Requirements for Australians

Australia is one of the countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free travel in France and other Schengen Zone countries. Australians can stay for up to 90 days without the need to apply for a visa (if they wish to stay for longer then they will require a Schengen Visa).

In an effort to increase security and better monitor visitors, from 2021 the EU is introducing the ETIAS visa waiver system for the Schengen Zone. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. The ETIAS visa waiver for France will be required from all those who currently enjoy visa-free access to France and the rest of Schengen. Successful applicants will then be able to stay for up to 90 days and travel freely within the zone.

What Information is Required in the ETIAS Application?

The application for the ETIAS for France will be quick and simple. Australians will need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months, a working email address for them to receive the ETIAS at, and a credit or debit card to pay for their visa waiver.

Amongst the ETIAS visa waiver requirements, applicants must fill in their passport information (including number, expiry date, and place of issue), name and address, the reason for their visit and other information such as whether they have ever committed a crime. Make sure that you fill in all the information carefully as it will need to match the information on your travel document.

Medical Information for Australians

France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. There is, however, no reciprocal health agreement between Australia and France and so Australians traveling to France should take out health insurance. This does not include emergency treatment, which is free for everyone.

Be careful what medication you bring with you to France, as it may be taken from you if it is not approved there. The general number for the French emergency services is 112 and the specific number for medical emergencies is 15.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some other things that Australians traveling to France should be aware of in addition to the other ETIAS requirements for Australians:

It is illegal to bring firearms and drugs into France (this includes medication not approved by the French authorities)
The maximum amount of money that you may bring into France without declaring it is €10,000.
You may bring a maximum of 800 cigarettes into France, 10 liters of alcohol under 22% and 20 liters under 22%.
You may be refused entry to France if you cannot demonstrate on request sufficient funds or a return ticket back to Australia.