Entry into France for short-term tourism (90 days) or business requires that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.

For U.S., UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens in 2026, a valid biometric passport is strictly required for entry into France. Furthermore, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years. In 2026, there is a major new requirement: the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). While you don't need a "visa" for short stays (under 90 days), you must apply for this digital authorization online before your trip, which costs €7 and is valid for three years. On arrival, French border police will scan your passport to verify both your identity and your ETIAS status. If you are a citizen of another EU country, a national ID card is sufficient, but for everyone else, the passport remains the non-negotiable "golden ticket" for entry. Always double-check your expiration date at least six months before traveling to France in 2026, as renewal backlogs can still be unpredictable.