiple countries should not exceed 90 days.

France Visa Online – Get your France e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you planning for a short trip to France anytime soon? You may not need a visa from the French foreign mission if you are eligible for an e-visa online. Electronic visas are easy to apply for and are processed and issued electronically within 3 days or less if you use VisaHQ. Our platform has all the resources and information you will need to complete and submit your application.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ?

To apply for French ETIAS, please do the following

Fill out the ETIAS form: You must fill out the ETIAS application form on our platform with the correct entries.

Attach your documents:  Attach the bio-data page of your valid passport.

Get Your ETIAS:  After paying the application fee, submit it for processing. The system will screen your information scores from multiple security databases, and if it doesn’t trigger any alert, the approval will be sent to your email address.

Note:  If it triggers an alert, it will forward your information to the local ETIAS unit in French for further vetting, and you will receive a notification.

Why Use VisaHQ

• Quick application
• First-class support services
• Multiple online visa applications
• Secure and transparent Platform

Visit our application page now to apply.

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Do you have an upcoming business meeting or conference in France you need to attend? Do you have a business interest in France, and you will need to fly into the country from time to time? What you need is a France business visa. French business visas are available to eligible applicants who are not from the EU or visa-exempt countries. Find valuable information about the business visa requirements below.

Traveling To France in Business

France is a Western European nation and is one of the most influential countries in the EU bloc. It is also one of the global economic powerhouses and is a top 10 GDP country worth an annual $2.78 trillion. This makes France a top business destination for international investments and events. To simplify the visa application process for investors, the French government has introduced the France business visa.

What Is The France Business Visa?

The France business visa is a visa for business persons. This visa is a short-term travel document that allows the holder to enter France to conduct their business, after which they are expected to leave the country. Business visas may be single or multiple-entry visas and are valid for 180 days. Furthermore, the visa allows the holder to stay in France for a maximum period of 90 days.

Who Needs A France Business Visa?

This visa is not for foreign nationals from other Eu countries because EU citizens are visa exempt, so that they can visit other European Union countries without a visa. This business visa is for non-EU citizens or those whose countries are not on the visa-exempt list. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you need a business visa.

How To Apply For a France Business Visa?

There are two ways to apply for this visa.

Visit The Embassy: One option is to visit the French consulate in your home country to submit the application form. You will have to attach photocopies of your travel documents to the paper application form before submitting it. This process for a long stay visa takes a while as the officials at the French consulate will review all your documents and invite you for an interview. This is the preferred route for long-term business visas that will be valid for more than 6 months.

Apply Online: The second option is only suitable for short-term business visas that expire in 6 months or less. Online business visa applications are relatively easy and straightforward. You only need to complete the application form online and attach scanned copies of your travel documents to your application. Here are the simple steps to take if you use VisaHQ.

Open the application page by logging onto VisaHQ

Select France as your travel destination

Select “Business Visa” as your preferred visa of choice

Complete the application form

Attach the necessary documents

Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card

Submit for approval

After submitting the form, you must wait 3-5 working days for processing. If you are successful, the visa will be forwarded to your registered email address. Print the visa and bring it with you to France.

France Business Visa Requirements

Here are the documents required to apply for a France Business Visa

Passport: You must submit a valid passport to get this visa. Only passports with at least 6 months validity are allowed, and the passport must contain at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker. If you are applying in person, attach a copy of the bio page but a scanned copy for online applications.

Photos: 2 identical passport photographs that meet the requirements of 35mm x 40mm. The photos should be colored and taken on a white background.

Copies of previous Visas: If you have a previous visa, you should attach copies to your application.

Medical Insurance: The French government expects medical insurance coverage for all visitors with a basic minimum of €30,000 coverage for potential medical costs.

Cover Letter: A cover letter indicating the purpose of coming to France and what your activities will be in France during your stay.

Itinerary: Your round trip itinerary, including your flight reservation, flight numbers, and your entry and exit points.

Proof of Accommodation: Proof of accommodation like a hotel reservation.

Proof of funds: You need to provide a bank statement of account to prove that you can cover your travel expenses.

Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from the French entity inviting you to France.

Other documents may be required in addition to the ones listed above, so make sure you use only valid and accurate documents.

If you wish to apply for an online France business visa, kindly visit VisaHQ to fill out and submit the application form now.

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What is a tourist visa for France?

The tourist visa for France is valid up to 90 days , from the day you arrive in the Schengen Area . It allows you to travel in France but also in the Schengen Area, under the same regulations. A sticker will be added on the traveler’s passport which proves the traveler is allowed to stay and travel in the country.

Here is everything you need to know about the France tourist visa.

