Patrick K. Says:
What are the rules governing the amount of time one can spend in France? I am a Canadian and am wondering if I can visit for six months at a time.
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Patrick,
For visits of shorter than 90 days, Canadian citizens need a passport but not an entry visa. (Although, from 2021, visitors to the “Schengen Area,” which includes France, will need to complete an online, pre-screening before travel.)
To stay in France for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, you will need a long-stay (type D) visa. These are visas for people who want to stay between three months and one year.
There are several types of long-stay visas available, depending on the reason for your stay, how long you plan to stay, and whether you plan to apply for a residence permit to settle in France on a long-term basis.
You’ll need to obtain this visa before traveling to France. You can apply through the French Consulate General in Montreal.
For more about visa and residency in France, check out the dedicated page on our website.
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