United States Visa RequirementsFor France passport holders
French citizens can visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using ESTA authorization. ESTA costs USD 21, is obtained online, and allows stays of up to 90 days. France is one of the longest-standing members of the Visa Waiver Program with millions of French visitors to the US annually.
France passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official US government website) before travel. Provide your French passport details, answer eligibility questions, and pay USD 21 by credit card. Most approvals arrive within minutes, though technically ESTA can take up to 72 hours. ESTA approval does NOT guarantee US entry; admission is determined by CBP officers at the port of entry. ESTA is not valid for: work, journalism, or study. ESTA is valid for 2 years (reapply if your passport is renewed). If denied ESTA, you must apply for a B visa at the US Embassy in Paris.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid French biometric passport (machine-readable)
ESTA approval (applied at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, USD 21 fee)
Return or onward flight booking Recommended
Current Travel Situation
France to United States: What You Need to Know
France and the United States have deep cultural and historical ties: France aided the American Revolution, gave the US the Statue of Liberty, and the two countries remain close allies. French citizens do not need a traditional US visa for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Instead, they must obtain ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel. ESTA links electronically to your French biometric passport and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is first), allowing unlimited trips to the US during that period. The US receives millions of French tourists annually: New York, California, and Florida being among the most popular destinations.
How to Get There
Numerous airlines operate direct France-USA flights. Air France operates extensive non-stop service from Paris CDG to New York JFK/EWR, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and other US cities. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta also fly CDG-US nonstop. Flight time Paris to New York is approximately 8 hours nonstop. Paris CDG is France's main international hub; other French cities (Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux) may have connecting flights to US hubs.
Money & Banking
The US uses the USD. The US is moderately to highly expensive depending on city: New York and San Francisco are among the world's most expensive cities. Visa/Mastercard credit cards are universally accepted. Tipping is a social obligation in the US: 18-22% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars. Unlike in France, tipping in the US is expected and restaurant staff depend on it. Healthcare in the US is extremely expensive; travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Practical Tips
New York City is France's favourite US destination: the Statue of Liberty (a French gift), the Metropolitan Museum, the Guggenheim, Central Park, Broadway shows, and the world-famous French-influenced cuisine scene. California offers Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur coastal drive, Yosemite, and Death Valley. Florida has Miami's Art Deco South Beach, the Everglades, and Orlando's theme parks. The Grand Canyon (Arizona) and Yellowstone are extraordinary national parks. Many French Americans have settled in Louisiana (New Orleans has a French Quarter and Creole heritage directly linked to French colonial history).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa for the USA?
No traditional visa required. French passport holders use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must apply for ESTA online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before travel. ESTA costs USD 21 and allows stays up to 90 days. It remains valid for 2 years once approved.
How do French citizens apply for ESTA?
Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official US government site), enter your French passport details and travel information, pay USD 21 by card, and receive approval usually within minutes. The ESTA is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for 2 years.
Are there direct flights from France to the USA?
Yes. Air France operates extensive nonstop service from Paris CDG to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and other major US cities. American, United, and Delta also fly Paris to the US directly. Paris to New York is approximately 8 hours nonstop.