Visit the Embassy of France website for the most current visa and entry requirement information.

The Government of France does not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France. If traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials and/or held at the airport until a return flight to the U.S. is available. Direct transit through France for another destination accepting an emergency passport may be permitted. You should check entry requirements of any other country of destination to make sure the emergency passport is accepted for entry.

You may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa.

Immigration officers may also request you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.

If you are traveling to France or Monaco for reasons other than business or tourism, such as employment (including diplomatic or official travel), study, or internship, you must obtain the appropriate French or Monegasque (Monaco) visa for that purpose before you leave the United States. You should be aware that it is nearly impossible to obtain or change visa status while in France.

All minors (under age 18) traveling without a parent or legal guardian and who are residents in France must have the written consent of at least one parent or legal guardian to leave France. The minor must travel with his or her own I.D., a copy of the parent/guardian’s I.D., and form number 15646*01, executed by the parent/guardian and available here.

If you are transiting through France to South Africa, there are special requirements for minors. See Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements for South Africa for additional information.

Contact the French Embassy in Washington at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel. (202) 944 6000, or one of the French Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco for the most current visa information.

Special Note: Overseas departments and territories of France (i.e. those not located in Europe) are not included in the Schengen Agreement. Please see Country Specific Information on French Guiana, French Polynesia, and the French West Indies for entry and exit requirements. For other departments and territories, visit the Embassy of France website for the most current visa and entry requirement information for those areas.

Monaco: For further information on entry requirements to Monaco, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco, 888 17th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20006, Tel: (202) 234-1530, Email: info@monacodc.org; or the Consulate General of Monaco, 565 Fifth Avenue – 23rd floor, New York, NY 10017, Tel: (212) 286-0500, Email: info@monaco-consulate.com.

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page. We recommend that your passport have at least six months’ validity remaining.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of France.

Find information about dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Visit the website of the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Switzerland.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Helpful resources

• Embassy of Italy Visa Information
• Consulate General of Italy in New York
• Dual Nationality
• Prevention of International Child Abduction
• Customs Regulations
• Italian Customs

Traveling through Europe

If you plan to visit or travel through Europe, know the Schengen Agreement's requirements:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the period of stay. Visit our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You will need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.
• Passports and visas
• U.S. citizens must arrive at Italian ports of entry with a valid passport. This regulation is strictly enforced. If your passport has ever been reported as lost or stolen, or is expired, Italian authorities could deny you entry and return you immediately to the United States.
• U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
• If you intend to live or stay in Italy for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa from an Italian Embassy or Consulate. Once in Italy, you must also obtain a permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno). You can get more information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polizia di Stato.

HIV/AIDS restrictions

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Italy.