EES : Entre/Exit System requirements to travel to Europe
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) started to be operational on 12 October 2025. This is a new system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries, whether they require a short-stay visa or not, each time they cross the borders of the Schengen area.
European countries using the EES are introducing the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
The EES system will modernize the process for entering the Schengen area by replacing manual stamps in the passports of non-EU nationals.
Visa
Do I need a visa?
Entry and working conditions for foreign cast & crews depend on the nationality of the professional and the duration of the stay in France.
Some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements, such as EU, EEA and Swiss nationals.
The Visa wizard on the official website for visas to France will help you determine the visa requirements depending on the situation :
Type of visa
Entry visas can be broken down into two main categories:
- Short-stay visa
- Long-stay visa
The duration of your visa will depend on the length of your stay in France.
- A short-stay visa allows you to remain in the Schengen area. For short stays, repeated over time, you can obtain a travel visa.
- A long-stay visa allows you to stay more than 3 months and to settle in France. If you stay between 3 months and 1 year, you will have a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit.
Applying for a visa
Applicants are advised to apply at least one month before the planned date of arrival in France. Processing timescales can vary from one consulate or embassy to another.
Applicant’s passport must be valid for 3 months after the date of departure from France and have two blank pages facing each other.
Work permit
Whatever their nationality, non-European foreign cast and crew do not need a work permit to work in France for less than 90 days.
In accordance with Article L. 5221-2-1 of the Labor Code, foreigners entering France to engage in salaried employment for a period of three months or less in the following fields are not subject to the condition set forth in Article L. 5221-2(2) of the same code:
- 1° Sporting, cultural, artistic, and scientific events;
- 2° Conferences, seminars, and trade shows;
- 3° Film, audiovisual, entertainment, and music production and distribution, when the foreign national is a performing artist or technical staff directly involved in production or direction;
- 4° Modeling and artistic posing;
- 5° Personal services and domestic workers during their private employers’ stay in France;
- 6° Auditing and consulting assignments in IT, management, finance, insurance, architecture, and engineering, when seconded in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 1262-1 of the Labor Code;
- 7° Teaching activities provided on an occasional basis by visiting professors.
For non-European nationals filming for more than 3 months in France, a work permit will be required to obtain a visa (Talent Passport are exempted).
Contacts
For further information, please contact Film France CNC: