How France Boosts the Travel Industry with Visa-Free Entry to 161 Countries Including Canada, US, UK, China, South Africa, and Japan?

How France Boosts the Travel Industry with Visa-Free Entry to 161 Countries Including Canada, US, UK, China, South Africa, and Japan?

Favorite

Reading Time: 5 minutes

France boosts global tourism as its passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 161 countries, enhancing opportunities for leisure, business, and international events.

French passport ranked second according to Passport Index, France passport holders can travel visa-free to 161 countries and territories, enhancing opportunities for leisure, business, events, and meetings. This freedom significantly boosts global travel and tourism.

France’s robust tourism infrastructure, exceptional hospitality services, and diverse attractions continue to draw millions of visitors. The visa-free access for French citizens not only facilitates leisure travel but also promotes business and event tourism, contributing to global economic growth and international cooperation.

France is deeply committed to sustainability, with French tourists often willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel and accommodations compared to other Europeans. EU research indicates that nearly half of French citizens (48%) prioritize staying in sustainably certified lodgings. This growing environmental awareness is reflected in their travel choices, with many opting to travel less frequently but stay longer and favoring alternative transport options like trains over flights.

The number of outbound tourist trips from France saw a significant rise in 2022, recovering from the sharp decline during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. While outbound trips peaked at approximately 29.6 million in 2019, they plummeted to around 11 million in 2020 but rebounded to nearly 26.8 million by 2022. Air travel dominated the mode of transportation, with about 15.3 million departures by plane in 2022. According to Statista

France’s outbound tourism spending surged in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with expenditures reaching around 49 billion USD. From 2019 to 2023, the French tourism sector expanded due to rising disposable incomes, enhanced air connectivity, and a growing interest in international travel experiences. In 2023, France reaffirmed its position as a leading outbound tourism market, with almost 50 million outbound visits and 60 billion EUR in overseas spending. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to grow from 37 million USD in 2024 to 56.8 million USD by 2034, with a projected CAGR of 4.3%.

Individuals holding a French passport enjoy the privilege of visa-free travel to 161 different countries and regions, enhancing their opportunities for leisure, business, events, and meetings, and significantly boosting global travel and tourism.

