France Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australians can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period as part of the Schengen Area.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter France without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
Australian ordinary passport holders can make eligible short visits to metropolitan France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Count all time spent in Schengen; crossing to another Schengen country does not restart the allowance.
Your passport must have been issued within the last ten years and remain valid for at least three months after you intend to leave Schengen. Carry evidence of accommodation, funds and onward travel. Work, study, longer stays and French overseas territories may have different rules.
EES records eligible short-stay travellers at the external border. ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation and is not yet operational as of this review on 12 September 2026. Check the official EU portal before travel for its launch and applicable requirements.
France is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Multiple Entry
At embassy's discretion
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Passport issued within the last ten years and valid for at least three months after planned departure from Schengen. Be ready to show accommodation, sufficient funds and onward travel. EES and future ETIAS rules are separate from visa exemption.
Current Travel Situation
Australia to France: What You Need to Know
France is one of the world's most visited countries and is generally safe for tourists, though the Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and petty crime. Pickpocketing is common in Paris, particularly on the Metro and near major tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Stay alert in crowded areas.
Practical Tips
Validate your Metro ticket before boarding in Paris to avoid on-the-spot fines. Book popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, and Louvre in advance online to avoid long queues. Paris tap water is safe to drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa to visit France?
Australian ordinary passport holders can make eligible short visits to metropolitan France visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen. Work, longer stays and French overseas territories can have different requirements.
Can I visit France and other European countries on the same 90-day allowance?
Yes. The 90 days apply to the entire Schengen Area, so time spent in Germany, Italy, Spain, or any other Schengen country all counts towards your 90-day limit.
Is Paris safe for Australian tourists?
Paris is generally safe but pickpocketing is common around major tourist sites and on public transport. Stay vigilant with your belongings and be aware of the general terrorism risk the Australian government advises for France.
What passport validity do I need for France?
Your Australian passport must have been issued within the last ten years and be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Schengen.