how to get france tourist visa

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Requesting a visa

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All foreign nationals wishing to enter France must be able to submit statutory documents at the border concerning the reasons for their stay, their means of support and accommodation arrangements.

A visa is generally required, in the absence of a waiver. For general information and for preparing, submitting and tracking your visa application, log on to France-Visas , France’s official visa site.

France-Visas is a single portal with all the information you need to guide you through the process and help you every step of the way (preparing the application, entering details, submitting and tracking the application).

The main steps in applying for a visa

Do I need a visa?

First, use “Visa Wizard” on the France-Visas site to check, based on your situation, whether you need a visa and if so, what type. The wizard will also tell you what documents must be enclosed with your application, along with the relevant fee.

Complete your application online

Once you have checked that you need a visa, you can complete your application on our online portal . You will be asked to create an account and France-Visas will support you in each step of the process.

Submit your application to the visa centre.

Once you have completed your online application, all you have to do is submit it to your local visa centre. France-Visas will provide you with all necessary information on how and where to submit your application.

Track your visa application.

Once your application has been submitted, track its progress and find out how and when you can collect your passport and how to prepare for your trip to France.

Waiting times for appointments and for processing applications will vary depending on your nationality and the time of year. Users are therefore asked to submit their visa applications well in advance of their departure date .

Applying for a French residence permit

Holders of an entry and long-stay visa marked “carte de séjour à solliciter à l’arrivée en France” (residence permit to be applied for upon arrival in France) are required to contact the French prefectural authority in their place of residence, in order to apply for a residence permit within two months of entering the French territory.

Family members of a national of an EU Member State, the EEE or Switzerland who wish to submit a request for a “family member of a union citizen” residence permit must contact the competent French prefectural authority, in order to apply for a residence permit within three months of entering the French territory.

Holders of a long-stay visa marked “CESEDA R.311-3” are required to contact the French Immigration and Integration Office (OFII) immediately on arrival in France.

For more informations

Update: March 2020

Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

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Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S.

It is mandatory in France to carry some form of identification at all times. If you lose your passport, the nearest U.S. Consulate will issue Americans a limited-validity replacement if travel is imminent, or a full-validity passport if further travel is not within two weeks. When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday). There are other Consular Offices in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse that provide assistance to American citizens.

Entering France : Travelers from countries outside the European Union (EU) must declare certain articles when entering France. Duty and import taxes are levied on items not for personal use that individually or collectively exceed 175€ in value. Certain categories of items for personal use (tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee and tea, etc.) may be brought in untaxed up to certain authorized amounts. The following are forbidden or subject to strict control: drugs, radioactive materials, firearms, endangered species, plants, ivory and food, meat and dairy products. Carry prescriptions to authenticate any controlled substances. “Monetary instruments” equal to more than 10,000€ (whether brought into or taken out of France) must be declared. When in doubt, consult the French Embassy , a French Consulate or the French Customs and Excise Service's “ Info Douanes Service ” in Paris at tel. 08 20 02 44 44 (8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday)

Re-entering the U.S. : Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You're charged a flat rate of duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases, and any dollar amount beyond that is subject to duty at whatever rates apply. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. Have your receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: If you owe duty, you are required to pay upon your arrival in the United States, using cash, personal check, government or traveler's check, or money order; some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard.

BRINGING YOUR PETS TO FRANCE

Travelers may bring dogs, cats and ferrets into France. Each family is limited to five animals, which must have valid rabies vaccination certificates and be identifiable by a microchip or tattoo. For more information, including details about travel with pet rodents, reptiles, birds or other species, visit www.ambafrance-us.org or contact the French Embassy.

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Tourist Visa In France: A Simple Guide

Dreaming of the Eiffel Tower , lavender fields, and Riviera beaches?

Before you indulge in the French experience, a tourist visa might be your golden ticket.

Unravel the path to savoring France’s iconic delights seamlessly.

Let’s dive in!

What is the France Tourist Visa?

If you wish to visit France for tourism for a period shorter than 90 days, depending on your nationality, you might be required to obtain a France Tourist visa first.

The French Tourist visa permits you to stay in France for 90 days at most per a period of 180 days. 

Aside from the cases when your visa is marked as a Limited Territorial Validity visa, you are generally permitted to travel with this visa to other Schengen countries within that period.

What To Consider Before Applying For A French Tourist Visa

Before you apply for a French tourist visa, you should:

• Check Your Passport: Make sure your passport meets the validity requirement. If you still need to, apply for a new one before you apply for a visa.
• Book Your Flight In Time: Do not leave it for the night before your visa appointment after you have completed everything else. You may need help finding a place on a flight on your intended date.
• Make Sure Everything Is As Required: Do not tell yourself, “Maybe they won’t notice this,” or “they can’t make a huge deal out of such a small detail.” 

