France Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period as part of the Schengen Area free movement rules. France is a top European destination for New Zealand travellers.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter France without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area (not just France). NZ passport holders use the non-EU lane or eGates at French airports. Note: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is planned but has been repeatedly delayed; check the current implementation status before travel. The 90-day Schengen limit is cumulative across all Schengen member states: days spent in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France all count toward the same 90-day allowance.
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
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from France, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in France.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in France.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to France: What You Need to Know
France is consistently one of the world's most visited countries and a favourite for New Zealand travellers doing a European trip. The Schengen Agreement means NZ citizens entering France can also travel freely to 26 other European countries without border checks. Paris is the primary hub for most NZ visitors to Europe. France has a significant NZ expat and working holiday community. The NZ-EU relationship includes trade agreements that came into force in 2024, reflecting strong bilateral ties.
How to Get There
Air New Zealand flies Auckland to Paris via Los Angeles or London. Many NZ travellers route through Singapore, Dubai, or Doha. Paris is the natural hub for a European trip. From Paris, TGV trains reach Lyon (2h), Marseille (3h), Bordeaux (2h), and Brussels (1.5h) cheaply when booked in advance. EasyJet and Ryanair have extensive European networks from French cities. The Eurostar connects Paris to London in 2.5 hours. A Eurail pass can be cost-effective for multi-country rail travel.
Money & Banking
France uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. France is moderately expensive. Paris is significantly more expensive than provincial France. Card payments accepted widely, though some small cafes and markets prefer cash. ATMs are plentiful. Revolut and Wise are popular with NZ travellers for fee-free Euro spending. Dining: a cafe meal costs EUR 10-18, a mid-range restaurant EUR 30-50 per person. Tipping is not obligatory in France (service is included) but rounding up is appreciated.
Practical Tips
Track your Schengen days carefully if combining multiple European countries. The 90 days in 180 days rule is strictly enforced. Carry your return ticket and proof of accommodation when entering. French immigration may ask for proof of funds (approx EUR 120 per day recommended). Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main arrival airport; Orly (ORY) serves some budget routes. The Paris RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in 35 minutes for around EUR 12. Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and Bordeaux are popular regional destinations easily reached by TGV high-speed rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for France?
No. NZ citizens can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. No advance application or fee is required. Simply arrive with a valid NZ passport.
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule for NZ citizens?
NZ citizens can spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area in any rolling 180-day period. The 90-day limit is cumulative across all 27 Schengen member states: days spent in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France all count toward the same 90-day allowance. Use the Schengen Calculator (available at immigration.eu) to track your days.
What is ETIAS and will NZ citizens need it for France?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an EU pre-travel authorization similar to the US ESTA. Once launched, NZ citizens will need to register online and pay EUR 7 before visiting France or any Schengen country. ETIAS has been repeatedly delayed; check the current implementation date before travel.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
April-June and September-October offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds. July-August is peak season with higher prices and crowded attractions. December is magical for Christmas markets but cold and busy. January-February is the quietest and cheapest but grey and cold.
Do NZ citizens need to carry their passport in France?
French law requires all foreign nationals to carry identification at all times. Your NZ passport is the required ID. A photocopy is not sufficient for police checks. Keep your passport on you or securely accessible.
How do I get from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city?
The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Chatelet-Les Halles) in 35 minutes for approximately EUR 12. Bus options include the Roissybus (EUR 15, 60-75 min) to Opera. Taxis cost EUR 50-70 to central Paris. Avoid unofficial taxi touts.
Can NZ citizens stay longer than 90 days in France?
Not under the standard visa-free arrangement. For stays beyond 90 days, NZ citizens must apply for a French long-stay visa (visa de long sejour) at the French Embassy in Wellington before departure. Options include work, student, digital nomad (Talent Passport), or family reunion visas.
What is the French Riviera and how do NZ visitors get there from Paris?
The French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) is France's glamorous Mediterranean coastline: Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and Menton. From Paris by TGV to Nice (6h, or fly 2h). Nice is the Riviera's capital and a great base. Monaco (sovereign city-state, no Schengen implications for day-trippers) is 30 minutes from Nice by train. The Riviera's beaches are pebble (not sand); the best sandy beaches are further west at Cassis and Camargue.