Do Australia passport holders need a visa to visit France (Schengen)?

No visa is required. Australian ordinary passport holders can visit France visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen short-stay rules. As of 30 May 2026, Australian ordinary passport holders do not need a visa to visit France for tourism or short visits. France is part of the Schengen Area, so Australians enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period — this 90-day limit is cumulative across all Schengen countries, not per country. The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. Since 10 April 2026, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) has been operational at all Schengen external borders, meaning Australians now register biometric data (fingerprints and a facial photo) on first entry instead of having their passports manually stamped. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — a paid online pre-travel authorisation (around €20, valid up to 3 years) — is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026 with a six-month transitional grace period; it is NOT yet required as of this research date. Travellers should monitor official EU channels for the confirmed ETIAS start date. For stays longer than 90 days, or for work or study, a national long-stay visa from a French consulate is required.