1. Gibraltar

2. Grenada

3. Saint Lucia

4. Colombia

5. Austria

6. American Samoa

7. Kiribati

8. Mongolia

9. Slovakia

10. Luxembourg

11. Guatemala

12. Italy

13. Zimbabwe

14. Mauritius

15. Norway

16. Estonia

17. Palau

18. Honduras

19. Turkey

20. Niue

21. Finland

22. Vietnam

23. Thailand

24. Botswana

25. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

26. Czechia

27. Panama

28. Samoa

29. Kosovo

30. Solomon Islands

31. Suriname

32. Moldova

33. Réunion

34. Bulgaria

35. Faroe Islands

36. Netherlands

37. Belgium

38. Cyprus

39. Fiji

40. Bermuda

41. Trinidad and Tobago

42. São Tomé and Príncipe

43. Hungary

44. Kenya

45. Denmark

46. Tonga

47. Myanmar

48. New Caledonia

49. United Kingdom

50. Lesotho

51. Greenland

52. Gabon

53. Slovenia

54. Japan

55 Anguilla

56. Poland

57. Brazil

58. Morocco

59. Uzbekistan

60. Seychelles

61. Gabon

62. Estonia

63. Japan

64. Albania

65. Northern Mariana Islands

66. Vanuatu

67. Guam

68. Cook Islands

69. Montenegro

70. Micronesia

71. Vietnam

72. Liechtenstein

73. Luxembourg

74. Samoa

75. Saint Martin

76. Nicaragua

77. Marshall Islands

78. Montenegro

79. Tunisia

80. Uruguay

81. French West Indies

82. Germany

83. Portugal

84. Saint Kitts and Nevis

85. Croatia

86. Laos

87. Palau

88. Sweden

89. Grenada

90. Eswatini

91. Palau

92. Norway

93. Malta

94. Palau

95. New Zealand

96. Bahamas

97. Kenya

98. Belgium

99. Philippines

100. Tonga

101. Bermuda

102. Croatia

103. Turkey

104. Uruguay

105. Mozambique

106. Fiji

107. Bulgaria

108. Denmark

109. Lithuania

110. Belize

111. Colombia

112. Switzerland

113. Latvia

114. Australia

115. Serbia

116. Nauru

117. Cook Islands

118. Cook Islands

119. Rwanda

120. Zimbabwe

121. Timor-Leste

122. Malta

123. Kazakhstan

124. Eswatini

125. Faroe Islands

126. Zambia

127. Netherlands

128. Malaysia

129. Kuwait

130. Guatemala

131. Israel

132. Colombia

133. Ecuador

134. Lithuania

135. Peru

136. Australia

137. Bahamas

138. Gambia

139. Tajikistan

140. Tanzania

141. Venezuela

142. Czechia

143. Barbados

144. Bosnia and Herzegovina

145. United States Virgin Islands

146. Philippines

147. Antigua and Barbuda

148. Estonia

149. Portugal

150. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

151. Suriname

152. Cyprus

153. Belize

154. United Arab Emirates

155. Samoa

156. Albania

157. Saudi Arabia

158. Papua New Guinea

159. Honduras

160. Argentina

161. Hungary

France’s commitment to sustainable tourism, combined with a strong rebound in outbound travel, underscores its pivotal role in the global tourism landscape. The increased willingness of French tourists to invest in eco-friendly options and their preference for longer stays and alternative travel methods reflect a growing environmental consciousness. With outbound tourism spending nearly back to pre-pandemic levels and projections indicating substantial growth, France continues to be a major player in international tourism. This trajectory not only highlights the resilience of the French travel sector but also its potential for further expansion and innovation in the coming years.

Tourist destination of the countries:

Canada

Banff National Park: Stunning mountainous landscapes and vibrant wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. Niagara Falls: Iconic and breathtaking waterfalls, a must-see natural wonder. CN Tower, Toronto: One of the world’s tallest structures offering panoramic city views. Old Quebec: Historic district with charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Vancouver’s Stanley Park: Expansive urban park with scenic seawall and lush greenery.

United States

Grand Canyon: Awe-inspiring natural wonder with dramatic vistas and hiking trails. Statue of Liberty, New York: Symbol of freedom and democracy, offering insightful tours. Yellowstone National Park: Home to geothermal features like geysers and diverse wildlife. Disney World, Orlando: World-famous theme park with magical experiences for all ages. Las Vegas Strip: Iconic entertainment district with casinos, shows, and nightlife.

United Kingdom

London’s Tower Bridge: Historic landmark and engineering marvel with stunning views. Stonehenge: Mysterious prehistoric stone circle with significant cultural heritage. Edinburgh Castle: Majestic fortress with rich history and panoramic city views. Lake District National Park: Picturesque landscapes ideal for hiking and relaxation. Windsor Castle: The oldest and largest inhabited castle, home to British royalty.

China

Great Wall of China: Ancient fortification stretching over 13,000 miles with breathtaking views. Forbidden City, Beijing: Vast palace complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace. Terracotta Army, Xi’an: Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor. Guilin’s Li River: Scenic river with striking karst mountain landscapes. Shanghai’s The Bund: Waterfront area with colonial-era buildings and modern skyline views.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: Premier safari destination with diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. Table Mountain, Cape Town: Iconic flat-topped mountain offering panoramic city and ocean views. Robben Island: Historical site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, now a museum. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: Vibrant harbor with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Blyde River Canyon: One of the world’s largest canyons, known for its lush scenery and viewpoints.

Japan

Mount Fuji: Japan’s highest peak, a symbol of national pride and natural beauty. Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates leading up a mountain. Tokyo Tower: Iconic structure offering spectacular views of the city skyline. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Site commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb. Osaka Castle: Historic castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and a rich history museum.

Canada

Banff National Park: Stunning mountainous landscapes and vibrant wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. Niagara Falls: Iconic and breathtaking waterfalls, a must-see natural wonder. CN Tower, Toronto: One of the world’s tallest structures offering panoramic city views. Old Quebec: Historic district with charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Vancouver’s Stanley Park: Expansive urban park with scenic seawall and lush greenery.

United States

Grand Canyon: Awe-inspiring natural wonder with dramatic vistas and hiking trails. Statue of Liberty, New York: Symbol of freedom and democracy, offering insightful tours. Yellowstone National Park: Home to geothermal features like geysers and diverse wildlife. Disney World, Orlando: World-famous theme park with magical experiences for all ages. Las Vegas Strip: Iconic entertainment district with casinos, shows, and nightlife.

United Kingdom

London’s Tower Bridge: Historic landmark and engineering marvel with stunning views. Stonehenge: Mysterious prehistoric stone circle with significant cultural heritage. Edinburgh Castle: Majestic fortress with rich history and panoramic city views. Lake District National Park: Picturesque landscapes ideal for hiking and relaxation. Windsor Castle: The oldest and largest inhabited castle, home to British royalty.

China

Great Wall of China: Ancient fortification stretching over 13,000 miles with breathtaking views. Forbidden City, Beijing: Vast palace complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace. Terracotta Army, Xi’an: Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor. Guilin’s Li River: Scenic river with striking karst mountain landscapes. Shanghai’s The Bund: Waterfront area with colonial-era buildings and modern skyline views.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: Premier safari destination with diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. Table Mountain, Cape Town: Iconic flat-topped mountain offering panoramic city and ocean views. Robben Island: Historical site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, now a museum. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: Vibrant harbor with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Blyde River Canyon: One of the world’s largest canyons, known for its lush scenery and viewpoints.

Japan

Mount Fuji: Japan’s highest peak, a symbol of national pride and natural beauty. Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates leading up a mountain. Tokyo Tower: Iconic structure offering spectacular views of the city skyline. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Site commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb. Osaka Castle: Historic castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and a rich history museum.

Share On: