EFTA01124115.pdf

Visa requirements for American passports holders 1- Short stay visa (less than 90 days) requirements American passport holders are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting France -as tourists- for up to 90 days per semester (6 months). If you plan to work in France [1.] for up to 90 days, you are NOT required to have a visa except if you are : • a diplomatic / official passport holder on a mission or • a journalist. However salaried employees are required to obtain a valid work permit by the French labour authorities before entering France. This document replaces the visa and should be presented during border control. 2- Long stay visa (more than 90 days) requirements American passport holders are all required to obtain a visa to spend more than 3 months in France. The requirements and processing times vary depending on the purpose of the stay. Note that you may only apply for one type of visa and that if you enter France with a specific visa it is rarely possible to change your status without having to come back to the U.S.A. Please choose one of the type of visa that applies to your situation in our long stay visas pages. Last update : 07/20/2012 EFTA01124115