The consular officers check everything with the utmost attention, so you’d better follow all procedures and meet all requirements.

When Can You Submit The Application?

Submitting the application file at the right time is crucial for a positive outcome on your France Tourist Visa application. According to the French tourist visa rules, the earliest you can apply is six months before your booked flight to France.

On the other hand, the latest you can do so is two weeks before the date of your intended trip.

According to the French authorities in your country of residence and how they have regulated visa admission, you may have to submit your application at:

• The consular section of the French embassy in your country.
• A French consulate in your country.
• A third-party visa-processing center to which France has outsourced visa submission in your country.
• The French embassy/consulate/visa processing center in a neighboring country, to which French authorities in your country of residence have outsourced visa submission.

What If You Have To Travel To Other Countries Besides France?

If you travel to the Schengen Area to visit other countries besides France, you might have to apply to another embassy rather than in France. This sounds a bit complicated to many, but it is straightforward.

First of all, list the countries you plan to visit and write the number of days you will spend in each country. Apply at the embassy where you are planning to spend most days . I.e. 

If you are visiting Germany and France, and you will be spending three days in the first and five in the latter, then you will have to apply at the country embassy, where you will spend more days in France.

On the other hand, if you are spending an equal amount of days in two countries or more, i.e., two in France, two in Germany, and two in Switzerland, then you will have to apply at the embassy of the country where you will be landing first.

How To Obtain A French Tourist Visa?

The application process for a French Tourist visa might seem complicated and frustrating , especially for people who have not obtained a visa before. 

However, if you make a list of the steps you have to take and follow them slowly, then you will quickly achieve your goal and obtain the visa:

• Complete the French Tourist Schengen visa application form.
• Collect the required documents.
• Book an appointment .
• Pay the fees .
• Show up at the appointment.

You can find the France tourist visa application form on the website of the French embassy in your home country. If you do not, you can require a form to be sent to you online through email by the embassy.

Fulfill the application form with honest and correct information. Prepare “how to fill in the visa application form” beforehand to avoid making mistakes. 

Remember that the information you give in this form must comply with that in the other documents. Otherwise, your application will likely be rejected. Remember to print it twice and sign both copies at the end.

Collect The Required Documents

After completing the application form, collect the required documents for a French tourist visa. Take care to have each document in original and copy .

Be sure to complete even one document on the day of your appointment since that might result in the refusal of your application.

You should submit the following documents to apply for a Tourist visa to France:

• French Tourist Visa Application Form: Make sure you complete the proper form and that the information you provide is correct.
• Two passport-style photos: They must be at most three months.
• Your valid passport: It must have been issued within the last 10 years and is valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages to put the visa sticker on it.
• Copies Of Older Visas: If you have ever held any visa to any country, submit copies of those visas.
• Travel Medical Insurance : Medical insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 for your entire stay in France and the Schengen.
• Certificate of criminal record : Official certificate showing that candidate has no open crime case involvement
• Proof of paid visa fee: Make sure to include valid receipt
• Travel Itinerary: This document shows what you will do in France when you arrive and leave and includes proof of arranged transportation, i.e., plane ticket booking.
• Proof of Accommodation in France: It can be a hotel/ hostel booking or a letter of invitation if you plan to stay with friends or relatives.
• Means of subsistence: Proof that you have the financial means to cover your stay in France and other Schengen countries if you plan to. 

This could be a bank statement of up to three days covering the last three months or a scholarship certificate stating how much you will receive during your stay.

You will need to book an appointment for your interview with a consular officer of the French embassy. The interview is a must for every applicant over the age of 12. 

Book the interview online at the website of the French embassy or consulate in your country. If that option is not available in your country, you must go to the embassy to schedule an appointment.

How Much Does A France Tourist Visa Cost?

You must pay the visa fee before you attend the interview on the day of your appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center. The fee for a French tourist visa is €80.

You will have to pay the fee in euros or the local currency , according to the exchange rates applied by the embassy.

France Tourist Visa Validity

The validity of your visa depends on the French embassy that issued it to you. The maximum validity of a French tourist visa can be three months within half a year.

The embassy may issue you a visa for the required period, i.e., ten days, three weeks, or even three or five days. On the other hand, you can still get a multiple entry 3 months valid visa, mainly if you are a frequent traveler to the Schengen territory.

Can You Visit Other Countries In Europe?

It depends on the type of Schengen Visa you’re granted. 

If the visa sticker on your passport says “ The Schengen States ” or “ États Schengen” or the exact words in another EU language, then you can travel in the whole Schengen territory with that visa as soon as it becomes valid.

On the other hand, if your visa says “ Schengen states (-the acronym of a country),” it means you cannot visit only that particular country, i.e., “Schengen states (-ES)” means you can visit all the Schengen states but Spain . 

You can also receive a visa that includes only the acronyms of the states you are permitted to visit, i.e., “F, FIN, GR”, which means you can only visit France, Finland, and Greece.

Traveling To France

One cannot ignore the mesmerizing beauty that France carries. Even though you have never visited France, it holds so much merit. Without a doubt, it would drag you down the lane of nostalgia. 

It uplifts you with images of the Paris Eiffel Tower, the Cannes Film Festival, pebbly beaches in Nice, the finest wines in Bordeaux, and impressive architecture in Lyon. 

While half of the world is already in love with France, there are millions of reasons that can make your love for France even deeper. 

France never ceases to fascinate world travelers with its individualistic beauty, art, history , and gastronomic heritage . And that is why it has been the most famous tourist destination in the world. 

Whether you visit France with a profound purpose or want to play around, France has everything for everyone.

Why Should You Visit France?

Home to the paris.

The city of Paris belongs to France. Now, this fact equals every reason you must choose France over every other destination you keep as an option. Paris is the most charming city that no other city can compete with as its existence is nearly perfect. 

With famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Pantheon.

And remarkable museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, the cutest cafés like Laduree, sophisticated streets like Champs Elysees, and theme parks like Disneyland, you cannot deny its alluring beauty in any situation. 

France Is Haven Of History And Culture

France feels a thousand times attractive for its rich culture and history . French people take so much pride in their historical heritage. 

Art, architecture, and literature honor the most significant battles fought during the French Revolution and the Napoleon period. 

You can still witness time being kept intact in France through attractions like the Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre-Coeur, Old Port of Marseille, and more. 

France has almost 39 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list to highlight its strong, culturally enriched presence in human history. 

French Cuisine Is A Gastronomical Treasure

French cuisine is an integral part of the culinary world. It upholds the reputation of France not only for its unique and rich taste but also for its valuable recipes and cooking techniques that are also gastronomical treasures.

Every food lover should taste France’s authentic , traditional, and local foods. 

From croissants, baguettes, and seafood to over 400 cheese varieties, your culinary endeavor will be otherworldly. 

Paradise For Fashion Admirers

France is home to famous fashion brands like Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. For the fashion admirer inside you, France is a shopper’s paradise. You can walk down the famous streets where you can shop till you drop. 

Not just that, the entire French community will inspire your wardrobe update. Even on a regular day, the people of France like to flaunt their rich fashion sense as they walk down the street. 

Fashion brands will also organize Fashion Week events where you can admire the latest collection and grab some aesthetic pieces of clothing. Rue de Rivoli, Champs Elysees, and Les Halles are some of the best streets to style up yourself.

Country With Distinctive Geography

France’s geography creates more opportunities for tourists with its distinctive geography . Do you want to swim, surf, and snorkel or relax in a sunny spot on a beach? Head directly to Cannes, Nice, or Côte d’Azur.

Do you want to spend your vacation on the snowy slopes and ski to your heart’s content? Visit Mont Blanc. France has a space for every venture you are seeking.

Land Of Art And Museum

You are aware that France is the land of art and museums . 

From the Louvre Museum(the World’s Largest Museum), which houses notable art like the painting of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, to the extraordinary collection of modern art in Centre Pompidou.

Every region of France has a museum that surprises you with renowned masterpieces.

Wine Enthusiast Getaway

There is no better place than France if you are a wine enthusiast who likes to try the finest wines in the world. 

There are more than 450 types of homemade wine collections in France. Every region has a specialty, and you can’t resist trying all the duty-free wines without being bored.

Charming Castles

There are so many Castles in France. You might need an entire month to explore all the Castles reflecting Gothic and Romanesque architecture . The fun part is you can stay in some of them and admire the beauty. 

From Château de Chantilly, Palace of Versailles, to Château de Chenonceau, you will be stunned by these picturesque castles that let you understand France like never before.

Relaxing Countryside

If you want to escape the clamor of the city, there is no better place than France’s countryside with picturesque views . To be clear, over 80% of France is typically villages.

They offer a solid level of peace and tranquility that helps you forget all your worries, enjoy time with the locals, and cherish every moment by etching the breathtaking view in your mind.

Hotspot For Romance

Finally, the most important reason to add France to your bucket list is that France naturally makes it hard to disregard its romantic side. Even the elegance of the French language adds more romance to romantic endeavors in the “ city of love .”

Traveling Costs In France

France is consistently the most popular tourist destination in Europe, with Paris welcoming tens of millions of visitors each year and only Istanbul and London coming close to challenging for the number one spot. But is France expensive to visit?

France is diverse but expensive to visit, with an average cost of €85-580 per person daily. That said, there’s something for everyone in France, and most locations have options to accommodate all types of budgets. 

Accommodation Prices In France

When making a France travel budget, accommodation should be the first thing to research as it can be relatively expensive if you don’t carefully look at your options.

Camping is one of the cheaper options for accommodation in France. Still, not everyone’s idea of a relaxing holiday is sleeping on the floor in a woodland, regardless of how beautiful the landscape is…

Solo young travelers may be disappointed by the lack of hostels across France, although you can find some in big cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. 

Outside of Paris, you can expect to pay no more than €50 for a single bed in a dorm room, although it’s hard to find a bed unde r €30 as you can in other European cities.

Within Paris, the majority of beds in dorm rooms are over €50 , so if you’re traveling with a friend or partner, it’s usually worthwhile staying in a hotel and splitting the cost of the room.

In general, expect the accommodation cost to be more expensive in Paris than in other cities and regions in France.

Looking at hotels in a variety of towns and cities in France, the majority of the double rooms cost over €100 per night, while only about one-third of rooms cost €50-€100 , leaving just a tiny percentage of rooms that cost less than €50 per night. 

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, expect to make more than €300-550 per night for a room – and often much more, depending on the hotel and location.

This shows that accommodation in France can be expensive, although there are many reasonable options to be found if you’re visiting France on a budget; either way, accommodation is a big factor in your overall France trip cost.

Transportation Prices In France

On the other hand, traveling in France is as easy , cheap, and comfortable as it is highly recommended. France, especially the South, welcomes tourists and travelers, so moving around is very simple.

If you’re willing to take a risk, you can even hitchhike from one place to another very quickly to keep your trip to France to a minimum.

The majority of French people are very friendly and will take you as far as they can as well as recommend places to visit and things to do in the area that you might not otherwise know about.

That’s also why the ride-sharing app Blablacar works so well in France. 

It’s hard to book a journey many weeks in advance, but if you’re on a loose schedule, you can find many different cars to join over the coming week and choose whichever driver you have more in common with or which journey best suits your timing or budget.

A 3-hour journey can cost as little as €15 , and you can even find rides over long journeys such as 9 hours from Paris to Montpellier from just €50.

France also has an incredibly well-developed train network, with high-speed trains able to transport you to all corners of the country. However, the cost of train tickets can vary depending on the journey length and how far in advance you book.

There is also a decent bus network that is often less expensive than the train. However, the journeys can take longer and are often less comfortable than a train ride. 

If you’re planning a road trip or are keen to try your hand at driving in France, however, you can easily rent a car from French Airports or city centers from €50-100 for a small car. 

Within French towns and cities, you can use the bus, tram , or metro for €1.50-2.50 for a single ticket, although there are often cheaper alternatives for 10 journeys or 24 hours if you think you’ll use public transportation in France often over your stay.

Or, for a greener and more active alternative, you can find city rental bikes in the streets of the most prominent cities in France, which you can rent for €0.50-1.50 per hour or €5 a day to get around quickly.

These city bikes do require a credit card to make sure you return the bike, so if you don’t have one or you’re in a smaller town, you can still rent a bicycle for around €20-30 a day, sometimes with an additional few euros for a helmet or basket.

Some of these bike rental shops also have e-bikes available so you can save your legs, although the price can be a lot more expensive, from €35-70 per day.

Food Prices In France

Dining is one of the best activities in France, and the options won’t disappoint you. Sure, you can find cheap French fast food chains and cafeterias everywhere like Flunch and Quick, but it would be a waste of a trip to the gastronomic center of Europe to eat here.

The cost of food in France can vary depending on your habits. Breakfast is a cheap and easy affair, with bakeries on every corner selling fresh pastries and baguettes for less than a couple of euros each.

Meanwhile, you can have a cheap and cheerful lunch of a delicious sandwich for a few euros from any cafe or turn it into a meal deal in the French cafe La Mie Caline, where you can get a sandwich, cake, and drink for a very affordable price. 

The classic French croque monsieur can be found everywhere, as well, for low prices.

Of course, it’s always affordable and a great way to support local vendors to pick up some bread, local cheese, or some meats from small delis or market stalls and have a lunch picnic, too!

However, if you’re going to make the most of your trip to France and dine as the locals do, you can find excellent set menus for lunch for €15-30 for 2-3 courses of usually expertly prepared and locally sourced dishes.

