Short stays and the 90/180-day rule in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Visitors from the UK do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Non-EU nationals are registered in the Entry/Exit System, which replaces passport stamping.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum length of a short stayShort visit as a tourist or visitorIntended stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. [1]
Visa or travel authorisation for entryShort visit as a tourist or visitorvalue.visa-free [2]
Passport or travel document requirementShort visit as a tourist or visitorA travel document valid for at least three months after the intended departure and issued within the previous 10 years, unless there is a justified emergency (Article 6(1)(a) of the Schengen Borders Code). [1]
Entry/Exit System recordingShort visit as a tourist or visitorNon-EU nationals are registered in the EES, fully operational from 10 April 2026. It replaces manual stamping of passports. [3]

Notes

  • The exemption is listed for the United Kingdom. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned from the last quarter of 2026 and is not yet in operation (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, updated 5 August 2026).

Sources

  1. EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union): Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union): Regulation (EU) 2019/592 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 April 2019 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement, as regards the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères (France Diplomatie): EES : Le nouveau système européen de gestion des frontières entre en service le 10 avril 2026 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.