France entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can visit France for up to 90 days without a visa in 2026. This covers tourism, business meetings, and short-term study. You just need to meet a few straightforward entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay in France | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in France. French border control does not enforce a 6-month validity rule for NZ passport holders, but your airline might — check with them before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at French airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before boarding too — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. French border police occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €65 per day of your stay. Officers rarely check this for New Zealand passport holders, but it's a legal requirement under Schengen rules. | Recommended |
Track your 90 days carefully
The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area, not just France. Use the EU's short-stay calculator online to avoid overstaying. Overstaying can result in fines up to €750 and a re-entry ban for up to 5 years.
Border officers may ask for proof of funds
While not always required, you should be able to show you have enough money for your stay (around €65 per day). A bank statement or credit card is usually sufficient.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at a French airport or land border
At major airports like Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY), join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The stamp shows your entry date and the 90-day limit starts from that day. Check the stamp is legible before leaving the counter.
4
Enjoy your stay
You can travel freely within the Schengen area (26 European countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Keep your passport safe.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to extend beyond visa-free limits. Apply at French consulate.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of previous travel and strong ties to home country.
Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For stays over 90 days (work, study, family reunion). Requires specific justification.
work visa
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers, researchers, or entrepreneurs. Requires a job offer or business plan. Fast-track processing.
Apply student visa
Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in French institutions. Allows part-time work (up to 964 hours/year).
Apply retirement visa
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with sufficient passive income. No work allowed. Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Apply digital nomad visa
Talent Passport – Digital Nomad (Passeport Talent – Télétravail)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For remote workers employed by a non-French company. Must prove income above threshold and have health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETIAS (upcoming)Expected to be mandatory from 2025 for visa-free travellers. Valid for 3 years. | €7 (~$8 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays over 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is €3,000 (~$3,270 USD). Overstay can also lead to entry bans. | €30 (~$33 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through France
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at French airports, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in wooded areas, especially in eastern France. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested regions. Prompt removal reduces risk.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended for vulnerable individuals.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Expect long queues; arrive early.
Lyon
Préfecture du Rhône
106 Rue Pierre Corneille, 69003 Lyon
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
For visa-related issues in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a long-stay visa (type D) from a French consulate before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines up to €750 or a ban from the Schengen area for up to 5 years.
No, the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area. It's calculated over any 180-day rolling period. Leaving France and re-entering doesn't reset the clock unless you stay outside the Schengen area for 90 consecutive days.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you could face problems leaving or re-entering. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, for stays under 90 days, no registration is required. Just keep your passport stamped with the entry date.
Technically, the visa-free stay is for tourism and business meetings. Working remotely for a non-French employer is a grey area. If you plan to work, check with the French embassy. For any paid work for a French company, you need a work visa.
Overstaying can lead to a fine up to €750, a ban from the Schengen area for up to 5 years, and deportation. Always track your days carefully.
No, New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for French airports, even if you leave the international transit area. Just stay airside.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.