France Visa for Indians

France, a beautiful blend of history, culture, and art, is famous for its charm and sophistication. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the iconic Louvre Museum, France has a lot to offer. France's rich heritage, manifested in its architecture, literature, and fashion, continues to inspire and enchant visitors from around the globe. To experience this magnificent country, you need to get a valid France visa first.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

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About France Visa

Setting out on a journey from India to France is a dream for many Indians. However, before setting off, obtaining a France visa is essential. Before getting into the details of the France visa application process, go through these key facts about the country.

Key Facts	Information
Capital	Paris
Currency	Euro (EUR 1 = INR 90.96)
Language	French
Time Zone	Central European Time (CET)
Popular Tourist Destinations	Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum), French Riviera (Nice, Cannes), Mont Saint-Michel, Bordeaux, Loire Valley
Visa Validity Period	90 days for a Schengen visa
France Visa Processing Time	Minimum 5 days

Features of a France Visa

Before you learn about how to apply for a France visa, here are some key features about the visa that you should know.

Easy Entry to Schengen Countries: France is a part of the Schengen area. With a Schengen France visa, you gain access not only to France but also to all 26 other countries within the Schengen Area.
Travel Medical Insurance Requirement: A valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa. This insurance must cover medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation in the event of death.

Documents Required to Apply for a France Visa

Documentation is a key aspect of France's visa requirements. Here are the key documents required to process your Schengen visa for tourism, business, and other short-term purposes.

Document	France Visa Requirements
Valid Passport	Valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay.
France visa application Form	Duly filled and signed.
France visa photograph requirements	France visa photo requirements say that you need to submit: Two coloured photos of 35 mm by 45 mm with a light background. They should be recent, taken within the past 6 months. You should look straight at the camera.
Travel Itinerary	Detailed itinerary of your round trip including flight reservations and accommodation details.
Travel Insurance	Valid for the duration of the trip with minimum coverage as per Schengen requirements, which is EUR 30,000.
Proof of having sufficient funds	Bank statements, income tax returns, salary slips or sponsorship letters showing sufficient financial means for the trip. Here's the minimum amount you need to have- Stay at the hotel: EUR 65 per day of stay. Stay with a sponsor: EUR 32.5 per day of stay. No fixed accommodation: EUR 120 per day.
Accommodation Proof	Hotel reservations or invitation letters, if staying with a host.

Documents Required for French Work Visa

If you wish to work in France, you will need to submit the following additional documents for your work permit.

Authorisation from French authorities	Your employer should obtain this authorisation from the relevant authorities.
Employment contract	A legal contract that mentions the duration of your employment.
Work permit	Submit the permit granted by your French employer.

Documents Required for France Visa

Are you planning to study in France? Check the additional France visa requirements for a student visa.

Enrollment	Proof of enrollment in a French university or educational institute.
Campus France ID	Printout of your Campus France ID number
Cover letter	Letter explaining your motivation, purpose of study, and a short CV.
Proof of financial resources	You can provide: Proof of scholarship Proof of having funds equal to tuition fees plus EUR 430 per month of stay in France. Bank statements of the past 3 months Proof of sponsor's resources if sponsored.
Accommodation	Details of accommodation for the first 3 months of your stay

France Visa Types

There are various France visa types tailored to different travel purposes and durations. Some of the common France visa types available to Indian travellers include:

France visa types	Description	Maximum stay
Schengen visa / Short Stay Visa	Ideal for leisure travel, visiting family/friends, and short business visits.	90-180 days
Long Stay Visa	Intended for individuals who wish to stay in France for up to 12 months.	Up to 12 months

Visa Guide

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Who Can Apply for a France Visa?

Before you learn how to apply for a France visa, you should be aware of the eligibility criteria for it. Check these France visa requirements and assess whether you are eligible for a France visa. A France visa can be provided to:

Indian citizens residing in India who wish to visit France for tourism, business, study, employment, medical treatment, etc.
Individuals having proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay.
Indians having travel insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in France that covers emergency medical treatment and repatriation. The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.
Indians who have proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservations).

How to Apply for a France Visa

Applying for a France visa from India involves several steps, and it's essential to follow the process carefully to ensure a smooth application journey. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a France Visa:

Determine the Visa Type: Select the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of your travel and the duration of your stay in France. The France visa application process depends on your visa type.
Gather Required Documents: Compile all the necessary documents as per the checklist provided by the French embassy or consulate. Submit photographs complying with France visa photo requirements.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the France visa application form accurately, ensuring that all information provided is correct and up to date.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global visa application centre. Check this official list of centres across India. Visit the website of VFS Global France to book an appointment online.
Submit the Application: Go to the visa appointment and submit your application along with the required documents. You also need to provide your biometric information like photos and fingerprints. Pay the applicable France visa fee as per the instructions provided by the embassy.
Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, wait for the visa processing to complete. The France Visa processing time may vary depending on the visa type and the number of applications received. Generally the processing time varies between 15 and 45 days.
Collect Your Visa: Once the France visa processing time is over, collect your passport from the embassy or consulate. Ensure that all details on the visa sticker are accurate before travelling to France.

France Visa Fees

France visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Here's a summary of the France visa fee structure.

Visa Category	France visa fees
Schengen visa for business, tourism, cultural visits, etc.	EUR 90 (INR 8029.64)
Work permit (long-stay)	EUR 99 (INR 9005.19)
Student visa (long-stay)	EUR 99 (INR 9005.19)

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Check France Visa Status?

After submitting your visa application, you can track the France visa status online through the official website of your visa application centre.

Visit the official website of the visa application centre where you submitted your visa application. For example, VFS Global's official website.
Click on 'Track my application'.
Enter the required details, such as your application number and last name.

Submit the information to access the France Visa status updates.

FAQ's

Q: What is the processing time for a France visa?

Ans: The duration for processing a France visa from India fluctuates based on factors like visa type and embassy workload. Generally, France visa processing time is around 15 working days. It can be extended to 45 days too.
Q: Can I work in France with a Schengen visa?

Ans: No, a Schengen visa is only valid for tourism, family visits or business purposes. You need to obtain a separate visa to work in France.
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for a France visa?

Ans: Yes, travel insurance with minimum coverage, as per Schengen requirements, is mandatory for obtaining a France visa. This minimum coverage is EUR 30,000.
Q: Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a France visa?

Ans: If you have a Schengen visa issued by France, you can travel to other Schengen member states for short-term stays.
Q: Can I apply for a France visa online?

Ans: No, you need to visit a visa application centre and submit the information and biometric data in person according to the France visa requirements.

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