Correct as of 2010-12-04

The European territory of France is part of the Schengen area. The Schengen area includes the territory of the following European Union countries and associated countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

1.1. Short stays (under 90 days in the Schengen area)

A short stay is a stay in the Schengen area under 90 days or multiple stays totalling less than 90 days in a period of six months.

For short stays, European regulations determine the list of countries from which citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the Schengen area.

A visa is waived for:

  citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela;
  holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People’s Republic of China;
  holders of a valid residence document in France;
  holders of a residence document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement;
  holders of a travel document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement.

More details can be found here

Further information

• FAQ concerning visas
• Advice for travellers arriving in France, on the French customs and excise website
• Request a European health insurance card in your country