France new tourist registration rules, effective from 2025, aim to enhance the immigration system’s efficiency and security. Each year, France gets millions of both international and domestic tourists, making the country one of the most visited in the world. From the Eiffel Tower, to the French Riviera, or exploring the vineyard at Bordeaux, every attraction in France is a must visit! However, like with any other country, ensuring a hassle-free entry into France is important for every traveler.
France is adding new sets of rules for tourist registrations in order to make the immigration system more effective and secure which will come into effect from 2025. Thus, if you are planning a visit to France, it is important to know how to register in order to avoid problems at the entry point. The length of this guide will provide every piece of information that one might need regarding the new tourist registration system in France and the implications of failing to register.s
Causes for France’s Requirement of Tourist Registration System
Like many systems around the world, France new travel regulations for 2025 specifically the tourist registration system are meant to facilitate greater movement within the member states in Europe for efficient border control issues.The objective reasons for this policy include the following:
Increasing Security
As part of the French system, visitors are vetted prior to boarding which minimizes potential security risks and screening is done without physical contact.
Adoption of the New European Union (EU) Regulations
France is now adopting policies aligned with the security measures of the Schengen Area, these policies include an application of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Preparations for Major Events
Like the Olympic Sports Festivals, France makes anticipation of large events, such as the Olympics in Paris 2024, proactive so the influx of tourists can be well managed with alteration of regulations to ensure safety and convenience in travel.
Greater Control Over Border Security
The new ETIAS system allows for the efficient management of border immigration control in France which helps in minimizing over congestion at the airports and transit borders.
France set to tighten tourist rental restrictions in 2025
New legislation regarding the management of tourist rentals took effect in January 2025 after long discussions and debates in the French Parliament last year
In November, 2024, lawmakers in France’s parliament [the Assemblée Nationale] passed a bill intended to strengthen short-term rental accommodation in an effort to address the country’s lack of affordable housing.
The bill had been first nespro stated when the French government approved the French Sénat [the upper house of the parliament] before the Assemblée Nationale [lower house] adopted the legislation by a lop sided majority. The far-right Rassemblement National [RN] group also voted against the bill.
These provisions will impact the patterns of all short-term and seasonal rental proprietors in France, including Airbnb hosts, gîtes [cottages] owners and holiday home proprietors.
They primarily concern modifications to the rules concerning tax allowances, the energy performance diagnostics of buildings, and the growing powers of the mayors of French towns and cities.
Property Owners Tax
Effective January 2025, short-term rental property owners now have to prove that the property they are renting out is their primary residence registered on the national E-service. Additionally, they will have to submit a personally issued tax notice with the entirety of the rented property’s location.
Tax allowances for non-commercial accommodations will be implemented in 2025. The legislation will reduce tax allowances for previously untaxed holiday short-term rentals from 50% to 30%, capping this category at €15000, while eliminating tax perks for furnished apartment rentals for tourist from 71% to 50%, while capping it at €77,700. These new terms will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
All new applications for short-term rental listings lodged within ‘tense zones’ (regions grappling with shortages of properties available for rent which subsequently hikes up the prices) must accompany their change of use applications with a current DPE (diagnosis de performance energetique). By 2025, the minimal energy efficiency rating threshold is set to be at an F, escalating to A to D by 2034 for furnished short-term rentals by 2028.
The system will only be applicable to France so owners are given 10 years to comply to the Climate and Resilience Act of 2021.
Inhabitants can appoint any owner at any time for complying or starting administrative penalty of 100 euros per day for failing to provide a current DPE. Owners of properties not meeting the DPE requirements for short term rentals without the required certification will be financially charged approximately for 5000 euros for each property along the lines of the law’s non compliance.
More Rigid Local Restrictions and Fines in France’s Rental Regulations of 2025
On the other hand, local authorities will be permitted to set limits on the overall number of properties available for rental, places of primary residency that can be built, as well as set a quota for the maximum number of regions that can be rented out.
