How Long Can I Stay in France Without a Visa?
- A New Life
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
If you are planning a trip to France, one of the most important questions is how long you can stay without needing a visa. The answer depends on your nationality, but for most tourists from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other visa-exempt countries, the rules are fairly straightforward.
This guide explains exactly how long you can stay, how the rules are calculated, and what you need to watch out for.
The 90 Day Rule Explained
For most visa-exempt travellers, including UK citizens, you can stay in France:
Up to 90 days
Within any 180 day period
Across the entire Schengen Area, not just France
This is known as the Schengen 90/180 rule.
It means you are allowed to spend a maximum of 90 days in Schengen countries over a rolling 180 day window.
How the 90/180 Rule Works in Practice
This rule often causes confusion, so here is a simple explanation.
You do not get 90 days per calendar year
You do not get 90 days per trip
It is a rolling calculation based on the last 180 days
For example:
If you spend 30 days in France in January and 30 days in Spain in March, you still only have 30 days left to use within that 180 day period.
Each day you spend in a Schengen country counts towards your total.
Which Countries Are Included?
The 90 day limit applies across the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries.
Popular destinations include:
France
Spain
Italy
Portugal
Germany
Greece
Time spent in any of these countries counts towards your 90 day allowance.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Short Stays?
No visa is required for UK citizens for short visits.
However:
You must follow the 90/180 day rule
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay
You may be asked to show proof of accommodation, return travel, or sufficient funds at the border
From late 2026, UK travellers will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering France or other Schengen countries. This is not a visa, but an online travel approval.
What Happens If You Stay Longer Than 90 Days?
If you stay beyond the allowed 90 days without a visa, you may face:
Fines
Deportation
Entry bans for future travel within the Schengen Area
It is taken seriously, so it is important to plan your time carefully.
Can You Reset Your 90 Days by Leaving and Returning?
No, you cannot simply reset your allowance by briefly leaving the Schengen Area.
The rule is based on a rolling 180 day period. Even if you exit and re-enter, your previous days still count.
You must wait for earlier days to “drop out” of the 180 day window before you regain allowance.