Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

Passports and visas.

All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S. (External link)

It is mandatory in France to carry some form of identification at all times. If you lose your passport, the nearest U.S. Consulate will issue Americans a limited-validity replacement if travel is imminent, or a full-validity passport if further travel is not within two weeks. When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday). There are other Consular Offices in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse that provide assistance to American citizens.

Entering France : Travelers from countries outside the European Union (EU) must declare certain articles when entering France. Duty and import taxes are levied on items not for personal use that individually or collectively exceed 175€ in value. Certain categories of items for personal use (tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee and tea, etc.) may be brought in untaxed up to certain authorized amounts. The following are forbidden or subject to strict control: drugs, radioactive materials, firearms, endangered species, plants, ivory and food, meat and dairy products. Carry prescriptions to authenticate any controlled substances. “Monetary instruments” equal to more than 10,000€ (whether brought into or taken out of France) must be declared. When in doubt, consult the French Embassy (External link) , a French Consulate or the French Customs and Excise Service's “ Info Douanes Service (External link) ” in Paris at tel. 08 20 02 44 44 (8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday)

Re-entering the U.S. : Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You're charged a flat rate of duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases, and any dollar amount beyond that is subject to duty at whatever rates apply. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. Have your receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: If you owe duty, you are required to pay upon your arrival in the United States, using cash, personal check, government or traveler's check, or money order; some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard.

BRINGING YOUR PETS TO FRANCE

Travelers may bring dogs, cats and ferrets into France. Each family is limited to five animals, which must have valid rabies vaccination certificates and be identifiable by a microchip or tattoo. For more information, including details about travel with pet rodents, reptiles, birds or other species, visit www.ambafrance-us.org or contact the French Embassy.

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France ETIAS Requirements for American citizens

From 2025, United States citizens will need to apply for the online ETIAS visa waiver to travel to France and other Schengen countries.

The ETIAS authorisation for France is being introduced to improve European border control and reduce security threats. The ETIAS for France will allow U.S. travellers to spend up to 90 days in any Schengen member state. They must meet the France ETIAS requirements for Americans .

United States citizens can visit France and the other Schengen Area countries visa-free for up to 90 days for business or tourist purposes. However, from 2025, American passport holders will be required to register online for ETIAS.

To be eligible for visa-free travel, US citizens will have to meet the France and ETIAS requirements for Americans .

Do US citizens need a visa for France?

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to France for up to 90 days. American passport holders can go to France for tourism, business, or transit visa-free.

From 2025, US citizens will need to register with ETIAS to travel to France . ETIAS is not a visa, it is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU citizens, including Americans. ETIAS will make France an even safer travel destination.

Applying for ETIAS is 100% online with no embassy appointments or interviews. The authorisation is electronically linked to the US passport on approval and verified when the travel document is scanned at the US border.

etias-france-americans

US citizens need a visa for France to stay longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, business, or transit. Travellers should check France’s visa requirements for US citizens for more information about work and study visas.

ETIAS France requirements from the United States

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Travellers must meet France’s ETIAS requirements for United States citizens to be eligible for visa-free entry.

American passport holders must:

  • Stay in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days per 180-day period
  • Visit France for tourism, business, or transit purposes
  • Meet the safety and security requirements

US citizens need a visa for France if they do not meet these ETIAS requirements . ETIAS France applications are cross-checked against safety and security databases. Applicants who present a security threat will not be granted ETIAS.

US passport requirements to apply for ETIAS France

Travellers must hold a US passport with over 3 months of validity remaining from the intended date of departure from France to apply for ETIAS France. Applicants need to provide their passport number, issue date, and expiry date.

The ETIAS authorisation is only valid with the passport used to apply. The travel authorisation is linked to the passport number and cannot be transferred.

If the US passport expires before the ETIAS permit (3 years) a new application must be submitted.

ETIAS France application from the United States

To get the France visa waiver, eligible passport holders will need to fill out the ETIAS France application form online .

In addition to the requirements stated above, a valid credit/debit card will be needed to pay the travel authorisation for France fee. Applicants will also need to provide a current email address to receive the France ETIAS permit via email.

The information American ETIAS applicants need to provide includes :

  • Contact details
  • Passport number, issues, and expiry date
  • Date and place of birth
  • Travel information

It is important to double-check all the data entered to avoid processing delays or rejection of the ETIAS application for France.