Those municipalities will now allow a principal residence utilized for tourism to be rented for up to 90 days a year., an increase from 120 days. Special civil fines can be imposed for renting without authorization more than the allowed number of days, with a max of €15,000.
Mayors are also granted the power to penalize non-registration at the French national online platform with a fine of €10,000 and an even bigger fine of €20,000 for overstating registration status or providing fake registration details.
All co-owners of vacation rentals in France, starting from 2025, will also have the obligation to notify the mayor/municipality about their status. However, the newly formulated rules on coownership may or may not restrict the letting of the unit for tourist or vacation purposes.
What is the amount of the tourist tax in France?
France new tourist rules also recently introduced new tourist tax policies regarding lodging that came into effect in 2025. This tax came into place a few years ago and will be expanded by the local authorities in 2025. This tax is set at a sliding scale and is charged from 20 cents per person per night in one-star accommodations and campsites to €4.80 per person per night in the most posh hotels. As for Paris, there is slightly more range – with tax per stay, in one-star accommodation guests will be charged €0.65, and €15.60 in ‘palace’ hotels whose room rates average around €1,000 a night. Most of these taxes are collected at check-in, and those using Airbnb get it included in the total cost for booking.
Tourists should note that, from January 1 2025, new emissions legislation will restrict entry into the inner suburbs of the capital to older vehicles.
In addition to the tourist tax, there is also a regional tax and both vary according to the type of accommodation. In total, the combined taxes range from as low as €1.95 for campsites up to €15.60 per person per night for the most luxurious accommodation.
Citizens from Britain traveling to the Schengen zone like France will currently face no paperwork, although this will change later this year 2025 when a new regulation is set to be implemented.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), as well as the new Entry/Exit System (EES), have faced unending delays. As of now, the new ETIAS system is expected to be in place by 2025, at best.
The EU has stated ETIAS will be available for use starting six months after the EES is in place for expanded Schengen access. It is estimated to cost around €7, but no exact predictions can be made as to when it will actually be deployed.
Who is Subjected to NEW registration?
The France tourist visa changes in 2025 come with new rules of tourist registration that are applied mostly to international travelers from other countries who do not need a visa to stay in France for a short period. Here’s how it works
Mandatory registration: France tourist visa changes 2025 means that Citizens of countries which are in the Schengen Zone and do not need a visa for short visits; case in point, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.
Foreign visitors who wish to remain in France for tourism, business, or visiting family for up to 90 days.
Non Applicable:
- People from EU and Schengen Area countries.
- Persons holding valid Schengen visa cards.
- Government employees like diplomats on state visits.
- Other specific groups such as people having long term visas.
How to Apply for Entry Into France
To register as a tourist, the first step a traveler has to undertake is creating an account. To do this, please fill in your details below and submit.
- Set Up Account: Go to the ETIAS Portal. This has to be done by travelers at the official ETIAS website or App.
- Complete the Registration form: Type out the required information such as your full name, date of birth, passport details and travel plans, as well as any accompanying documents.
- Answer Security Questions – You will be asked if you have a criminal background, certain medical conditions, or if you have been previously denied a visa.
- Pay the Registration Fee – The application fee is close to €7 and can be paid through a credit or debit card.
- Receive Authorization – Most applications are processed in a few minutes. However, to avoid delays, travelers are advised to apply few days in advance.
France’s ETIAS System and Its Impact on Travelers
What is ETIAS?
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), it is a system that allows citizens that do not belong to the EU to enter Schengen countries, France included, without the need for a visa.
Key Features of ETIAS
France ETIAS requirement is that holders can stay in France continuously not exceeding 90 days within 6 months after the date of last entry into Schengen Zone like France.
Validity: Approved ETIAS is valid for 3 years or the life of your passport, which ever comes first.
Multiple Entries: ETIAS holders can enter France multiple times during the time it remains valid.
Processing Time: Although most applications are processed within minutes, it’s advisable for travelers to apply at least 72 hours prior to departure.
Countries Covered: ETIAS grants visitors the ability to travel to all Schengen countries and not only France.
