Does a foreigner in transit in France have to apply for a visa?

Verified 12 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you are non-European and transit by France during a trip, you may need to apply for a visa beforehand.

An online service will tell you if you need to apply for a visa:

Whether a visa is required for airport transit

FYI  

Since October 12, 2025, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) is deployed gradually over 6 months at border crossing points (airports, stations and ports). This system records the personal data as well as data on entry, exit and refusal of entry third-country nationals who come to France for a stay of less than 3 months.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by phone - Allô Service Public

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      For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.

      Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.

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