Applicants pay the ETIAS France fees for US citizens securely online by debit or credit card to finalise the request.

Documents and entry requirements for US citizens to France

Americans need the following documents to travel to France :

  • Valid US passport
  • ETIAS authorisation (from 2025)
  • COVID-19 health documents

France requires a visa for US citizens if they are not eligible for ETIAS. The same ETIAS can be used to visit France and the rest of the Schengen Area. The total stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days per 180-day period.

Note that an approved ETIAS of visa does not guarantee entry to the Schengen Area.

Medical requirements for Americans travelling to France

United States citizens travelling to France do not require any specific vaccine to enter the country, but should be up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations before travelling to France.

It is also recommended to get medical insurance that provides coverage in France, as US Medicare does not apply overseas.

Travellers must pay for medical services before receiving treatment, with the exception of emergency services. It is possible to fill in a “Feuille de Soins” (treatment form) for later reimbursement from insurance. Those unable to pay for medical treatment in France may be refused treatment.

Travellers who require prescription medication are advised to check its legality in France, and to carry the medication in the original, clearly labelled packaging alongside the prescription. Emergency medical services in France can be reached by dialling 15 or 122 to connect to an operator.

FAQs for Americans travelling to France:

Do you need a visa to go to paris as a us national.

No, you do not need a visa for short trips to Paris or elsewhere in France , but you will need an ETIAS authorisation in the near future.

What are the medical requirements for Americans travelling to France?

Currently, there are no specific medical requirements for US nationals travelling to France . It is advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.

It's wise to stay informed about any travel advisories or vaccine recommendations.

How long can Americans stay in France with the ETIAS?

With an ETIAS authorisation, Americans can stay in France and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period .

Can US citizens visit other European countries with the ETIAS?

Yes, the ETIAS authorisation allows American citizens to travel freely within the Schengen Area . This includes most European countries — 29 out of 44.

By familiarising yourself with the ETIAS requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience to France and beyond.

Why do Americans suddenly need the ETIAS?

The Schengen Area is launching the ETIAS for all visa-exempt travellers , including citizens of the United States. As part of Schengen, France will have ETIAS as an entry requirement.

The ETIAS platform is designed to improve security for the region. ETIAS France applications will be cross-checked against safety and security databases. Applicants who present a security threat will not be granted ETIAS.

This will make visits to France from the US safer than ever before — a huge benefit for a simple form that can be completed in minutes.

It will also preserve visa-free travel to Europe for American citizens .

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Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

PHOTO: Tourists with umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun at Colosseo area (Colosseum), during the ongoing heat wave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, on July 19, 2023, in Rome.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a tourist visa is stamped on a passport.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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Travel to the usa: what are the formalities (passport, esta, visa...).

Verified 20 October 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

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Traveling to the United States for a stay of less than 90 days depend on the type of passport you have.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You have a classic passport

If you have a French passport valid No, you don't need a visa.

However, if you have dual nationality with some countries  or that you traveled there after February 2011, you must be in possession of a visa affixed to your French passport by the US authorities before your departure. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to your departure .

Who shall I contact

  • U.S. Embassy or Consulate in France

However, before you leave , you must request a electronic travel authorization (Esta) .

Generally, the decision is made within 72 hours of your request.

Application for travel authorization to the United States (Esta)

Issuance of the Esta costs $21 .

The Esta is valid 2 years and allows you to travel to the United States several times without needing a new authorization. If your passport expires before this period, the authorization is valid only until its expiry date.

Please note

now, if you arrive in the United States by road or by train (via Canada or Mexico), the Esta is required . For example, you must receive an Esta before applying for admission to the USA and continue to pay the I-94W fee of $6, unless you enter the 90-day admission period.

You got a passport in an emergency

You need a visa regardless of the type of trip (tourist, professional or simple transit on American soil)

To get it, you have to do the application to the U.S. Embassy .

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What is a U.S. Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.

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Apply for a US Visa from France

Apply for a US Visa from France

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Thousands of people travel to the United States from France every year for sightseeing, business, employment, and many other reasons. In 2022 alone, over 1.3 million foreigners from France visited the US, and this number keeps increasing every year. After all, the US and France enjoy cordial relations dating back to the 18 th century when both countries were fighting for civil liberties and discarding the yoke of monarchy.

