Bordeaux Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Bordeaux, located in southwestern France, follows the entry requirements of the French Republic and the European Union's Schengen Area. As one of France's major cities and a popular tourist destination known for its wine, architecture, and culture, Bordeaux welcomes millions of international visitors annually through Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport and other entry points. Entry requirements depend primarily on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. For most short-term tourist visits (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), travelers from many countries can enter visa-free, while others may need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before travel. The immigration process in Bordeaux is generally straightforward, with passport control conducted upon arrival at the airport or other ports of entry. All travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date from the Schengen Area and was issued within the last 10 years. It's essential to have proof of accommodation, sufficient funds for your stay, and a return or onward ticket. France maintains high security standards, so allow extra time for immigration and customs procedures, especially during peak travel seasons.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bordeaux, as part of France and the Schengen Area, follows EU visa policies. Requirements vary based on nationality and purpose of visit. The Schengen Area allows free movement between 27 European countries once you've entered.

Visa-Free Entry (Currently)

90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter France and the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays. From 2025, ETIAS authorization will be required.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico All EU/EEA countries and Switzerland (no time limit)

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a national ID card. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not per country.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

90 days within any 180-day period (authorization valid for 3 years or until passport expires)

From 2025, visa-exempt travelers must obtain ETIAS authorization before traveling to the Schengen Area

Includes

All currently visa-exempt countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and approximately 60 other countries

How to Apply: Apply online at official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before departure. Application typically processed within minutes to 72 hours. Required for air, sea, and land entry.
Cost: €7 (free for travelers under 18 or over 70)

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. One authorization covers all Schengen countries. Keep a copy (digital or printed) to present at border control.

Schengen Visa Required

Typically 90 days within 180-day period for tourist visas; varies by visa type

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a Schengen visa at a French embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at French embassy/consulate in your country of residence at least 15 days (recommended 3-4 weeks) before travel. Appointment required. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days in some cases.

Countries requiring Schengen visa include China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and many others. Required documents include completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, flight reservations, and financial means (approximately €65-120 per day). Visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport or other entry points, travelers go through immigration (passport control) and customs. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use separate, faster lanes. The process is typically efficient but can take 30-60 minutes during peak times.

Arrival and Signage

Follow signs for 'Arrivals' (Arrivées) and then 'Passport Control' (Contrôle des Passeports). Signs separate EU/EEA/Swiss nationals from other nationalities.

Passport Control/Immigration

Present your passport (and visa/ETIAS if required) to the border control officer. They may ask questions about your stay and stamp your passport. Biometric data may be collected. Keep all boarding passes until after clearing immigration.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim area (Livraison des bagages) and collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Report missing luggage immediately to your airline's desk in the baggage hall.

Customs

Choose the appropriate customs channel: Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare). Random checks may occur even in the green channel. Have customs declaration form ready if required.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After customs, exit to the main arrivals hall where you can access ground transportation, car rentals, or meet greeters.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Must have at least 2 blank pages.

Visa or ETIAS Authorization

If required based on nationality. Keep printed or digital copy accessible.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Should cover entire stay.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Schengen Area within allowed timeframe.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or sponsorship letter. Recommended minimum €65-120 per day of stay.

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended and mandatory for visa applicants. Should cover medical expenses minimum €30,000 and repatriation.

Purpose of Visit Documentation

Conference registration, business invitation, tour itinerary, etc., if applicable.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in a travel folder before reaching immigration

Be polite, patient, and answer questions clearly and honestly. Immigration officers are conducting security checks.

Keep track of your days in the Schengen Area using the 90/180 rule calculator to avoid overstaying

Save digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage or email as backup

Arrive at the airport with extra time during peak seasons (summer, holidays) as queues can be longer

Learn a few basic French phrases - while many officials speak English, courtesy is appreciated

Keep your passport stamp visible and don't fold or damage it - you may need to show it when leaving Schengen Area

If connecting through Bordeaux to another Schengen country, you'll clear immigration in Bordeaux, not your final destination

Customs & Duty-Free

French customs regulations apply in Bordeaux. Rules differ for travelers arriving from EU countries versus non-EU countries. The 'red' and 'green' channel system operates at the airport. Bordeaux customs officers may conduct random checks. Declare items when in doubt to avoid penalties.

Alcohol (from non-EU countries)

1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of alcoholic beverages under 22% alcohol, PLUS 4 liters of wine AND 16 liters of beer

Must be 17 years or older. Different limits apply for arrivals from EU countries (higher allowances for personal use).

Tobacco (from non-EU countries)

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. Can combine products proportionally.

Must be 17 years or older. EU travelers can bring unlimited tobacco for personal use but may need to prove it's not for resale.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent

Amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared to customs. This applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and other monetary instruments. Declaration required when entering or leaving the EU.

Gifts/Goods (from non-EU countries)

€430 per person by air or sea (€300 by land); €150 for travelers under 15 years

Applies to goods for personal use. Value is purchase price or objective value. Goods exceeding this value are subject to duty and VAT. EU travelers have no limit for goods for personal use.

Perfume

50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

Applies to arrivals from non-EU countries only.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly forbidden with severe penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, etc.
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal skins, protected plants under CITES regulations
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - includes fresh, dried, or processed meats, milk, and eggs (exceptions for small amounts of certain products)
Certain plants and plant products - soil, potatoes, certain seeds without phytosanitary certificates
Offensive materials - hate speech materials, certain publications

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be in original packaging with prescription. Quantities limited to personal use (typically 3 months supply). Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in France.
Drones - registration may be required; flight restrictions apply in urban areas and near airports
Cultural artifacts - items over 50 years old may require export certificates from country of origin
Large amounts of cash - while legal if declared over €10,000, may require documentation of source
Professional equipment - cameras, laptops, etc. in commercial quantities may require ATA Carnet
Wine and alcohol for commercial purposes - requires special permits and duty payment
Pets - require EU pet passport or health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip (see special situations)

Health Requirements

France maintains high health and safety standards. Currently, there are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers entering Bordeaux from most countries. However, health requirements can change, particularly regarding pandemic-related measures.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required ONLY if arriving from or having transited through yellow fever endemic areas in Africa or South America within 6 days prior to arrival

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up to date with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B - for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Rabies - for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals
Tick-borne encephalitis - if visiting rural/forested areas during warmer months

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for Schengen visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage including medical emergencies and repatriation). EU/EEA citizens should bring European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to French public healthcare. Healthcare in France is excellent but can be expensive without insurance. Ensure policy covers COVID-19 related medical care.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been largely lifted as of 2024, but check current regulations before travel as they can change. Visit the French government's official website or your country's travel advisory. No testing or vaccination certificates currently required for most travelers, but this may change. Health screening measures may be in place at airports. Travelers should monitor health advisories and be prepared for potential quarantine requirements if exposed to contagious diseases during travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Paris or Bordeaux for citizen services, passport issues, or emergencies

US Embassy Paris: +33 1 43 12 22 22 | UK Consulate Bordeaux: +33 5 57 22 21 10 | Check your government's travel advisory website for complete contact information

French Immigration Authority (OFII)

Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration - for visa extensions, residence permits, and immigration questions

Website: www.ofii.fr | For Schengen visa information: France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr)

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 112 (EU-wide emergency number) or 15 (SAMU - medical), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire Brigade)

English-speaking operators available. For non-emergency police: Bordeaux Police: +33 5 56 90 77 77

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport

Airport information and services

Phone: +33 5 56 34 50 50 | Website: www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr | Lost luggage, flight information, and airport services

Tourist Information

Bordeaux Tourist Office (Office de Tourisme)

Phone: +33 5 56 00 66 00 | Multiple locations in Bordeaux city center | Can assist with accommodation, activities, and general visitor information

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be added to parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) in French or English, along with copy of that parent's ID. This is not legally required but strongly recommended to avoid delays. For divorced/separated parents, custody documents may be requested. Unaccompanied minors require airline-specific procedures and documentation. Children are subject to same visa requirements as adults.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) entering France from non-EU countries must: be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), have valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), have EU health certificate issued by veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and may require rabies antibody test depending on origin country. EU pets need EU Pet Passport. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain dog breeds are restricted or banned (category 1 and 2 dogs). Airlines have specific pet policies. Service animals have different requirements. Check French Agriculture Ministry website for current regulations.

Extended Stays (over 90 days)

For stays exceeding 90 days, a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) is required and must be obtained before arrival. Cannot be obtained after entering on tourist visa/visa-free entry. Apply at French embassy/consulate in home country. Types include: student visa (with university enrollment), work visa (with job offer and work permit), visitor visa (for retirees/financially independent), family reunification visa, or au pair visa. Processing takes 2-8 weeks. After arrival, must validate visa with OFII and may need to apply for residence permit (carte de séjour). Requirements vary by visa type but generally include proof of financial means, accommodation, health insurance, and purpose of stay.

Business Travelers

Business visits under 90 days for meetings, conferences, or negotiations typically allowed on tourist visa/visa-free entry. Cannot engage in paid employment or long-term work. Carry invitation letter from French company, proof of business registration, and conference documentation. For work assignments, work permit and appropriate visa required before arrival. Digital nomads working remotely for non-French companies are in legal grey area - tourist visa technically doesn't permit work, even remote. France is developing specific digital nomad visa programs.

Students

Students planning to study in Bordeaux for over 90 days need student visa (obtained before arrival). Must have acceptance letter from French educational institution, proof of financial means (€615/month minimum), health insurance, and accommodation. Campus France procedure required for many countries. Student visa allows part-time work (up to 964 hours/year). After arrival, validate visa with OFII and apply for student residence permit. Short courses under 90 days may be possible on tourist visa/visa-free entry.

Previous Immigration Violations

Travelers previously denied entry, deported, or overstayed in Schengen Area may face entry bans (typically 1-5 years). These are shared across Schengen countries. Must wait until ban expires or apply for ban lift. Previous violations will appear in immigration databases. Be honest if questioned - false statements can result in permanent ban. Consult with French embassy before attempting to travel if you have previous violations.