France Visa – E-Visa Requirements, Eligibility and How to Apply

Table of Contents

🏳️ Country Overview

Country Name - France

Planning a trip to France? Whether it’s for tourism, business, or family visits, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the visa application process. Let’s get started! ✈️

Indian passport holders need a visa to visit France. France is part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa allows you to travel to multiple European countries with a single visa. It’s essential to apply well in advance, as processing times can vary.

Official Website Link

📝 Visa Types & Basic Requirements

Types of Visas Available

  • Tourist Visa (Type C): For leisure travel.

  • Business Visa (Type C): For attending meetings, conferences, etc.

  • Family Visit Visa (Type C): To visit family members.

  • Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For passing through French airports en route to a non-Schengen country.

  • Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For stays over 90 days, including student and work visas.

Age Requirement

  • Adults (12 years and above): Standard visa application process.

  • Children (6–11 years): Reduced visa fee.

  • Children under 6 years: No visa fee.

Passport Validity

  • Validity: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from France.

  • Blank Pages: At least 2 blank pages required for visa stamps.

Visa Validity

  • Short-Stay Visa: Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  • Long-Stay Visa: Valid for the duration of your stay, typically up to 1 year.

Stay Duration Allowed

  • Short-Stay Visa: Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  • Long-Stay Visa: Valid for the duration of your stay, typically up to 1 year.

Number of Entries

  • Single Entry: One-time entry.

  • Multiple Entries: Multiple entries within the visa validity period.

💸 Fees & Processing for France Visa

Visa Fee

Visa Type Fee (INR)
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) ₹8,230
Children (6–12 years) ₹4,115
Long-Stay Visa (Type D) ₹9,053
VFS Service Fee ₹1,975

Note: Fees are approximate and may vary based on exchange rates and service charges.

Processing Time

  • Short-Stay Visa: 15–20 working days.

  • Long-Stay Visa: 30–60 working days.

  • Apply: At least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date.

When to Apply

  • Short-Stay Visa (Schengen): Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date.

  • Long-Stay Visa: Apply at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance.

📝 Tip: The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your travel date, and the latest is 15 calendar days before.

📄 Documents & Proof

Documents Required

  • Valid Passport: With at least 2 blank pages.

  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.

  • Photographs: 2 recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm).

  • Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit.

  • Flight Itinerary: Confirmed round-trip tickets.

  • Hotel Reservations: Proof of accommodation.

  • Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000.

  • Financial Documents: Bank statements, ITR, payslips.

  • Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment.

Financial Proof

You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in France. Acceptable documents include:

  • Bank Statements: Last 3–6 months.

  • Income Tax Returns (ITR): Last 3 years.

  • Payslips: Last 3 months.

  • Sponsorship Letter: If someone else is sponsoring your trip, include their bank statements and ITR.

Translations Needed?

Documents in Hindi or other Indian languages: Must be translated into English or French by a certified translator.

Visa Photo Specifications

  • Size: 35mm x 45mm

  • Background: Plain white or light grey

  • Face Visibility: Full face visible, no shadows

  • Expression: Neutral (no smile)

  • Glasses: Not recommended unless medically necessary

  • Head Coverings: Only for religious reasons; must not obscure facial features

👩‍⚖️ Interviews, Biometrics & E-Visa

Interview Required

Yes, an interview may be required at the VFS center during the biometric appointment.

Biometric Requirement

Yes, biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) are required for all applicants aged 12 and above.

E-Visa Available?

No, France does not offer e-Visas for Indian passport holders. All applications must be submitted through the official channels.

E-Visa Link

📌 Application & Tracking

Application Process

  • Determine Visa Type: Choose the appropriate visa type for your trip (Tourist, Business, etc.).

  • Create an Account: Go to the France-Visas website and create your profile.

  • Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online application form and print the PDF copy with the barcode.

  • Book an Appointment: Schedule your biometric and document submission appointment on the VFS Global website.

  • Prepare Your Documents: Collect all required documents, including your passport, photos, travel insurance, bank statements, and hotel bookings.

  • Attend the Appointment: Go to your nearest VFS center on the scheduled date with all documents. Biometric data (fingerprints & photo) will be collected.

  • Pay the Visa Fee: Pay at the VFS center during your appointment, unless already paid online.

  • Track Your Application: Use the tracking tool provided by VFS (see next section).

  • Receive Your Passport: You can opt for courier delivery or collect it from the VFS center.

Appointment Booking Link
Track Visa Status​

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dependents & Work

Dependents Info

Spouse and Children: Can apply for a visa as dependents; provide proof of relationship and financial support.

Working Rights

  • Short-Stay Visa: No employment allowed.

  • Long-Stay Visa: Employment may be permitted, depending on the visa type and conditions.