No wonder America enjoys the second-highest approval rating among Europeans in France (75%), right after Italy (78%). So, what’s stopping you from traveling to the New World to explore all the famous tourist spots and vacation destinations in America? Try the flavors and diversity of American cuisine. Experience the warmth of Southern hospitality. Check out the Grand Canyon or hike through the heart of the Great Smokies .

This article will help you cover all visa requirements for traveling from France to the US .

Do I Need a Visa to Travel from France to the US?

You may be thinking, “ How to apply for a US visa from France? ” We got you covered, pas besoin de s’inquiéter . First, you’ve got to understand when a French person needs to obtain a visa before they can board the next flight to LAX. Apply for a visa well in advance if you plan to travel to the US from the beautiful country of France in the following cases:

  • Studying in the US
  • Getting a job in the US
  • Working as a French journalist
  • Seeking permanent residence in the US

For further information, do contact the American embassy in France: https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas/

When does a French Citizen not need a Visa to Visit the US?

The friendship between Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty is of legend. Just consider the fact that the French make up the 6 th largest nation to visit the US in 2022. You might be wondering in what cases a French person doesn’t need a visa to travel to America. Lucky for you, you may not need to get a visa to go to the US and have a wonderful time there in some cases. The VWP allows French citizens to go to America for 90 days for the following purposes:

It means holidays, visiting your family, or medical treatment.

It means talking to business associates or attending a conference.

In all these cases, a US visa for French citizens is not necessary. But how do you enter the US without a visa? Here, we’ll introduce the ESTA to our readers.

Making Sense of the VWP and the ESTA

In the 1980s, the US government gave the citizens of some countries an exemption from getting a visa to travel to America under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). France became a part of this program in 1989. Some other countries in this program include the EU nations, Chile, S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, and others.

However, since 2008, all VWP citizens must go through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to make sure that criminals don’t misuse the no-visa privileges to infiltrate the US. To put it simply, an ESTA is necessary for the VWP, and the VWP allows French citizens to travel to the US for 90 days. So, ne prolongez pas votre accueil !

US Visa from France: Eligibility Criteria

Are you eligible to visit the US? Yes, you are eligible if:

  • You’re a French national
  • You have a valid email ID
  • You can pay via Debit/Credit card

So, start making preparations for visiting the United States.

What Disqualifies French Citizens from Traveling to the US?

However, the Visa Waiver Program isn’t applicable to you if:

  • You’re also a national of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, N. Korea, Syria, or Sudan
  • You have been to Cuba, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, N. Korea, Libya, or Yemen after March 1,  2011

But don’t worry if you have traveled to those countries as a journalist, soldier, diplomat, or businessperson.

Different Types of US Visas for French Citizens

Are you planning to visit the US from France anytime soon? The first question to ask yourself is: “Why am I visiting America?” You see, a US visa comes in different types, and the purpose of your visit determines which type you’re eligible for. To make it brief, here are five major types of US visas from France:

Business visa

Tourism visa

Work visa for French entrepreneurs

Study visa for French students

The typical US work visa for French citizens

Understand all these different visa types so you can accelerate the process of getting a US visa from France. If there’s a conflict between your visa type and the purpose of the visit, the US embassy may refuse your application. Now, let’s review a step-by-step process of getting your visa from France to the USA .

Getting my US Visa: A Step-by-step Process

Now, let’s move on to the million-dollar question. How do I get a US visa from France? Let’s start with the easy one, i.e., an ESTA. Bear in mind that an ESTA is only applicable for B-type visits (business trips and tourism). It lets you stay in the US for 90 days. Here’s how you can apply for it:

  • Fill out the application form online: https://www.evisa-us.org/application-for-esta-us-visa-online
  • Pay the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, i.e., $185
  • Make sure you have a machine-readable passport
  • Insert all the required information correctly
  • Submit your application successfully

How to get a US Visa from France the Traditional Way?

