Which Countries Can French Passport Holders Travel without Visa

Having a French passport gives you access to travel to many countries all around the world. There are some countries you can go with a valid visa whereas there are some countries you can go without a visa. This is the most updated guide on the countries for French passport holders to travel and the different visa requirements for these destination countries.

How powerful is a French passport?

According to the Passport Index, as of June 2024, the French passport is ranking No.3 in the world, only right after Singapore, Italy and Spain. French passport visa free countries are up to 162. France being a member of the EU, its passport holders have visa-free access to all the EU countries as well as the Schengen countries. On top of that, a French passport comes with benefits concerning education, medical and business. It is easier for minors to enroll in an EU university and it gives you more convenience to start a business in the EU with a French passport.

Visa free countries for French passport

Until this June, there are 162 French passport free visa countries and territories. If you hold a French passport, you can go to these countries without a visa. The visa-free countries are located in different parts of the world. Most of them are in Europe, Central America and Asia, such as the UK, Jamaica and China. Some of them are Island countries in the Pacific as well as countries in Africa and South America. The rest of them are found in North America and others.

Country / Region	Duration
Albania	90 days
Andorra	90 days
Angola	30 days
Antigua and Barbuda	180 days
Argentina	90 days
Armenia	180 days
Austria	Unlimited stay
Bahamas	90 days
Barbados	90 days
Belarus	30 days
Belgium	Unlimited stay
Belize	30 days
Bolivia	90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina	90 days
Botswana	90 days
Brazil	90 days
Brunei	90 days
Bulgaria	Unlimited stay
Canada	180 days
Chile	90 days
China	15 days
Colombia	90 days
Costa Rica	90 days
Croatia	Unlimited stay
Cyprus	Unlimited stay
Czech Republic	Unlimited stay
Denmark	Unlimited stay
Dominica	180 days
Ecuador	90 days
El Salvador	180 days
Estonia	Unlimited stay
Eswatini	30 days
Fiji	120 days
Finland	Unlimited stay
Gambia	90 days
Georgia	1 year
Germany	Unlimited stay
Greece	Unlimited stay
Grenada	90 days
Guatemala	90 days
Guyana	90 days
Haiti	90 days
Honduras	90 days
Hungary	Unlimited stay
Iceland	Unlimited stay
Ireland	Unlimited stay
Italy	Unlimited stay
Jamaica	30 days
Japan	90 days
Kazakhstan	30 days
Kosovo	90 days
Kiribati	120 days
Kyrgyzstan	60 days
Latvia	Unlimited stay
Lesotho	14 days
Liechtenstein	Unlimited stay
Lithuania	Unlimited stay
Luxembourg	Unlimited stay
Malawi	30 days
Malaysia	90 days
Malta	Unlimited stay
Marshall Islands	90 days
Mauritius	90 days
Mexico	180 days
Micronesia	90 days
Moldova	90 days
Monaco	3 months
Mongolia	30 days
Montenegro	90 days
Morocco	90 days
Mozambique	30 days
Namibia	90 days
Netherlands	Unlimited stay
Nicaragua	90 days
North Macedonia	90 days
Norway	Unlimited stay
Oman	14 days / 30 days
Palau	90 days
Panama	90 days
Paraguay	90 days
Peru	90 days
Philippines	30 days
Poland	Unlimited stay
Portugal	Unlimited stay
Qatar	90 days
Romania	Unlimited stay
Rwanda	30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis	90 days
Saint Lucia	90 days
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	90 days
Samoa	90 days
San Marino	3 months
São Tomé and Príncipe	15 days
Senegal	90 days
Serbia	90 days
Seychelles	3 months
Singapore	90 days
Slovakia	Unlimited stay
Slovenia	Unlimited stay
Solomon Islands	90 days
South Africa	90 days
Spain	Unlimited stay
Suriname	90 days
Sweden	Unlimited stay
Switzerland	Unlimited stay
Tajikistan	30 days
Thailand	30 days
Timor-Leste	90 days
Tonga	90 days
Trinidad and Tobago	90 days
Tunisia	90 days
Turkey	90 days
Tuvalu	90 days
Ukraine	90 days
United Arab Emirates	90 days
United Kingdom	180 days
Uruguay	90 days
Uzbekistan	30 days
Vanuatu	90 days
Vatican City	1 day
Venezuela	90 days
Vietnam	45 days

