U.S. Embassy in France

The U.S. Embassy in France is located in Paris and provides diplomatic, consular and visa-related services for people in France. The embassy’s official website provides information about U.S. visas, consular services, American citizen services and other embassy matters.

For people searching for the US Embassy in France, US Embassy Paris, or the American Embassy in France, the Paris embassy is the main U.S. diplomatic mission in the country.

U.S. Embassy France — Quick Information

For the most current embassy information, applicants should always verify details through the official U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France website.

U.S. Embassy in France Visa Services

The U.S. Embassy in France provides information concerning different categories of U.S. visas.

Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may need a different visa category.

Common categories include:

Visitor visas

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa can be used for eligible business or tourism travel when a traveler does not qualify for visa-free travel.

The U.S. Department of State currently lists the standard application fee for visitor visas at $185, although applicants should verify the current fee and any nationality-specific requirements before applying.

Student visas

Students traveling to the United States for qualifying academic programs may need an F-1 visa, while certain vocational students may need an M-1 visa.

Exchange visitor visas

Some exchange programs require a J-1 visa.

Employment visas

The United States has several employment-related visa categories, with requirements depending on the job and circumstances.

Immigrant visas

People intending to immigrate permanently to the United States generally follow a different process from temporary visitors.

How to Apply for a U.S. Visa From France

If you are in France and need a U.S. visa, the exact process depends on your visa category. For a typical visitor visa, the process generally follows these steps.

Step 1: Determine whether you actually need a visa

Before starting a visa application, check whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

France is one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Eligible French citizens can travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa, provided they satisfy the program requirements and obtain ESTA authorization before travel.

This means that a French citizen going to the United States for a short tourism or business trip will generally not need a traditional U.S. visitor visa if they qualify for the VWP.

Step 2: Check ESTA eligibility

Eligible French travelers normally need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization system used for travelers from participating Visa Waiver Program countries.

An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission to the United States. Final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when the traveler arrives.

Official ESTA information — U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If You Need a U.S. Visa From France

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, or if your planned travel requires a visa, you can proceed with the appropriate U.S. visa application.

Step 3: Choose the correct visa category

Select the visa that matches your purpose of travel.

For example:

• B-1 — certain temporary business travel
• B-2 — tourism and certain temporary visits
• B-1/B-2 — combined business and tourism visitor visa
• F-1 — academic study
• J-1 — qualifying exchange programs
• M-1 — qualifying vocational study
• Employment categories — depending on the job and eligibility

Choosing the correct category is important because a visitor visa cannot be used for activities such as ordinary employment or degree study.

Step 4: Complete the DS-160

For a nonimmigrant visa, complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

The U.S. Department of State says applicants should answer the DS-160 accurately and completely. After submitting it, applicants need the confirmation page for the subsequent application process.

You should have relevant information available when completing the form, including your passport, travel information and details about previous travel and your education/work history where applicable.

Complete the DS-160 online application

Important

The DS-160 should be completed in English, except where the form specifically asks for your name in your native alphabet.

After submitting the application:

Save and print the DS-160 confirmation page.

Step 5: Pay the U.S. visa application fee

For short-term tourism or business trips under 90 days, French citizens do not need a traditional visa and instead use an ESTA, which costs $40.27 USD through the Official ESTA Application Website.

Fees can vary depending on the visa category, so applicants should check the official instructions applicable to their visa.

Step 6: Schedule your visa interview

After completing the application and following the embassy’s instructions for payment and scheduling, arrange your visa interview.

Interviews are generally required, although limited exceptions may apply. The Department of State recommends that applicants generally schedule their interview in the country where they live.

Interview availability can change depending on location, season and visa category, so applicants should apply well before their intended travel date.

Step 7: Prepare your documents

For a visitor visa interview, you should generally prepare:

• Valid passport
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee payment information/receipt where applicable
• Required photograph if the online photo submission was unsuccessful
• Documents supporting the purpose of your trip
• Evidence relevant to your ability to pay for the trip
• Evidence that helps demonstrate your intention to leave the United States after the temporary visit

The Department of State notes that additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Step 8: Attend the interview

Attend the scheduled interview at the designated U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

A consular officer will assess whether you qualify for the visa category for which you applied.

Answer questions truthfully and make sure the information you provide is consistent with your application.

Step 9: Wait for the visa decision

After the interview, the application may be approved, refused or require additional administrative processing.

If approved, the passport will be returned according to the applicable embassy procedures.

Do not make irreversible travel arrangements solely on the assumption that your visa will be approved.

Do French Citizens Need a Visa for the USA?

Usually, not for short tourism or business trips if they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

France participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Eligible French citizens can travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a traditional visa, but they must meet the VWP requirements and obtain an approved ESTA before travel.

However, a French citizen may need a visa if, for example:

• The planned stay exceeds 90 days.
• The purpose of travel is not permitted under the VWP.
• The traveler does not meet VWP eligibility requirements.
• The traveler is otherwise ineligible for ESTA/VWP travel.
• The traveler wants to apply for a traditional visitor visa instead.

The Department of State specifically notes that VWP travel does not cover purposes such as employment, degree study or permanent residence.

French Citizens Traveling to the USA: ESTA vs Visa

Important Visa Waiver Program Restrictions

VWP eligibility is not based solely on having a French passport.

Certain travel histories and other circumstances can make a traveler ineligible for Visa Waiver Program travel. For example, the Department of State identifies restrictions involving certain travel to or presence in countries including Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, with specified exceptions. There are also restrictions involving certain travel to Cuba.

Travelers should therefore check their individual ESTA/VWP eligibility rather than assuming that every French passport holder automatically qualifies.

U.S. Embassy France Contact and Official Information

For the latest information about:

• Embassy services
• U.S. visa appointments
• Visa application procedures
• American citizen services
• Passport services
• Embassy announcements
• Consular services

use the official U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France website.

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France — Official Website

For U.S. visa information, the U.S. Department of State is also an authoritative source. U.S. Department of State — U.S. Visas

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the U.S. Embassy in France?

The U.S. Embassy’s main diplomatic mission in France is in Paris.

What is the U.S. Embassy in France used for?

It provides diplomatic and consular services and publishes information about U.S. visas and services for American citizens.

Do French citizens need a visa to visit America?

Eligible French citizens generally do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business trips of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program, but they need an approved ESTA and must satisfy all VWP requirements.

How do I apply for a U.S. visa from France?

If you require a visa, determine the correct category, complete the DS-160 where applicable, pay the required fee, schedule the required interview, prepare supporting documents and attend the interview.

How much is a U.S. tourist visa?

Can French citizens visit the USA without a visa?

Yes, eligible French citizens can use the Visa Waiver Program for qualifying tourism or business trips of up to 90 days, provided they obtain ESTA authorization and meet the other requirements.