If you aren’t eligible for an ESTA (most probably because you intend to stay in the US for more than 90 days or are applying for a visa type other than B-1/B-2), get a traditional visa. Getting a simple visa is relatively easy. You have to attend a visa interview because, unlike an ESTA, you can’t apply for one online. So, here’s a simplified way of navigating the complexities of obtaining a US visa:

  • Determine what type of visa you’re getting (e.g., F-1 or E-2) based on the purpose of your visit.
  • Complete the online form DS-160 (or DS-260 if you are applying for an immigration visa)
  • Schedule an interview at the US embassy in Paris via the online appointment system.
  • Pay the visa application fee ($185 for non-immigration visas)
  • Gather all the required documents and have them translated into English for easy comprehension
  • Attend your interview and answer all the questions; make sure that the staff knows you plan to return to your homeland eventually
  • Give your biometric data, e.g., your fingerprints and photographs, for ID verification
  • Wait for their response; don’t hesitate to follow up by calling the embassy
  • Get your approved visa and make preparations for travel
  • Comply with all the conditions of visiting the US as a French citizen; so, don’t try to get a job if you are vacationing in the US

US Visa Processing Time in France

Getting a US visa for French citizens is relatively easy and not a time-consuming process. But you must bear in mind that visa approval is a sensitive procedure and requires due diligence by the US embassy to make sure you’re eligible to enter their country. The processing time for a US visa depends on different factors, including:

  • The purpose of your visit to the US
  • The type of visa you’re applying for
  • The specific policies of the US embassy
  • The volume of visa applications from France

As a general rule of thumb, however, visa processing takes 1 to 2 weeks after the interview, and then it’s delivered to you via La Poste . The US embassy says you shouldn’t bring a Chronopost envelope to your visa interview. Just wait patiently for one week.

US Visa from France: Tips and Suggestions

Please keep these simple tips in mind when applying for a US visa from France. I hope that you have a happy journey from La Belle, France, to the United States.

Have your Documents Translated

Many people forgo this step despite its utmost importance. You have to translate your original French documents into English so the embassy staff can understand them and process your visa faster. When hiring a professional translator , check their credentials and make sure they’re right for this job.

Start the process very early.

Don’t dilly-dally your visa application. The US embassy requests all French citizens to apply for a visa as early as possible. Also, make travel plans only if you get approval to travel to the US.

Be Mindful of your Appearance

Dress appropriately when attending your visa interview. Be mindful of your mannerisms and bring all the necessary documents. Answer questions honestly and admit it if you don’t know the answer.

Plan your American Travels

Keep in mind how many days you have to visit the US. So, make plans while keeping the number of days in your mind. Overstaying one’s welcome isn’t something Americans admire in foreigners.

Know How to Contact the Embassies

Find out where the US and French embassies are located and how to contact them.

US embassy in France

Its address is 2 Av. Gabriel, 75008 Paris. Its phone is [33] (1)43122222.

French embassy in the US

Its address is 4101 Reservoir Road NW. 20007Washington DC. Its phone is +1-202-944-6000.

Final Thoughts

We explained how to apply for a US visa from France in 2024. In short, French citizens can visit the US without a visa under the VWP; fill out an ESTA application first. This facility lets you stay in the US for tourism or business purposes for the next 90 days. However, if you want to stay longer than 90 days, study, or find work in America, apply for a regular visa.

Usual visa requirements include submitting your documents to the embassy. If you need any assistance translating these docs from English to French, try TranslateSwift . This user-friendly platform will convert your French documents into good old Yankee English clearly and accurately.

A translation service will streamline your journey of obtaining a US visa from France. You can order a quick translation online and let expert linguists work their magic on your documents.

FAQs – How to Apply for a US Visa from France?

How do french people become us citizens.

If you want to become a US citizen, then immigrate to America. You have to apply for an immigration visa under the form DS-260 (unlike DS-160). Then, it would help if you kept living in the US before you could become a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Can French citizens work in the United States?

Yes, a French citizen can apply for a work visa in the United States and become a part of America’s ever-growing economy. If you want to get a job in the US, please look into E2 and H1-B visas. But a long-term stay on US soil doesn’t fall under the ESTA.

Is an ESTA the same as a typical US visa from France?

No, an ESTA is only needed when you’re traveling from France to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), i.e., for less than 90 days on vacation or a business trip. People applying for a typical US visa from France don’t have to go through the ESTA process.

How much does an ESTA application cost?

