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France
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France ends third-party Schengen visa filings for Russians in Russia
Russian citizens applying for French Schengen visas must now submit their applications in person or through immediate family members. The new rule eliminates the use of third-party agencies and representatives for the application process.
Huge win for Nomads: Foreign remote workers can legally use a visitor residence permit in France
The French government confirmed that remote workers can reside in France on a 'visitor' permit if their work has no connection to the French economy. However, those working with French clients or companies must obtain a specific work permit and appropriate residency status.
Portugal uses Eurodac and ESP to track non-EU travelers at Schengen borders
The EU has activated the first phase of the new Eurodac system and the European Search Portal to modernize border data infrastructure. These interoperable IT systems allow authorities to instantly verify biometric data and track entry/exit history for all non-EU travelers across the Schengen Area.
The small print in the limited validity ETIAS for humanitarian emergencies
The European Union has introduced a restricted ETIAS version for travelers with humanitarian needs or urgent obligations. This authorization is valid for a maximum of 90 days and only permits entry into the specific countries listed on the application.
France requires 80% on civic exam and B2 French for naturalisation
The French Interior Ministry is reviewing proposals to streamline the citizenship process and improve accessibility for foreign retirees. While not yet law, these changes would simplify long-term settlement for expats and older international residents.
EU confirms ETIAS will start in the last quarter for 60 nations
The European Union confirmed that the ETIAS pre-travel authorization system for visa-free nationals is now scheduled to go live in late 2026. Travelers from over 60 countries will eventually need this digital permit to enter the Schengen Area for short stays.
EU extends detention to 30 months for irregular stays in Portugal
The EU approved a new Return Regulation allowing for deportation centers outside the bloc and tougher entry bans for those without legal status. While targeting irregular migration, the law expands police powers to verify residency documents for all foreign residents across the Schengen Area.
EU Single Digital Booking regulation grants tourists 50% refund for rail delays
On 2026-05-13, the European Commission proposed EU-wide rules to make cross-border rail travel easier, including single-ticket booking across multiple operators and stronger protection for missed connections. This matters for travelers and nomads using rail networks across Europe because it would reduce fragmentation and improve refunds, rerouting, and compensation.
EU Pact on Migration and Asylum starts applying 10 laws on June 12
The European Commission said the Pact on Migration and Asylum is on track for full application on 2026-06-12, with key border screening and procedure systems now largely in place. Travelers, expats, and digital nomads entering or moving within the EU should expect further operational changes at external borders as member states finish implementation.
EU gives travelers 14 days for cash refunds under revised directive
The updated EU Package Travel Directive took effect on 2026-05-27, strengthening refund, voucher, and insolvency-protection rules for package travellers across the EU. Nomads and expats who book package trips in Europe should note clearer complaint deadlines and better protections if an organiser becomes insolvent.
France orders ANEF to fix residence portal within 6 months
France’s top administrative court has mandated the government to resolve technical failures on the ANEF digital platform. The ruling aims to end persistent outages that have blocked expats from submitting residence permit applications and work authorizations.
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.
EES now replaces passport stamps at Schengen borders
The EU's new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) will automate border controls across 29 Schengen countries, digitizing stay tracking and replacing physical passport stamps for non-EU travelers.
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.