France entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Philippine passport holders need a visa to enter France in 2026. You must apply for a short-stay Schengen visa before you travel — no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver options exist for tourism or business visits under 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a short-stay Schengen visa (type C) before flying to France. Apply at the France-Visas portal, then submit your documents at the French embassy or VFS Global centre in Manila. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — book your appointment 3–4 weeks ahead.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Two blank pages are required for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration at Paris CDG and other Schengen entry points will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before boarding in Manila. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed attestation d'accueil (host declaration) from your host in France. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing at least €65 per day of your stay. French border police occasionally ask for this, especially if you have no return ticket or hotel booking. | Recommended |
Transit visa required even for airside connections
Philippine passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change planes in France, even if you don't go through passport control. Exceptions apply if you hold a valid Schengen visa, a residence permit from a Schengen country, or a valid visa from the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or certain other countries.
Overstay fines are steep
If you overstay your visa, you'll be fined €30–€50 per day. French immigration takes this seriously — it can lead to a ban from the entire Schengen area.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your Schengen visa online
Go to France-Visas.gouv.fr, create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the €80 fee. You'll get a list of required documents and an appointment confirmation.
2
Submit documents at the embassy or VFS centre
Bring your printed application, passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, and bank statements to the French embassy in Manila or the VFS Global centre in Makati. They'll take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for visa processing
Processing takes at least 15 calendar days. You can track your application online. Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker inside.
4
Arrive in France and go through immigration
At Paris CDG, Orly, or any Schengen entry point, join the 'All passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
5
Enjoy your stay and respect the 90-day limit
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Keep your passport and visa safe. If you overstay, you'll face fines (€30–€50 per day) and risk future Schengen visa denials.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years for frequent travelers)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Requires proof of multiple trips; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Talent Passport (Carte de Séjour Talent)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€269 (≈$293 USD) for application
For highly skilled workers, researchers, or entrepreneurs. Requires a job offer or business plan and proof of qualifications.
Apply student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) for visa, plus €50 (≈$55 USD) for residence permit
For full-time study at a French institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds (€615/month).
Apply retirement visa
Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) for visa, plus €50 (≈$55 USD) for residence permit
For retirees or those with sufficient passive income (at least €1,200/month). No work allowed.
Apply digital nomad visa
Talent Passport – International Freelancer
Up to 4 years, renewable
€269 (≈$293 USD) for application
For self-employed digital nomads with a proven business and income. Requires business registration and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa, non-refundable. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Long-stay visa (national D visa)For stays over 90 days, e.g., work, study, family reunification. | €99 (≈$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed upon departure; maximum cap varies but can be up to €500. | €30–€50 per day (≈$33–$55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through France
Transit visa required
Philippines passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change planes in France, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid Schengen visa or certain other visas.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa, residence permit, or long-stay visa
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the United States
- Holders of a valid visa for the United Kingdom (including Gibraltar) or Ireland
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural/forested areas, especially in eastern France.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good; risk is minimal for most travelers.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris – Service des Étrangers
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required online.
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône – Service des Étrangers
Place Félix Baret, 13001 Marseille
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals and residence card applications.
Practical information for PH travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Philippine passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver program for France.
Processing takes at least 15 calendar days from the date you submit your documents. It can take longer during peak season (summer, holidays). Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
The standard fee is €80 (about $87 USD) for adults. This is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. Children aged 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free.
You'll be fined €30–€50 per day of overstay, with a maximum cap that can reach €500. Overstaying also makes it very difficult to get future Schengen visas — you'll likely be denied.
Yes. Philippine passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change planes in France, even if you stay airside. Exceptions apply if you hold a valid Schengen visa, a residence permit from a Schengen country, or a valid visa from the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or certain other countries.
No. Short-stay Schengen visas cannot be extended for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (national D visa) before traveling.
Have your passport with valid visa, return flight ticket, hotel booking or host invitation, travel insurance, and proof of funds (bank statements or credit card). Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.