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France
Paris
EasyJet Strike Impacts Easter Travel in France
A 24-hour cabin crew strike in France on April 6 is expected to cancel up to 40% of EasyJet's French flights, causing significant disruption during a peak travel period.
EU Postpones ETIAS Rollout Until Late 2026
The European Union has officially pushed back the implementation of the ETIAS travel authorization system until late 2026. This means visa-exempt travelers and digital nomads entering France can continue to do so under current rules without the need for pre-travel security clearance or additional fees for the next two years.
France Rolls Out Biometric Border Tracking
France will roll out the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) across 50% of border points by April 2026, requiring non-EU travelers to undergo biometric enrollment. The ETIAS travel authorization will also launch later that year, impacting visa-exempt travelers and potentially increasing border wait times.
France Updates Visa Rules With Mandatory Online Booking
Effective February 2026, France has abolished walk-in visa applications, requiring all applicants to use the France-Visas portal for digital eligibility checks and biometric capture. This mandatory shift aims to reduce processing times by up to 20% and eliminate fraudulent bookings.
France Increases Residence Permit and Citizenship Fees
Starting May 1, 2026, France will implement a new fee structure for various visa and residence permit categories. Expats and digital nomads should prepare for higher administrative costs when applying for or renewing their legal stay in the country.
What to Know About France’s Proposed Immigration Freeze
France's Justice Minister has proposed a 2-3 year freeze on most legal immigration categories, potentially halting new residency permits until after the 2027 election. While doctors and researchers would be exempt, the move could significantly restrict options for new expats and digital nomads seeking to move to France.
France Updates Asylum Document Rules
Starting March 1, 2026, the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) will no longer require original documents for asylum applications. Applicants will be permitted to submit photocopies and retain their original identity and civil status documents throughout the process.
France Updates Residency Rules with Language and Civic Hurdles
France is implementing stricter immigration controls, including higher language proficiency standards for long-term residency and more rigorous integration interviews. Expats should prepare for enhanced background checks and stricter requirements when applying for or renewing multi-year permits.