France Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
Emirati passport holders enjoy visa-free access to France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The UAE secured a full visa waiver agreement with the European Union in 2022, granting Emiratis the same entry privileges as EU neighbours.
Great news! United Arab Emirates passport holders can enter France without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa application is required. Present your valid UAE passport at the French border. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay. Proof of sufficient funds, accommodation bookings, and a return ticket may be requested at the border, though checks on UAE passport holders are typically minimal.
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
UAE Passport
Valid UAE passport with at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of booked return or onward flight departing the Schengen Area within the 90-day window.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation or letter of invitation from a host in France.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank card, bank statement, or cash sufficient for the duration of stay. France guideline: EUR 65 per day minimum.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to France: What You Need to Know
France is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for UAE residents and citizens alike. Emirates operates multiple daily flights from Dubai (DXB) to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi. Paris, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley are all perennial favourites. The UAE-EU visa waiver, signed in 2022 after years of negotiation, was a landmark moment for Emirati travellers.
How to Get There
If you need to stay beyond 90 days, a long-stay visa (D visa) or French residency permit is required. Consider breaking your stay with a trip outside Schengen. The UK is visa-free for 180 days separately and can complement a France trip.
Money & Banking
France uses the euro (EUR). UAE dirhams (AED) are not widely exchanged outside major airports. Use your bank card or exchange at a bureau de change in Paris. Notify your UAE bank before travel to avoid card blocks. ATMs are plentiful across France.
Practical Tips
The 90-day limit applies across the entire Schengen Area, not just France. If you visit Germany or Spain on the same trip, those days count toward your 90-day allowance. Keep this in mind if planning a multi-country European itinerary. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended even though it is not legally mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for France?
No. Emirati nationals travel to France visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the EU-UAE visa waiver agreement finalised in 2022.
What documents should I carry at the French border?
Carry your valid UAE passport (valid at least 3 months beyond your intended stay), proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds. Checks for UAE passport holders are usually brief.
Does the 90 days in France reset if I leave and return?
No. The 90-day limit is calculated across the entire Schengen Area within any rolling 180-day period. Days spent in Germany, Spain, or any other Schengen country on the same trip count toward the same 90-day allowance.
Will ETIAS affect UAE nationals travelling to France?
Yes. The EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to launch in 2025. It will require UAE nationals to register online and pay a small fee before each trip to Schengen, including France. It is a pre-screening system, not a visa.
Which airlines fly direct from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to France?
Emirates operates multiple daily flights from Dubai (DXB) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Air France and Etihad also serve the route. Marseille and Nice are accessible via connections.
Can I extend my stay in France beyond 90 days as an Emirati?
Not on a visa-free basis. To stay longer, you must apply for a French national long-stay visa (visa de long sejour) from the French consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi before your trip.
Is travel insurance required for UAE nationals visiting France?
It is not legally mandatory but strongly recommended. Medical treatment in France is excellent but expensive without coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 of medical expenses is advisable.
What currency is used in France and can I use UAE bank cards?
France uses the euro (EUR). UAE debit and credit cards are accepted widely. Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocks. ATMs are plentiful throughout France.