Entering France from Japan with ETIAS
Apply ETIAS France from JapanJapanese citizens can currently visit France and the other Schengen Area countries visa-free for short stays for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, or visiting family. However, when it is implemented in 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require Japanese citizens to pre-register for stays up to 90 days in France. Eligible citizens who meet the France ETIAS requirements for Japan will be able to apply for the France online visa waiver through a simple online application.
The European Commision approved the proposal for the new France ETIAS system in 2016, and it will come into effect from 2026. This shared visa waiver system for the Schengen member states is being introduced in response to the threats of illegal immigration and terrorist activity within Europe.
Travelers will have to comply with some ETIAS requirements for Japanese citizens in order to apply for the France ETIAS Visa waiver, including having the correct documentation and providing personal data.
ETIAS France requirements from Japan
The ETIAS France requirements for Japanese travelers documents involve having a current Japanese passport valid for at least 3 months past the intended date of departure from France and the Schengen Area. Therefore, Japanese passports over 10 years old will not be valid for the ETIAS France application. In order to pay the France permit fee, a valid debit or credit card is also required.
Documents for travel to France for Japanese
As the ETIAS for France is being implemented to pre-screen travelers from outside the Schengen Area for security or health risks, Japanese citizens will have to meet ETIAS France requirements for the France travel authorization to be approved.
ETIAS requirements for Japanese citizens involve supplying a range of information, including full name and contact details, as well as all the data from the passport information page, into the online ETIAS application form. However, the form is simple and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Some questions relating to security, and previous travels will also be asked, with all the information pre-screened against a variety of information databases such as Interpol and Europol. Applicants should also double check all the information entered on the application is correct in order for the ETIAS for France to be approved.
Medical info for Japanese travelling to France
France has a high level of healthcare, but medical treatment in France can be expensive and refused to those who can’t pay. It’s advised that Japanese travelers obtain comprehensive insurance coverage that includes hospital stays and medical evacuation.
Japanese travelers may be required to pay for medical services before receiving treatment, although the costs may be reimbursed later with insurance by filling out a “Feuille de Soins” (treatment form).
French emergency services can be reached by dialing 15 or 122, and do not require payment prior to medical treatment.
ETIAS France application from Japan
In order to complete the ETIAS for France online application, it will be required to provide a current email address and double-check it is correct to receive a response about the status of the ETIAS application.
Approval for the ETIAS France for Japanese citizens should only take a few minutes. In the case of incorrectly entered or missing information approval of the application may be delayed or rejected. In such cases, further information and documentation may be requested in order to approve the travel authorization.
ETIAS France Information for Japanese
The France ETIAS for the Japanese will have a validity of 3 years from the issue date unless the corresponding passport expires beforehand. Japanese citizens may stay for up to 90 consecutive days in France or another Schengen Area country, with multiple entries permitted.
Tourism or business travel is permitted with the ETIAS France. Japanese ETIAS holders cannot long-term study or work in France with the travel authorization. Japanese travelers will be required to get another type of French permit for these other purposes and/or longer stays.
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Embassy of France in Japan
- 4-11-44, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8514
- +81 (03) 5798-6000
- https://jp.ambafrance.org/
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Embassy of Japan in France
- 7 Avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris
- +33 (0) 1 48 88 62 00
- https://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp