France has a number of regions, known as “departments”, and territories located overseas. When visiting these destinations, it is important to have the correct documentation. The rules for entry are not always the same as with metropolitan (mainland) France.
One of the biggest questions is how the upcoming ETIAS for France will affect travel to the overseas territories and departments.
This online visa waiver will allow eligible travellers to visit France without a visa. The streamlined application process makes it quick and easy to authorise entry to the country.
What are the French overseas departments and territories? Will the ETIAS give access to France’s overseas regions?
Where are French overseas departments?
France has 5 overseas departments, which are considered integral parts of the country and the European Union (EU). They are as follows:
- French Guiana
- Guadeloupe
- Martinique
- Mayotte
- Réunion
French Guiana is located in South America, with a coast on the Caribbean Sea. Guadeloupe and Martinique are both Caribbean islands.
Mayotte and Réunion are both islands in the Indian Ocean, located close to the east coast of Africa.
These regions have the same status as the departments of metropolitan France. In general, the same laws and regulations apply to both metropolitan and overseas departments.
Are French overseas departments part of the Schengen Area?
No, the 5 French overseas departments are not considered part of the Schengen Area.
As such, they have separate visa policies from metropolitan France. Schengen visas do not grant entry to these regions. However, travellers from many countries may visit the overseas departments visa-free.
Passengers who are not visa-exempt will need to apply for the relevant type of visa for the overseas department they wish to visit.
Is Martinique part of Schengen?
No, Martinique is not part of the Schengen Area, although it is considered an integral part of the EU. Holders of passports with visa exemption for France and the EU may enter Martinique visa-free. Other travellers must get a visa for Martinique.
Is Guadeloupe part of Schengen?
No, Guadeloupe does not form part of Schengen. It is considered part of France and the EU, but is outside the open borders region. Visitors will either be visa-exempt or will require a Guadeloupe visa, depending on their nationality.
Is La Réunion part of Schengen?
No, La Réunion is not in the Schengen zone. This overseas region of France has its own visa policy and maintains border control.
Is French Guiana part of Schengen?
No, French Guiana is outside the Schengen open borders region. However, it is part of the EU. Visitors to French Guiana must have a valid visa, unless they carry a passport issued by a visa-exempt country.
Is ETIAS or a Schengen visa required for Martinique, Guadeloupe, La Réunion, or French Guiana?
A Schengen visa is not required for Martinique, Guadeloupe, La Réunion, or French Guiana. The overseas departments of France are not part of the Schengen Area, and therefore the Schengen visa policy does not apply.
For this reason, ETIAS will not be required to visit these regions once the visa waiver is launched.
The ETIAS platform is designed to screen visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Area to improve security. The convenient online French ETIAS application will make travelling to metropolitan France simple, with rapid processing times.
However, as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion are not part of the Schengen Area, it is likely that the ETIAS will not be required or valid for entry to these regions.
What are France’s overseas territories?
As well as the 5 overseas departments, France also has a number of different territories around the world. These regions are not considered part of France itself.
There are 6 regions classed as “overseas collectivities”:
- French Polynesia
- New Caledonia
- Saint Barthélemy
- Saint Martin
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Wallis and Tutuna
In addition, there is one region classified as an “overseas territory”:
- French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Will ETIAS or a Schengen visa be required for French overseas territories?
French overseas territories are not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa is not required by visitors. ETIAS will not be used for entry to these destinations either.
International travellers who are not visa-exempt must apply for the relevant visa for the individual territory. Visas are issued by French embassies and other diplomatic missions.
The ETIAS France will be required for visa-exempt visitors, both those going to metropolitan France and those heading to other parts of the Schengen Area, when the electronic visa waiver system is launched in 2026.
