Visa-Free Entry to United States 🇺🇸 for France 🇫🇷 Citizens
📅 Max stay: 90 days 🔄 Multiple entry 🆓 Fee: Free
✅ Good news: As a citizen of France, you can enter United States visa-free for up to 90 days.
Policy: U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
📅 Last verified: 2026-07-03
🎯 Eligible purposes
- Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a spectator
- Tourism
- Business meetings and conferences
- Visiting family or friends
- Short transit through the United States
📋 What you need to bring
Need to stay longer than 30 days?
The Visa Waiver Program caps each visit at 90 days and cannot be extended — comfortably long enough for the entire World Cup (11 June – 19 July 2026). If you need to stay longer, work, or study, apply for the appropriate U.S. visa (for example a B-1/B-2 visitor visa) at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do France citizens need a visa to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States?
No. France is a Visa Waiver Program country, so France passport holders do not need a U.S. visa for the World Cup. You travel on an approved ESTA instead, which permits tourism stays of up to 90 days.
How long can I stay, and does it cover the whole tournament?
Yes. ESTA admissions allow up to 90 days per visit — more than enough to cover the full FIFA World Cup 2026 window (11 June – 19 July 2026).
How do I apply for ESTA and how much does it cost?
Apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The fee is USD 40.27 (2026). Apply as soon as you plan the trip — approval is usually quick but can take up to 72 hours, and an approved ESTA is valid for 2 years.
Do I need to use FIFA PASS?
No. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) exists to help ticket holders from visa-required countries get a faster B-1/B-2 interview. Because you travel visa-free with ESTA, you do not need FIFA PASS — just apply for ESTA directly.
What if my ESTA is denied?
If ESTA is refused (for example because of past travel to a restricted country or a prior immigration issue), you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before travelling.
Which U.S. cities host World Cup matches?
The United States hosts 11 of the 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities: Atlanta, Boston (Foxborough), Dallas (Arlington), Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Inglewood), Miami, New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford), Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara) and Seattle. Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) and Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) host the rest.
Do I need a match ticket to enter the United States?
No — a match ticket is not required to enter on ESTA. Carry your passport, ESTA approval and a return or onward ticket. Having accommodation and match-ticket details on hand can still help at the border.