Visa Extension Info

  • Short-Stay Visa: Extensions are generally not permitted. You must apply for a new visa.

  • Long-Stay Visa: Extensions may be possible; consult the local prefecture in France for guidance.

🌍 Embassy & Support

VFS/Global Partner Centers

VFS Global Centers: Located in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Visit the official VFS website for the nearest center.

Embassy Locations

  • Embassy of France in New Delhi: 2/50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.

  • Consulate General in Mumbai: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051.

  • Consulate General in Chennai: 2/4, Kasturi Rangan Road, Chennai 600018.

  • Consulate General in Kolkata: 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700071.

  • Consulate General in Bengaluru: 1/1, Palace Road, Bengaluru 560052.

🦠 Health & Rejections

Covid-19 Guidelines

  • Vaccination: Full vaccination may be required.

  • Testing: Negative PCR test results might be needed before departure.

  • Quarantine: Possible upon arrival, depending on current regulations.

Note: Guidelines are subject to change; always check the latest updates before traveling.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • Incomplete Application: Missing documents or incorrect information.

  • Insufficient Financial Proof: Inability to demonstrate sufficient funds.

  • Lack of Travel Insurance: Not meeting the minimum coverage requirement.

  • Unclear Travel Itinerary: Vague or inconsistent travel plans.

  • Previous Visa Violations: Overstaying on a prior visa.

💡 Final Notes

Important Tips

🌟 Some golden tips to boost your chances of approval:

  • Double-check all your documents 🧾

  • Ensure your travel insurance covers €30,000

  • Don’t book non-refundable tickets before visa approval 🚫

  • Clearly state the purpose of your visit in your cover letter 🖋️

  • Apply early to avoid last-minute stress 🕐

  • Dress formally and be polite during the VFS visit 🤝

🌍 Countries Indian Citizens Can Visit with a Valid France (Schengen) Visa

✅ 1. Schengen Area Countries (Visa-Free with Valid Schengen Visa)

A valid France Schengen visa allows you to travel freely to all Schengen countries, including:

  • Germany

  • Spain

  • Italy

  • Netherlands

  • Switzerland

  • Belgium

  • Austria

  • Portugal

  • Greece

  • Czech Republic

  • Poland

  • Hungary

  • Sweden

  • Norway

  • Denmark

  • Finland

  • Luxembourg

  • Iceland

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

  • Estonia

  • Latvia

  • Lithuania

  • Malta

  • Liechtenstein

🔹 Your France visa must be a Type C (short-stay) visa that is valid and multiple-entry to travel in the entire Schengen zone.

✅ 2. Non-Schengen Countries That Accept Valid Schengen Visas

These countries allow Indian citizens to enter visa-free, with visa-on-arrival, or e-visa if they hold a valid Schengen visa:

Country Entry Type Notes
Turkey E-visa Apply online if you hold a valid Schengen visa
Georgia Visa-free (90 days) Valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa required
Serbia Visa-free (90 days) With valid Schengen visa (used previously)
Montenegro Visa-free (30 days) Schengen visa must be valid
Bosnia & Herzegovina Visa-free (30 days) Schengen visa must be used at least once
North Macedonia Visa-free (15 days) Valid Schengen visa required
Albania Visa-free (90 days) With valid Schengen visa (multiple-entry)
Belize Visa-free With valid Schengen visa
Philippines Visa-free (14 days) With valid Schengen visa
Panama Visa-free (30 days) With valid Schengen visa (used at least once)
Mexico Visa-free (180 days) With valid multiple-entry Schengen visa
Dominican Republic Visa-free With valid Schengen visa

✍️ Sample Blog Wording

💡 Travel Hack: If you’ve got a valid France (Schengen) visa, you’re not just limited to France—you can travel to 26 Schengen countries and even non-Schengen destinations like Turkey, Georgia, Albania, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Just make sure your visa is valid, multiple-entry, and sometimes used at least once before you travel to these bonus destinations.

FAQs

❓ Is a France visa easy for Indians?

Yes, if your documents are complete and genuine, getting a France visa is straightforward for Indian applicants. 💼✅

❓ How can I get a France visa from India?

Apply online via the France-Visas portal, book an appointment on VFS Global, submit documents, give biometrics, and wait for processing.

❓ How much bank balance is required for France tourist visa?

You should show at least ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakhs per person to cover your travel, stay, and daily expenses in France. 💶💳

❓ Do Indians need a visa to go to France?

Yes, Indian citizens must get a Schengen visa to enter France for tourism, business, or family visits. 🛂🇮🇳

❓ Is there any interview for a France visa?

Not always. But you must visit a VFS center for biometric data. An interview may be required in some cases. 🗣️📅