Consequences of Not Registering
Not registering on the new framework may lead to important inconveniences when traveling, such as:
Denied Boarding – Passengers traveling without the requisite documentation may not be permitted to board planes flying into France.
Entry Denied at Border – Travelers who have not registered themselves will be subjected to denial of entry.
Fines or Deportation – There can be consequences like fines as a result of non-compliance to set regulations or immediate deportation.
Future Travel Restrictions – Non-compliance with France entry requirements in 2025 can have an impact on future travel plans to France and other Schengen countries.
Tips for a Smooth Registration and Travel Experience
In order to avoid challenges and enjoy a pleasing trip to France, the following recommended steps should be undertaken:
- Register early to beat unexpected complications. Travelers to France are encouraged to apply for ETIAS a week or so before their planned date of travel.
- Double-check your information even the most minute of inaccuracies in the application can cause the user unwarranted inconvenience.
- Keep a copy of your ETIAS Approval for effortless travel during the trip. An ideal approach is keeping a printed or saved copy of the addendum grant as proof of approval.
- Ensure passport validity before traveling, Also, ensure your passport will be valid for at least three months after you are set to leave France.
- Consider travel insurance – Travelers applying for a Schengen visa may need to show an insurance policy, which covers the trip’s duration, to be accepted.
- Check for updates before traveling. Always ensure to check sites like France-visas.gouv.fr or ETIAS.com for any changes or new information. You can also check our website esalesinternational as we have the latest information and guides related to France.
How New Tourist Rules Impact Travel to France
The implementation of new regulations by France changes the framework for entry from non-EU countries. Few changes are expected with these. It will improve the effectiveness of security and border management by allowing smarter checks on movement of people. Registered travelers may also enjoy facilitated border control procedures which would result in reduced delays at borders with checkpoints. Moreover, the increased use of ETIAS across the Schengen zone will make it a norm for movement within Europe. In addition, France may be able to adjust or expand the system’s provisions depending on its effectiveness after the implementation.
Conclusion
Given France’s ETIAS requirement in 2025, tourists now have to familiarize themselves with these new guidelines to easen their entrance into the nation. While accessing the Schengen area, travelers can have their peace of mind knowing that their safety is increased through compliance and do remember to register before the trip. Also, before planning your trip, make sure to validate entry prerequisites as well as check the official ETIAS updates. Prepare for your trip early and register as needed. France is one of the more beautiful countries in the world so you shouldn’t waste time.
Should you be interested in acquiring a property in France, feel free to reach out to eSales International. Our team will be glad to walk you through the entire process. Get in touch for legal and professional assistance so you have a smooth experience.
FAQs
- What is ETIAS and does one need it to travel to France?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System ETIAS is a newly developed electronic authorization that will take effect in 2025 for visitors other than EU citizens traveling to the Schengen Area, including France. Starting 2025, citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia will have to acquire ETIAS prior to traveling to EU countries.
- What are the steps taken to apply for an ETIAS to France?
To apply for ETIAS, an individual has to access their official website or download their mobile application. You will have to fill out personal and passport info, along with a few security question answers. The fee is approximately €7 and can be paid with a credit/debit card. Most applications are approved on the spot but should be filled out a few days prior to traveling.
- Is it possible to use ETIAS for multiple trips to France and for how long is it valid?
As a France entry requirement in 2025, ETIAS will allow you to travel to France and the other Schengen Area countries for 90 days within a 180-day period. It is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- What will happen if I arrive in France without an ETIAS with new rules?
People coming in without a legitimate ETIAS could be blocked from boarding the flight by the airline or prevented from entering at French immigration control. Those found breaking this law risk incurring fines, possible deportation, and barring them from re-entering the Schengen Region for a specified time.
- Are there any exemptions to the ETIAS requirement for entering France?
Yes. Citizens of the EU and Schengen zone countries, valid Schengen visa holders, diplomats, attending government officials on a mission, and some special categories like long stay visa holders do not follow the ETIAS requirement.
