Whether you're planning a short or extended stay abroad, traveling in France means immersing yourself in a country known for its diversity, culture, and rich history. In recent years, access to France has become easier due to the introduction of specialized visas for entrepreneurs and an abundance of professional opportunities for highly skilled individuals.
Fun fact:
With a single visa for France, you can travel to multiple European destinations, including Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. This convenience is possible because these countries are part of the Schengen area, where travelers from member countries can move across internal borders without passport checks or customs inspections. The name "Schengen" originates from the town of Luxembourg, where the initial agreement was signed in 1985.
How do I get to France?
You can travel to France by various means from within the European Union (EU), particularly from the freeways.
The roads that cross the EU are modern and well-maintained, thanks to funding from tolls. What's more, they are no longer subject to customs controls.
Another option is to travel to France by train. In recent years, various train operators from different countries have collaborated to streamline travel between European nations. For instance, you can conveniently reach Paris, Turin, Amsterdam, or Belgium by train. In fact, some of Europe's major cities are accessible by train without requiring any connections.
You can also travel to and from the UK using the Eurostar. While the Eurostar snap offer for last-minute tickets at attractive prices is no longer available, Eurostar has introduced a new offer for cheap train tickets. If you plan to travel to the UK, we recommend checking the entry conditions following its exit from the EU.
Young Europeans can buy train tickets with an unlimited number of stops to discover the continent's historical and cultural beauty.
If you're traveling to France from afar or if you're on a tight budget, you may prefer to fly. Low-cost airlines are well-established in Europe. Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Berlin, Norwegian, Vueling, and Transavia (among others) offer low-cost tickets to many European destinations, including French cities.
Most major French cities are served by international airports. In recent years, several smaller airports have also emerged in remote areas, largely due to the rise of low-cost airlines, exemplified by Paris Beauvais and Ryanair. However, it's worth noting that new regulations are being introduced that could affect these smaller, often financially precarious airports. The French government is actively promoting the expansion of rail travel as an alternative.
France is well-connected by numerous full-service airlines, making it convenient to access major airports with many of the top carriers. Additionally, it's worth noting that certain airlines, such as Air Transat or Corsair, provide very affordable fares.
Documents required to travel to France
Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can reside and work in France with a valid identity card and passport. This means that they can establish themselves in the country for employment or business purposes without needing to obtain a work or residence permit. After 5 years, they are eligible to apply for permanent resident status. It's important to be aware that there are specific regulations regarding health insurance and unemployment benefits for EU and EEA nationals.
If you're not from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Croatia, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican, or San Marino, you'll need a valid passport and a long-stay permit to move to France. Please note that you will need to apply for a visa before traveling.
The specific documents needed for a visa application depend on the purpose of your visit. It's recommended that you contact the French embassy or consulate in your home country beforehand. Additionally, individuals who have legally resided in France for 5 uninterrupted years can also apply for a European long-stay visa.
Individuals from countries outside the EU, the EEA, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican, or San Marino may qualify for exemptions if they hold a residence permit, an identity document, or a "document de circulation pour étranger mineur" (DCEM).
The resident visa is designed for foreign individuals who fulfill all the requirements for permanent residency in France. On the other hand, the DCEM is meant for minors living in France who want to travel abroad. It is valid for 5 years and can be extended upon expiration.
Useful links:
Foreign nationals entering France
French public services – Document de circulation pour étranger mineur (DCEM)
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