You have to pay a modest sum of $4 when applying for an ESTA from France (or any other part of the world). If your application is approved, you’ll pay another $17. So, a successful ESTA application will set you back $21 and remain valid for the next two years.

Can French citizens travel to the US without a passport?

No, French citizens can only visit the US for 90 days without any visa requirements under the VWP. But they still need to show a valid passport for entry into the US. If you wish to travel to the US from France, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

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travel visa france us citizens

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travel visa france us citizens

Want to work remotely in Italy? The country just launched its new digital nomad visa.

travel visa france us citizens

Remote workers with dreams of working from the rolling hills of Tuscany or the cliffs of Positano are now one step closer to making that reality. Italy launched a new digital nomad visa.

Two years after its announcement, the highly anticipated digital nomad visa officially became available for those eligible on April 4.  

“Italian-style, everything happens slowly,” said Nick Metta, a lawyer for the law firm Studio Legale Metta , which has helped Americans relocate to Italy for decades. “Now there is a pipeline of people waiting just to file the application. It's been a long-awaited visa.” 

Most of Metta’s clients would previously apply for a student visa, which allowed them to work part time in Italy. 

Under the new visa, people will be able to work from Italy for one year, with the option to renew once their visa is due for expiration. Without a visa, U.S. travelers could only stay in Italy for up to 90 days without the ability to work.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The launch makes Italy the latest European country to offer a digital nomad visa , which has already been available in Greece and Hungary. 

Here’s everything we know about the digital nomad visa for Italy:

Destinations behind a paywall? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?

According to the official decree , the visa is meant for those who “carry out a highly qualified work activity through the use of technological tools that allow you to work remotely.” 

The regulations define eligible applicants as “digital nomads,” self-employed freelancers, “remote workers,” or those employed by a company outside of Italy and can work from anywhere, according to Studio Legale Metta.

To qualify for the visa, the applicant has to meet certain requirements:

◾ A university or college degree or an accredited professional license.

◾ Six months of work experience in the industry, or five years for applicants without a university degree.

◾ An existing employment contract.

◾ A criminal record check.

◾ Proof of an annual income of 28,000 euros (about $29,880.06).

◾ Evidence of housing in Italy.

◾ Evidence of health insurance coverage.

Applicants can also apply to have family members join them on their Italian move, but the government has to give the final approval. 

How do I apply for the digital nomad visa in Italy?

Thankfully, Metta said the paperwork for the digital nomad visa isn’t “too complicated.” 

The first stop for interested applicants will be the Italian Consulate for their area. “Consulates are basically the front of the government to receive the applications,” Metta said. Interested applicants can book an appointment with the consulate and start gathering their necessary documents. People can also apply by mailing in their application. (However, Metta did mention consulate websites are often confusing and outdated, so working with a relocation service can make things easier.)

To apply, applicants will also need a passport with an expiration date at least three months after the end of the visa period and two passport-sized photos.

Relocation services can also help people navigate the sometimes complicated process of applying for a visa, such as negotiating early termination penalties with landlords in Italy. 

These services also help people with state and tax planning, especially if people own assets in the U.S., like a house. Once in Italy, people need to register their residency with the town hall, which will determine what sort of taxes they’ll pay. People can speak to an international tax specialist to figure out their future taxes as well. 

How much will the visa cost?

According to Studio Legale Metta, the application fee is 116 euros (about $123.78) per person.

How long will the application process take?

Not too long, actually. Metta estimates the process could take just three weeks if applicants are “well-organized and have all your tax documents filed.”

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel to France

    When traveling to France, please note that the Government of France does NOT recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free travel, and, if traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry to France by immigration officials.

  2. Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

    PASSPORTS AND VISAS. All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S. (External link)

  3. France International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  4. Applying for a French visa in the United States

    Complete your application online and book an appointment with VFS Global. Once you have confirmed that you need a visa, you can complete your application on our online portal. You will be asked to create a France-Visas account, which you will need for each step of the process.

  5. Etats-Unis d'Amérique

    If you need assistance, VFS GLOBAL will gladly help you by phone or email: Helpline: +1 2127846157 or + 1 3472523055 (from 9:00 Atlantic time until 16:00 Pacific time) Email ID: [email protected]. The visas office of the consulate general in Washington D.C. also answers requests by email.

  6. Accueil

    Digitization. The France-Visas application offers students the possibility to send digital copies of their supporting documents when they enter their visa application online. This procedure, which remains optional, allows for an accelerated process with the external service provider.

  7. Tourist or Private visit

    Your visa. You must apply for a long-stay " visitor " visa. You will be issued with a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS). This visa is subject to an online validation procedure after you arrive in France. Where appropriate, a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) can be issued to people who are certain that they will not extend ...

  8. Visa application process

    The visa application process will take approximately 20 minutes at the visa centre. Biometrics. All visas issued by France are biometric visas. Any visa applicant aged 12 or older must submit his or her visa application in person. The following biometric data will be required: a photo (scanned or taken during your appointment), and ten ...

  9. General information

    Depending on your nationality, a visa is required when intending to travel to France. All visas must be applied for prior to departure at the nearest French Embassy or French Consulate in the applicant's country of residence. The type of visa required depends both on the duration and purpose of your stay in France : tourism, professional ...

  10. Online application

    Visa Application Guidelines; France in the Schengen area; Short-stay visa; Airport Transit Visa; Long-stay visa; Tourism / Private stay . Tourist or Private visit; Young traveller (working holiday) Volunteering; Professional purpose . Business travel; Self employed person or liberal activity; Job Search - Business Creation; Salaried employment

  11. How to apply for a French visa as a US citizen

    An Air France plane stationed in Orly airport. Read our guide to visa requirements for US citizens. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) US citizens who plan to stay in France for more than 90 days will ...

  12. France ETIAS Requirements for American citizens

    US citizens do not need a visa to travel to France for up to 90 days. American passport holders can go to France for tourism, business, or transit visa-free. From 2025, US citizens will need to register with ETIAS to travel to France. ETIAS is not a visa, it is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU citizens, including Americans.

  13. Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

    If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements. While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool.

  14. Short-stay visa

    Short-stay visa. This type of visa is generally issued for tourism, business trips or family visits. It is also issued to persons entering to France to take part in short training programmes, internships, conferences and corporate meetings, or to engage in remunerated activities (whatever the form), not exceeding 90 days.

  15. France visa from the U.S.A: what US citizens need to know

    These include Australia, Canada, the U.K ., and the U.S. So if you're a U.S. citizen (and/or a citizen of one or more of the countries above) — you currently do not need to apply for a visa to France. That is if you're not spending more than 90 days (within a 180-day period) in the Schengen zone.

  16. New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

    Jenny Kane/AP, FILE. Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU ...

  17. France visa requirements for US citizens

    Learn more before traveling to France in 2024: do US citizens need a travel visa, is it safe to travel to France right now. Traveling to France from United States of America in 2024: Passport, Visa Requirements

  18. Travel to the USA: what are the formalities (passport, Esta, visa

    You can travel to the United States without a visa if you have a biometric (issued since 2009) or electronic passport. ... U.S. Embassy or Consulate in France Online services and forms ...

  19. Visa requirements for United States citizens

    Visa requirements for United States citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states that are imposed on citizens of the United States.. As of 2024, holders of a United States passport may travel to 188 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival.The United States passport currently ranks 7th in terms of travel freedom, according ...

  20. U.S. Visa Services

    A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship or nationality. France is a participant in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) so most French citizens do not need a visa to travel.

  21. U.S. Visas

    A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the ...

  22. How to Apply for a US Visa from France

    Thousands of people travel to the United States from France every year for sightseeing, business, employment, and many other reasons. In 2022 alone, over 1.3 million foreigners from France visited the US, and this number keeps increasing every year. After all, the US and France enjoy cordial relations dating back to the 18 th century when both countries were fighting for civil liberties and ...

  23. US travelers visiting Brazil will need a visa from 2025

    From April 10, 2025, citizens from Australia, Canada and the US will need a visa to enter the country. On the plus side, those traveling for tourism or cruise travel can apply for an evisa online ...

  24. Italy's new digital nomad visa is here: What you should know

    Under the new visa, people will be able to work from Italy for one year, with the option to renew once their visa is due for expiration. Without a visa, U.S. travelers could only stay in Italy for ...

  25. ESTA

    The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Please note that the VWP/ESTA is a program of the Department of Homeland Security. ... En dehors de la France, veuillez appeler: 011.33.1.43.12.22.22.