Questions about traveling to and remaining in France are a matter for the French government. The U.S. government has no involvement with, or influence on, decisions made by French border or visa officials.
Click on the relevant sections below to find out how to learn more about each topic and contact the appropriate French authorities.
1) How can I apply for a French visa or renew one?
As the U.S. government has no involvement with French visa and immigration matters, we cannot provide the guidance you are seeking. Furthermore, the Embassy does not have a legal department, and consular officers are prohibited by federal regulation from providing legal advice.
French visa information and contact details can be found on the French government’s website. Additional information may also be found here. If your questions are not answered online, you can contact your local prefecture directly.
If you still have questions, you may wish to consider consulting an attorney. Click here for lists of some law firms operating in France. Another source of legal and immigration information may be the French Ministry of Interior’s Website.
2) As a U.S. citizen, how long can I stay in the Schengen area without a visa?
With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa. Apply for a visa through the embassy of the country where you will spend most of your time.
What do I need to enter the Schengen area?
- A U.S. passport (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. Note: Border officials often assume you will stay the maximum 90 days, even if this is not your intention.
- Sufficient passport validity for each country you will visit.
- Justifiable purpose of travel.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit.
- Compliance with other entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit.
What do I need when traveling to Schengen countries?
- Make sure your passport will have sufficient validity or renew it before traveling.
- Be sure immigration officials stamp your passport upon entering the Schengen area and again when you exit.
- Carry your passport with you when traveling to other countries in the Schengen area in case officials reinstate internal borders without notice.
3) How can I renew or replace my residence permit / "titre de séjour"?
Please contact your local prefecture for information and contact details, including information about how to renew your permit or replace a lost, stolen or missing permit. Information is also available on this webpage.
4) My U.S. passport has insufficient validity/is lost/has been confiscated. What should I do?
Click here for information about how to apply for a new passport. Please be aware that an in person appearance at the U.S. Embassy in Paris or the U.S. Consulates General in Marseille or Strasbourg will be required. Services are by appointment only. No appointments are available in the evening, on weekends, or on any U.S. or French public holidays.
If the passport application is for a child under the age of 16, both parents should attend the appointment if at all possible. If one parent cannot attend, additional notarized documentation will be required from that parent.
5) Why was I refused admission to France? Can you help?
France is a sovereign nation with the right and the responsibility to protect its borders by enforcing all applicable rules and regulations.
Just as the French Embassy in Washington D.C. cannot influence immigration decisions made by border control officers in the United States, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General cannot intervene in immigration matters decided by French authorities.
The French official website for France is your best source for information about French immigration regulations and requirements.
Additional information may also be found here.
If you still have questions, you may wish to consider consulting an attorney. Click here for lists of some law firms operating in France. Another source of legal and immigration information may be the French Ministry of Interior’s Website.
6) I've been denied boarding. Can you provide me with a letter to show to my airline?
France is a sovereign nation with the right and the responsibility to protect its borders by enforcing all applicable rules and regulations. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot provide a letter or any other documentation advocating for you or affirming your suitability to travel.
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7) My flight has been delayed/I have to stay in France unexpectedly? What should I do?
We are unable to rebook flights or provide travel assistance. Please contact your transportation company for information about how to reschedule or rebook your travel. If you booked through a tour operator, they may be able to assist. You can also contact your travel insurance company if applicable.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the delay, the quickest way to seek help is to contact family and friends. If they cannot help, click here for information about emergency financial assistance.
10) Can I become a French citizen? Is dual citizenship permitted?
Visit the French government website to check if you may qualify for French citizenship, and for information about dual citizenship.
Please note, all U.S. citizens (including dual citizens) are required to enter and exit the United States using a valid U.S. passport only. Questions about which passport to use to enter and exit another country should be directed to the immigration officials of that country.
For more information on dual nationality please refer to this State Department’s webpage.