What are the characteristics of a French tourist visa?

This visa allows you to visit France, Belgium, Switzerland or another Schengen country.

Being part of the Schengen Area, France follows the rules for getting a tourist visa as voted by the 29 member countries of the area. The tourist visa provided by France to citizens of non-Schengen countries is called a “ Schengen Visa ”. It might be a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa.

According to your visa, you can stay in one country or several, as long as you are not staying more than 90 days in the Schengen Area. In every case, the traveler has to leave the Schengen Area after 90 days.

Who needs a tourist visa for France?

You need a tourist visa for France if you are a foreign national from a country outside of the Schengen Area.

However, some countries signed agreements with the Schengen Area and their citizens do not need a visa . You should check your situation before applying for a visa, for example, EU citizens do not need a tourist visa to travel in France.

To find out if you need a tourist visa to travel to France , check the website assistant-visa ( https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/ai-je-besoin-d-un-visa ).

How do I get a tourist visa?

You have to apply for a tourist visa at the consulate of your country of residence or your visa application center (e.g. TLS).

This is the case if you apply for a tourist visa for France from Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. If not, you have to book an appointment to hand in your visa application form at the French embassy ’s consular district of your country of residence or in one of the French consulates .

How do I apply for a tourist visa for France from the U.K. or another country?

From the 1st of December 2018, visa applications for France are online only on France-Visas (http://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas ):

• You fill in the application form online
• You book an appointment online with TLS and prepay for it
• During the appointment at TLS, you must give all the documents requested for a visa application
• TLS will inform you when your passport will be sent back to you.

Check out our applying for a France visa from the U.K. page

Which documents do you need to apply for a tourist visa for France?

As every visa application for France or another Schengen Area country is individual, each traveler has to apply for a visa. If you are traveling with a minor, you have to apply for them too.

The following documents are required for a France tourist visa application :

• France visa application form  (French)
• France visa application  (English)
• An itinerary of your trip - including dates, flight numbers, and hotel reservations
• Schengen Visa medical insurance covering you for medical costs and repatriation
• The purpose of your stay – such as an invitation letter from the person you plan to visit or proof of booking with your holiday tour operator
• Proof of means of subsistence (payslips, cash…)
• Proof of accommodation.

You should apply no more than 6 months before your departure date to the French consulate.

How much does a tourist visa cost?

Rates depend on the traveler’s age: €80 for an adult, €60 for a child aged 12 to 18 years old, and €40 for a child aged six to 11. Children under six years old are exempt.

Visa fees are different for citizens from Eastern European countries but not members of the European Union or not a member of the Schengen Area.

Can I work in France with a tourist visa?

If you have been granted a tourist visa for France, you are not allowed to work in France nor any other country in the Schengen Area.

A tourist visa does not allow you to stay for a long period of time in France nor the Schengen Area.

If you want to work in France, you will need a long-term visa, called Type D.

How can AXA help?

AXA offers several Schengen Visa compliant insurance policies for travel in Europe, including France. A  Europe Travel insurance  provides the mandatory insurance certificate needed for a Schengen visa.

Related topics:

France Student Visa

We are doing our best to provide you the most reliable and updated information possible but rules and regulations concerning visas can be modified at all times by the consulate of your country if circumstances require it. Consequently, we can not be held accountable for these changes.  Please contact the French Embassy to obtain the specific terms and conditions in effect at the moment of the submission of your visa application. 

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact France’s Embassy in the UK .

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Public spaces

You’re strongly recommended to wear a face mask in health settings. In some areas, people aged 6 and above may need to wear a face mask.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the French Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Passport stamping

At French border control, you may need to:

• show proof of where you intend to stay, for example, a hotel booking or proof of address if visiting your own property
• show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your whole stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you live in France, read our Living in France guide for passport stamping information.

Proof of accommodation and funds

You may need to show proof of where you intend to stay. Read about documents you may need for short stays on the French government website . This will differ depending on where you are staying.

Staying with family, friends or a third party

You may be asked to provide an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the ‘attestation d’accueil’ from their local mayor’s office, and send the original ‘attestation’ before you enter France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €32.50 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Second homes in France

You will need to be able to prove ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.

Staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation

You may be asked for confirmation of your reservation when entering France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €65 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Other circumstances

If you do not have an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) or any pre-booked accommodation, you may be asked to prove you have at least €120 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

For more information on these requirements, visit the French government’s website on travel conditions for British citizens.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to France and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you will need to meet the French government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you may need on the France Visas website .

If you are travelling to France for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

British citizens who cannot return to the UK before their visa, permit or visa-free limit expires should contact their local prefecture in France .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of France. Check the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website . Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

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