2023, France attracted 100 million international tourists. This makes it the world's top travel destination. Learn the eligibility, application process, fees and more.
France's Short-term Visit visas, particularly for tourism, saw a significant increase of 57.7%, in 2023. It is a must-visit destination. France is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural charm. Its iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, alongside world-class cuisine and wine, make it a top choice for travellers.
This article is right for you if you are also looking to visit France.
If you are a foreign national from a country outside the Schengen Area, you will need a tourist visa to visit France. However, citizens of countries that have agreements with the Schengen Area might not need a visa. For instance, EU citizens can travel to France without a tourist visa.
Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to travel to France. France is in the Schengen Area, which is a group of European countries with open borders. Because of this, you need a visa to enter France.
Image: Illustration of different visa types with icons and brief descriptions
A short-stay visa permits foreign nationals to enter and stay in France for up to 3 months, i.e. 90 days. These visas can be issued for single-entry, allowing one stay, or multiple-entry, permitting several successive short stays. You can obtain a short-stay visa for various reasons, including:
Additionally, a visa is required for transit through France if you leave the international zone at any airport. This applies whether you need to switch airports or are waiting for a connecting flight at a hotel or with friends.
Range from €35 to €60 (INR 3203 - INR 5492) depending on nationality, payable upon submission. Fees are non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful.
Some formalities might incur additional charges if outsourced to external service providers.
The "Uniform Schengen" short-stay visa allows entry into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days. It is valid for travel within all or part of the Schengen Zone, with the visa label specifying the territories you can visit.
A Schengen member state may require consultation with other member states for visa applications from certain countries or specific groups. The relevant list of these countries can be found in the French language document here.
This visa can be issued for a single entry or multiple entries.
If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. This applies if you are studying, working, or staying for other extended reasons. This visa is required for foreign nationals from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. It is needed for those who wish to live in France for a longer period.
A long-stay visa allows foreign nationals to stay in France for more than three months. It is also used to obtain a residence permit to live in France for a specified period. Applications must be submitted to the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
The application and visa fee is €99 (INR 9062), regardless of the visa category. Fees are non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful.
To be eligible for a France Visit Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Use the visa wizard on the France-visas portal. It is to determine if you need a visa, the associated fees, and the required documents based on your specific situation.
Further, identify which authority (embassy or consulate) is responsible for processing your visa application. It will be based on your place of residence.
Complete the online visa application form. Ensure you have a valid travel document (passport), recent ID photos in the required format, and supporting documents (translated into French if necessary). Pay the application fees, due upon application.
Also, register on the France-visas website to save your application and receive a list of required documents. Book your appointment online.
Make an appointment with the visa application centre (VAC) well in advance of your departure. Check average waiting times and ensure you apply within the appropriate timeframe. It could be three months to two weeks prior for long stays, and six months to two weeks prior for short stays.
Bring all required documents (CERFA form and receipt) to your appointment. The visa centre will review your application, collect fees, take biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and retain your passport and supporting documents for forwarding to the consulate.
If you are 12 or older, you must provide biometric data. Previous biometric data can be reused if collected within the past 59 months.
Note: Visa fees cover administrative costs and are non-refundable. Service providers may charge additional fees. You may be exempt from attending in person if your fingerprints were collected within the past 59 months.
Track your application status on the France-visas portal.
You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection from the visa center. Processing typically takes 15 days but can extend up to 45 days in some cases. In certain situations, passports can be returned via postal services.
Note: Processing times and appointment availability may vary based on your nationality and the time of year. So it's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned departure.
