05/08/2026
🚨 Still relying on the "they won't notice" strategy?
Since October 2025, France has been using the Entry/Exit System (EES), recording entries and exits electronically instead of relying on passport stamps.
By April 2026, around 7,000 travellers had already been refused entry to the EU for exceeding the 90/180-day rule.
If you're from a country that follows the 90/180 rule (including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and others), overstaying can result in a €198 fine, usually issued when leaving France. ⚠️ If you're found before you leave, the consequences can be more serious, including an order to leave the country.
The good news? If you already know you'll need more than 90 days, you don't have to take the risk.
A 6-month temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) allows you to extend your stay legally. Once it expires, your 90-day Schengen allowance begins again immediately, meaning you can spend up to 9 months in France in a single stay without overstaying. Each VLS-T application is assessed individually and isn't renewable from within France.
🇫🇷 Planning a longer stay? Book a free consultation to find the right option for your situation, or save this post for when you need it.
