France Tourist Visa for Indians

About France Tourist Visa

If you are looking for a France tourist visa from India, you must submit an application along with the required documents and your biometric information. However, before starting the process, you must know some basic information about France.

Documents Required for a France Tourist Visa

With a valid Schengen visa, you can visit any of the member countries including France with the help of a single visa. Here's a checklist of all the papers you need to submit along with the France tourist visa application.

1. Travel Document- A passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area or visa expiration date. Ensure all pages containing visas, stamps, or other inscriptions are scanned and submitted.
2. Photographs as per France Tourist visa photo requirements According to the France Tourist visa photo requirements:
   • The photo should be 35 mm x 45 mm in size.
   • It should have a light preferably grey background.
   • You must face the camera with a neutral expression in the photo
3. Proof of Residency- For non-citizens of the current country of residence: a valid residence permit or other legal proof of residency.
4. Official Travel Document- If applicable, a note verbale.
5. Travel Purpose- If part of a package tour provide a detailed itinerary. Attach reservation of a return ticket or travel itinerary.
6. Socio-professional Status- Evidence of employment status, such as an employment contract, job certificate, business registration, school certificate, pension proof, and documents showing personal ties to your home country, like a marriage certificate or family record book.
7. Financial Means- Proof of personal income, such as bank statements from the last three months, income tax returns and acknowledgements, last three salary slips, or business registration certificates. If applicable, documents showing sponsorship and sponsor’s income.Minimum funds required:
   • EUR 65 (INR 5907.33) per day (if staying in a hotel)
   • EUR 32.5 (INR 2953.66) per day (if staying with family)
   • EUR 120 (INR 10905.84) per day (if no accommodation is arranged)
8. Accommodation- Hotel booking confirmation, sufficient funds to cover accommodation costs (EUR 120/day or approx. INR 10,913), a rental agreement, or property ownership proof. If staying with a host, provide an accommodation certificate (Cerfa form).
9. Travel Health Insurance- A copy of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The insurance must cover medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation expenses for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.

Documents Required for France Long-Stay Tourist Visa

However, if you wish to take a long trip to France, which exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. Here's a table summarising the documents required for a long-stay France tourist visa from India.

1. Travel Document- A passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area or visa expiration date. Include scans of all pages containing visas, stamps, or other markings.
2. Photograph- A recent passport-sized photograph.
3. Proof of Residency- For non-citizens of the current country of residence: a valid residence permit or other legal proof of residency.
4. Official Travel Document- If applicable, a note verbale.
5. Travel Purpose- A statement promising not to engage in any professional activity in France, if relevant, accompanied by a letter detailing your travel plans.
6. Socio-economic Status- Documentation demonstrating your socio-economic status.
7. Financial Means-Evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay in France.
8. Accommodation- Proof of accommodation in France, such as a property deed, rental agreement, or other supporting documents. If staying with a resident, provide proof of accommodation or details of the planned arrangements.
9. Travel Health Insurance- Health insurance covering the entire stay, with coverage for the visa’s full validity period (up to one year).

Documents Required for France Airport Transit Visa

You don't need to apply for a short-stay tourist visa if you are simply passing through France to reach another country. An airport transit visa would be sufficient. Here's a brief overview of the additional documents you need for a transit visa.

Types of France Tourist Visa

France offers various France tourist visa types based on the duration and nature of your stay. For example, a transit visa is required for travellers passing through France on their way to another country. Here's an overview of the France tourist visa types available to you.

France Tourist Visa Requirements

Refer to this summary of France tourist visa requirements to understand what you need to do to get your visa approved.

1. Passport- A passport issued within the last decade, containing at least two blank pages, valid for a minimum of three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area or the visa expiration date. Submit scans of all pages with visas, stamps, or other markings.
2. Photograph- Photographs complying with France tourist visa photo requirements such as dimensions, facial expressions, and background.
3. Proof of Residency- For non-citizens of the current country of residence: a valid residence permit or other legal proof of residency.
4. Travel Purpose Proof- If part of a package tour, provide a detailed itinerary. Include a reservation for a return ticket or travel itinerary.
5. Socio-professional Status- Proof of employment status, such as an employment contract, job certificate, business registration, school certificate, pension proof, and documents showing personal ties to your home country, such as a marriage certificate or family record book.
6. Financial Means- You must show evidence that you have the minimum required funds to cover your expenses. The minimum requirement is at least EUR 65 (INR 5907.33) per day for those staying in a hotel. If staying with family, the requirement is EUR 32.5 (INR 2953.66) per day. If you have no accommodation, you must have EUR 120 (INR 10,905.84) per day.
7. Accommodation- Hotel booking confirmation, sufficient funds to cover accommodation costs (EUR 120/day or INR 10,905.84), a rental agreement, or property ownership proof. If staying with a host, provide an accommodation certificate (Cerfa form).
8. Travel Health Insurance- A copy of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The insurance must cover medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation expenses for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.

How to Apply for a France Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a France tourist visa from India via the visa application centres administered by VFS Global. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to apply for a France tourist visa.

• Select the visa type: First, select the correct tourist visa type based on your planned duration of stay.
• Check Visa Requirements: Use the visa wizard tool to determine the visa requirements, fees, and necessary supporting documents based on your specific circumstances.
• Book your appointment: Reserve a date at the nearest visa application centre through the VFS Global website.
• Visit the visa application centre: On the designated date, visit the France tourist visa application centre with your documents and submit your biometric information. The staff will check your documents, collect your photo and fingerprints, and keep your passport with them. The process usually takes about 20 minutes.
• Wait for the processing: Wait patiently while your application gets processed. France tourist visa processing time is usually around 15 days, but sometimes it can get extended up to 45 days.

France Tourist Visa Fee for Indians

Take a look at the France tourist visa fees before you apply. The fees may vary based on your age and visa type.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

The following categories of applicants don't need to pay France tourist visa fees for short-stay and airport transit visas.

1. Children who are younger than 6 years.
2. Foreign spouse of a French national
3. Foreign family members of French nationals.
4. Foreign spouse/family member of nationals of other EU/EEA member countries and Switzerland.

Long-stay visa fees are exempt for:

1. Foreign spouse of a French national only.