That being said, it is crucial to check the duration of stay and the permissible purpose for travel in the destination country before you go. Each country has its own restrictions for how long a traveller can stay. It can vary from 14 days to unlimited stay depending on the country’s visa waiver policy.

Remember you still need a valid passport when traveling to the visa-free countries. Usually, your passport validity should be 6 months beyond your departure date.

Visa on arrival countries for French citizens

French citizens are eligible to travel to 27 countries with a visa on arrival. Half of the visa-on-arrival countries are in Asia, such as Indonesia and Pakistan. The other half are mainly in Africa, such as Egypt and Madagascar.

With a France passport, when you enter these countries, you can apply for a visa at the airport or border crossing point. You may need to fill out some forms, present documents as required and pay the relevant visa fee. After the procedure is done, you will receive a VOA (visa on arrival). Fees, visa validity and duration of stay will vary from country to country. Please check with your destination country before departure.

eVisa countries for France passport holders

Twenty countries require an eVisa (electronic visa) for France passport holders. Among them, 13 countries are in Africa such as Nigeria, and the rest are mostly in Asia including Russia and India.

Obtaining an eVisa is similar to getting a regular visa. However, it is more convenient because you don’t need to visit an embassy. The whole process can be done online. The online application involves completing an application form, uploading the required documents (including a passport photo) and making relevant payments. Once your application is approved, you will receive the eVisa through e-mail in PDF or other digital format. You must print it out and take it with you when you cross the border of the destination country. Some officers may ask you to present a physical copy of the eVisa.

eTA countries for a French passport

eTA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. An eTA is a digital document that allows you to travel to specific countries that do not require a visa if you hold a French passport. It can be applied online as well. The application process is streamlined and efficient. You can get your eTA within hours or a few days.

Countries with visa requirements for French citizens

If you are a French citizen, it is necessary to apply for a regular visa in 17 destination countries when you travel. Nine of them are countries in Africa and the others are in Asia, Central America, etc.

The visa application procedure should be carried out at the destination country’s embassy or a consulate in France. You should gather the necessary documents including your passport, photos, itinerary, proof of financial means and so on. For detailed and complete requirements, please check with your destination country prior to your application.

French refugee travel document visa-free countries

The French refugee travel document allows refugees in France to travel internationally. If you have been granted refugee status, you can apply for it. You may wonder about which countries I can travel with French refugee travel document without visa. More than you think! With the document, you will have access to countries all over the world including European countries, North American countries, South American countries, Asian countries, African countries and Oceania countries. However, not all countries in these regions are part of the agreement and they have different requirements for travellers with refugee status. Don’t forget to check the detailed requirements when you plan your trip.

FAQ

1.  How many countries can a French passport travel to without a visa?

As of June 2024, French passport holders can travel to 162 countries without a visa.

2.  Do French citizens need a visa for the USA?

No. The USA is a visa-free country for French citizens.

3.  Do French citizens need a visa for the UK?

No. The UK is a visa-free country for French citizens. UK citizens or even BRP holders can also travel France without visa. To find more information about visa-free access, you can head over UK BRP visa free countries.

4.  Does a French passport need a visa for Hong Kong?

No. French passport holders do not need a visa for Hong Kong.

Conclusion

Holding a French passport gives you the opportunity to explore many countries all around the world. However, visa requirements are very important and they will change from time to time in different countries. It is best to check with the destination country to make sure about visa requirements before you travel.