Strasbourg Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed May 2025. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Strasbourg follows French and Schengen visa policy. Citizens of some countries enter without paperwork, others apply online, and a smaller group must secure a sticker visa before travel.
No pre-arranged visa is needed for short stays.
The 90-day clock keeps running if you leave Strasbourg for another Schengen country. Time already spent elsewhere in the zone counts against the limit.
France will introduce its ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for previously visa-exempt travelers. The launch date has been pushed back to mid-2025 at the earliest.
Cost: Expected to be around €7 for travelers aged 18-70, free for minors and seniors
ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-travel screening linked to your passport and valid for three years or until the passport expires.
Travelers who must apply in advance for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C).
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, sometimes up to 45 during busy periods. The visa sticker is affixed inside the passport and lists Strasbourg as an entry point.
Arrival Process
Arriving in Strasbourg is straightforward whether you land at the compact airport, step off a TGV, or drive in from Germany.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Strasbourg follows EU-wide customs rules. Goods for personal use are usually waved through. But strict limits apply to alcohol, tobacco, and large cash sums.
Prohibited Items
- Meat and dairy from outside the EU - strict controls to prevent animal disease
- Counterfeit goods - handbags, watches, electronics. Will be confiscated
Restricted Items
- Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics - carry original prescription and a translated letter from your doctor
Health Requirements
France has lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions. Routine health checks at Strasbourg airport are no longer performed.
Required Vaccinations
- None for travelers arriving from any country
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine MMR and DTP boosters
- Seasonal influenza shot if visiting between November and March
Health Insurance
EU citizens should travel with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its digital replacement, the GHIC. All other visitors are strongly advised to purchase complete travel health insurance that covers repatriation.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
If only one parent is present, carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent plus copies of both parents' passports. For minors traveling alone, a formal authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians is required.
Dogs and cats need a microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU Pet Passport or EU health certificate. Entry is through designated border posts; Strasbourg airport and the A35 motorway crossing from Germany are authorized.
Tourists who want to remain in Strasbourg beyond 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at a French consulate before arrival. The process includes an interview, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds.
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Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
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