To apply for a tourist visa to France, you will need the following documents:
|
Document Type |
Description |
|
Visa Application Form |
Fully completed and signed form. Available in French and English. |
|
Travel Itinerary |
Includes dates, flight numbers, and hotel reservations. |
|
Medical Insurance |
Schengen Visa medical insurance covers medical costs and repatriation. |
|
Proof of Purpose of Stay |
An invitation letter from a host or proof of booking with a tour operator is required. |
|
Proof of Means of Subsistence |
Documents showing financial means such as payslips or cash. |
|
Proof of Accommodation |
Proof of where you will stay during your visit. |
|
Travel Document |
A passport issued within the last 10 years and with at least two blank pages is required. It must also be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. |
|
ID Photograph |
Recent passport-sized photo. |
|
Proof of Legal Residence |
If not a national of the country of residence, proof of legal residency (e.g., residence permit). |
|
Civil Status Documents |
Proof of family relationship with the host, if applicable. |
|
Return Ticket or Travel Itinerary |
Reservation of a return ticket or travel itinerary. |
|
Socio-Professional Documents |
Proof of employment or other socio-professional status (e.g., employment contract, school certificate). |
|
Personal Income Documents |
Bank statements from the last 3 months, income tax returns, and recent salary slips for employees. |
|
Company Registration Certificate |
For business owners, a certificate of company registration. |
|
Accommodation Proof |
Attestation d’accueil (CERFA 10798*03) and ID copy of the host. |
|
Travel Health Insurance Policy |
Policy covering at least €30,000 (INR 2,746,073) for medical expenses and repatriation costs. |
The visa is valid for 6 months.
Your Tourist Visa to France may be refused or revoked for several reasons, including:
If the French embassy denies your visa, it can be due to several reasons. In such cases, you have the option to request a re-evaluation of your application. However, you should only pursue this if you genuinely believe the refusal was unjustified.
European laws mandate that you will be informed of the reason for your visa rejection.
You have two months from the date of refusal to appeal the decision. Make sure to include all necessary documents with your appeal.
To track your France visa application, visit the official visa website. You'll need to enter your visa application number and travel document number.
At Kansas Overseas Careers, we can assist with your visit visa application to France in several ways:
With a France visit visa, you can attend events such as trade fairs, seminars or conferences related to your professional activity. However, you must ensure that your visit is consistent with the purpose stated in your visa application. Also, ensure to not engage in any activities beyond the scope of your visa.
Also, to get your visa, you need to show a clear connection between your job or professional activities and the reason for your trip.
Yes, you can apply for a France visit visa for religious purposes, such as attending religious ceremonies or events. You will need to provide supporting documents. It can be an invitation letter from the religious institution or organization you plan to visit.
To get a France Medical Visa, you need to qualify for a short-stay visa and show that you need to travel to France specifically for medical treatment.
You must prove that the medical treatment you need cannot be provided in your home country. This proof should include a medical certificate from your doctor. It must indicate that the treatment is unavailable locally.
In addition to the standard documents required for a Short Stay Visa, you need to provide detailed documentation related to your medical situation. This includes medical records from your doctor or hospital and information about the medical facility in France where you will receive treatment.
Yes, you can apply for a France visit visa for cultural exchange purposes. You will need to submit relevant documents. It includes an invitation letter from the hosting organization or details about the cultural program you will be participating in.
Yes, retired individuals can apply for a France visit visa. You will need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. This is in addition to other standard documents required for the visa application.
Yes, students can apply for a France visit visa. You should provide documents proving the purpose of your visit, such as an invitation to a specific event or program, and evidence of financial means to cover your stay.
If you plan to travel to other Schengen countries, you should apply for a Schengen visa through the country where you will spend the most time. If your main destination is France, you can apply for a France visit visa and travel to other Schengen countries within the visa's validity period.
Yes, you can reapply for a France visit visa even if you have been previously denied. It is important to address the reasons for the previous refusal and ensure that your new application meets all the requirements.
The requirements include a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial means, travel health insurance, and a return ticket. You must also provide a completed visa application form and any other supporting documents relevant to your purpose of visit.
Family members can accompany you on a France visit visa, provided they apply for their visas with the same purpose and provide the required documents. Each family member must submit their own visa application and supporting documents.
The processing time for a France visit visa is typically around 15 days. However, it can be longer depending on individual circumstances or if additional documentation is required.
Yes, you can visit other Schengen countries with a France visit visa, as long as you do not exceed the total permitted stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. Also, you must adhere to the visa's conditions.
Minors applying for a France visit visa must submit a completed application form, along with parental consent, their birth certificate, and other required documents. Parents or guardians must also provide proof of financial means and accommodation.
No, US nationals do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in France, including Paris, for tourism or business purposes. They must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
Required documents for a France Visit Visa include a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial means, travel health insurance, a completed application form, and any additional documents related to the purpose of your visit.
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