EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM

ETIAS France Application for US citizens

November 2025 is the official launch date of the ETIAS France application system. It will cover 60 visa-exempt countries participating in the European visa liberalization program. This includes citizens of the United States. You can find a detailed guide on how to apply for ETIAS and what you will need for it.

ETIAS Process Step - 1
STEP 1

Get notified when ETIAS is mandatory

ETIAS Process Step - 2
STEP 2

Start ETIAS Application online

ETIAS Process Step - 3
STEP 3

Receive ETIAS confirmation

ETIAS Process Step - 4
STEP 4

Welcome to Europe


What is ETIAS France application?

ETIAS visa waiver system is very like the US ESTA program. It is an electronic system for travel and information authorization. The purpose of ETIAS is to keep track of visitors to the Schengen area from visa-exempt countries. European visa liberalisation program includes 60 countries.

Currently, citizens of those countries do not need visa or online application. But, in November 2025, ETIAS France Application will be a mandatory requirement to travel to Europe.

Once granted, permission to remain in Europe will be valid for 90 days. ETIAS is France Application for short-term travel only. You cannot work or live long-term in Europe with ETIAS France. If you need to stay over 90 days in Europe or have a job, you need to apply for a Schengen visa instead.

ETIAS will allow multiple entries. The permit will cover all Schengen zone member countries. You do not need to carry the physical visa waiver. It will be electronically linked to your biometric passport.

Get notified when ETIAS becomes mandatory! Check the latest news about travel requirements in Europe

What U.S. Citizens Should Know Before Traveling to France

Completing your ETIAS France application online is a quick and straightforward process. It will take less than 10 minutes, and you will only need a valid travel document to fill out your application. You may use the ETIAS visa waiver for france for up to three years of its date of issue. You will only need one ETIAS visa to cover any trips you take within its validity period. While the U.S. ESTA is valid for only 2 years, your approved ETIAS will be active for 3 years. Several databases will be used to cross-check the information provided by ETIAS applicants. Two databases used by the Schengen security system to control border access are Interpol and Europol.

Obtaining an ETIAS visa usually only includes the simple steps outlined. Yet, unusual circumstances may need that some applications follow different procedures. A failed ETIAS application could ask for extra documents or an interview. While most applications will process automatically, suspicious ones will go through manual checks.

What U.S. Citizens Should Know Before Traveling to France

The following lists lay out the data you will be asked to provide through documentation during the application process:

Biometric information


  • First name
  • Last name
  • Last name at birth
  • Date of birth

NATIONALITY information


  • Place of birth
  • Information regarding your citizenship
  • Address
  • Phone & email
  • Work experience and education
  • First EU country that you plan to visit

BACKGROUND & Eligibility QUESTION


  • Medical history
  • Criminal history
  • Drug use or terrorism
  • Travel to warzones
  • Travel history
Get notified when ETIAS becomes mandatory!

Denial and/or Cancellation of ETIAS France application

 
There are several reasons for rejected ETIAS France application. It could happen because of inaccurate information within the application form. Or, it could be the applicant’s background mismatching the safety protocols. But, experts believe that over 90% of ETIAS applications should get approval. Here are the most common reasons why your ETIAS France form could get cancelled:

  • An applicant provides documents that are found to be stolen, misappropriated, or invalid;
  • An applicant fails to provide further information or documentation when required and/or fails to attend a second interview, if one is required;
  • An applicant is proven to be a danger to citizens and travelers in the Schengen Area; and/or
  • The SIS* decides to bar certain individuals from entering and/or remaining in the nation.

*S.I.S. stands for the Schengen Information System, which is the security system used for border safety in the Schengen Area.