1. Short Stay Visa Requirements : up to 90 days
American passport holders are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
As of October 18th, 2013, the rules for calculating short stays within the Schengen area have changed.
More details and a calculator online on the European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affair...
Exceptions are limited to government travelers who are holders of diplomatic or official passports and do need a visa.
Visitors who intend to work in France do need to obtain a work authorization or get their "convention d’accueil" prior to their arrival in France.
2. Long Stay Visa Requirements : more than 90 days
American passport holders are all required to obtain a visa to spend more than 90 days in France.
Please check our "long stay visas" section.
