France Travel Certificate
Complete your France Travel Certificate online — fast electronic authorization for visa‑exempt visitors, with guided help and email confirmation.
What Is the France Travel Certificate?
The France Travel Certificate is an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for many visa‑exempt visitors to France and the Schengen area. Introduced ahead of new Schengen entry rules in 2026, the authorization streamlines border checks by collecting basic identity, passport and travel details before departure. French border authorities and EU partners process the ETA data to speed up checks at arrival points.
Applications are submitted through official government portals such as the France‑Visas website (france-visas.gouv.fr) or via authorised services like DoVisa for guided completion. After approval you receive an electronic confirmation by email — save the PDF and reference number as some airlines and border agents may request proof of authorization at check‑in or upon arrival.
This online authorization is separate from a Schengen visa. It is required only for travellers who are otherwise visa‑exempt; it does not replace a short‑stay Schengen visa required by some nationalities. Recent policy changes tied to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rolled out in 2026 mean biometric registration at some external‑border entry points may be required in addition to holding an approved authorization.
Key facts: the authorization supports multiple entries for its validity period and does not guarantee entry — final admission remains at immigration control. See France visa information and the official France‑Visas portal for full eligibility rules and up‑to‑date guidance. Apply now to start your application with step‑by‑step support.
Who Needs the France Travel Certificate?
Who Needs It
- Visa‑exempt foreign nationals travelling to mainland France or other Schengen states for short visits (tourism, business, transit)
- Visitors arriving for stays up to 90 days in any 180‑day period who would otherwise not need a Schengen visa
- Children and minors — each traveller (including infants) must have their own authorization or travel document recorded
Who Is Exempt
- French nationals
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or long‑stay national visa
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on government duty
- Airline and vessel crew members on active official duty
- Residents of France and holders of a valid French residence permit
France Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Passport Validity & Issue Date
Your passport should be issued less than 10 years before your arrival and have at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Present original travel documents on request — see France‑Visas.
Vaccination & Health Advice
No routine vaccination is required for entry. The CDC recommends travellers be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, hepatitis A) and COVID‑19 vaccines where eligible — review the CDC France page for current guidance: CDC - France.
Customs & Prohibited Items
France enforces EU customs rules — prohibited or controlled imports include narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods and restricted plant/animal products. New national restrictions on certain PFAS‑containing consumer goods came into force in 2026. Declare large amounts of cash and follow guidance from French Customs (douane.gouv.fr).
Drones, Prescription Medicines & Electronics
Bringing drones may be subject to rules and prior authorisation. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging and a doctor’s note where possible. Check airline rules for batteries and electronics before travel.
Travel Insurance & Funds
You may be asked to show travel insurance and proof of sufficient funds and a return/onward ticket. France‑Visas and GOV.UK list typical supporting documents to carry on arrival: France‑Visas — Your arrival in France.
Travel Tips for France Visitors
France is a large country with multiple international gateways. Paris remains the principal entry hub; international flights also arrive in regional cities across the country. Expect a mix of high‑speed rail and domestic flights for internal travel.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Major tourist businesses accept cards; some coastal and tourist vendors accept USD but carry euros for small purchases.
- Language: French is the official language. English is commonly spoken in major cities, tourist areas and at international hotels.
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET, GMT+1). France observes daylight saving time (CEST, GMT+2) in summer.
- Main airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), plus regional gateways such as Lyon‑Saint Exupéry, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux.
- Plan for strikes: Transport strikes happen occasionally — build arrival buffers for trains and transfers.
- Public transport: Metro and SNCF/TGV rail links connect major cities — validate tickets and watch for pickpockets on crowded routes.
- Tipping: Service charge is often included; small tips for good service are appreciated but not mandatory.
- EES & biometrics: New Entry/Exit System checks may require biometric registration on first visits — allow extra time at border controls.
"Needed the France Travel Certificate for a last‑minute trip to Paris. DoVisa checked my passport details and the confirmation arrived by email within an hour. Smooth check‑in at CDG and fast passport control."
"Applied on my phone during a layover — clear instructions for passport MRZ and travel dates. Got the PDF confirmation to show at airline check‑in before departure."
"Straightforward process and reminded me about the passport issue date requirement. Saved the email copy and immigration at arrival was quick."
"Support clarified whether I needed a visa or the authorization for my dual‑nationality trip. Advice was accurate and my travel day went without delays."
"Form was easy but the photo upload required a second try. Customer service replied promptly and my confirmation arrived well before departure."
"Booked a business trip and used the France Travel Certificate service to ensure airline check‑in would go smoothly. The team verified my details and I received the authorization PDF by email."
"Great for family travel — completed an application for each family member. Having the digital confirmation on my phone saved time at the border."
"Processing was fast but I had to correct my flight number via the official portal afterwards. Once fixed, the confirmation was accepted at arrival."
"Experienced a minor delay — my authorization arrived the evening before departure, not within the super‑rush window I expected. Support helped and my arrival at Paris was fine."
"Fast, clear and worth the convenience. Saved the confirmation PDF and the immigration officer at CDG scanned the reference without issues."
"Needed the France Travel Certificate for a last‑minute trip to Paris. DoVisa checked my passport details and the confirmation arrived by email within an hour. Smooth check‑in at CDG and fast passport control."
"Applied on my phone during a layover — clear instructions for passport MRZ and travel dates. Got the PDF confirmation to show at airline check‑in before departure."
"Straightforward process and reminded me about the passport issue date requirement. Saved the email copy and immigration at arrival was quick."
France Travel Certificate: Frequently Asked Questions
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