For dinner, there are many options in France in terms of price and cuisine, but you can almost always guarantee it will be high-quality food .

A mid-range restaurant will serve exquisite dishes, often prepared in the same traditional way over many generations, so you know they have the classic French cooking down to a T. 

Evening set menus can cost between €20 and €45 for three courses in most restaurants, with a bottle of wine costing €20-60 .

So, you only need to spend a fortune in a 5-star restaurant in France if you’re out for a special occasion or want to enjoy a spectacular view, such as the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Here, you can have a 5-course dinner time tasting menu for €255 .

Your French rendezvous awaits, and the tourist visa is the first step to those dreamy Parisian nights and Provençal sunrises.

Voyage magnifique begins with the right paperwork!

Voyage Verified!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

• Types Of Visas In France
• Tax Refund In France
• Temporary residence In France

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Schengen short-stay visa (foreigner in france for up to 3 months).

Verified 27 March 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland (outside EU), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein (outside EU), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (outside EU)

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

A set of computer techniques that automatically identify an individual based on their physical, biological, or behavioral characteristics. Most of them have the particularity of being unique and permanent (DNA, fingerprints, iris, etc.).

Heavy acts (drug trafficking, impersonation, facilitation of illegal entry, movement or residence, concealed work, scams, etc.) which make a person dangerous in the future

European file allowing law enforcement and magistrates from Schengen countries to have information on wanted persons (fugitives, missing persons, etc.). Foreigners refused entry to a Schengen country are also entered in this register.

You are a foreigner and you want to stay in France for less than 3 months? You must have a visa short-term (Type C). This visa is common to the countries of the Schengen area . It allows you to stay in France and in the other countries of space Schengen , except in exceptional circumstances. Other documents are also required, depending on the purpose of the stay. Here's the information you need to know.

Who must hold a Schengen short-stay visa?

You are affected if you meet the following 3 conditions:

• You are foreigner
• Your stay is one maximum duration of 3 months in France (or in another space country) Schengen )
• You don't have a residence permit or long-stay visa in a space country Schengen

Warning  

This procedure does not concern a foreigner who is a national of European country nor the members of his family living in France with him.

Depending on your nationality and the type of passport, you may be exempt from the visa requirement. You can check if you need a visa using the Visa Assistant service. The process is done on the Internet:

Check if you need a visa - Visa Assistant

What is a Schengen short-stay visa?

A visa is a sticker affixed by a country's administration to a person's passport to allow him or her to enter and stay for a specified period of time.

The short-stay visa allows you to enter and travel in France and other countries in space Schengen .

Exceptionally, it may be valid in France or in one or more countries in space Schengen only (for example, France and Belgium).

Unlike a national long-stay visa (type D) , the visa Schengen does not allow you to settle in France.

On what grounds can a Schengen visa be granted?

This visa can be granted for example for one of the following reasons:

• Tourist trip
• Business travel
• Family visit
• Short Training, Internship
• Exercise of a paid activity (for example if you are an artist on tour in France, sportsman, model, etc.), after having obtained a provisional work permit

What is the authorized length of stay with the Schengen visa?

The short-stay visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days for a continuous stay or for several stays in the countries of space Schengen over a period of 180 days.

At the end of this 90-day maximum, you must leave the space Schengen .

A simulator allows you to calculate the maximum length of a non-European foreigner's stay in the Schengen area:

Calculate the maximum permissible length of short stays in Schengen countries

What documents are required for a short stay, in addition to the visa?

Depending on the reason for your stay, you must present the following documents, in addition to the visa:

• Proof of your livelihood (cash, traveler's checks, international bank cards, etc.)
• Proof of guarantees for your repatriation (return transport ticket, etc.)
• Insurance covering medical and hospital expenses, including social assistance, for care you may receive in France (the minimum coverage requested is €30,000 )
• Proof of reception or proof of accommodation in a hotel or a host establishment, if your stay is part of a private or family visit
• Documents on the purpose and conditions of your stay in France, if your trip is touristic or professional or is for hospitalization or research work

If you want to work during your short stay, you must have a work permit .

How to apply for a Schengen visa?

You must complete your visa application on the internet:

Apply for a visa

The request must be made at the earliest 3 months before departure planned.

After completing your application on the internet, you must make an appointment at the French Consulate of the country in which you reside.

The process is done on the Internet.

Who shall I contact

• Visa department (French embassy/consulate abroad)

Please note

If the main destination cannot be determined, it is the country of entry into the Schengen area who is competent to issue you the visa.

For example, if you plan to spend 15 days in Belgium and 15 days in France for tourism arriving through Belgium, you must make your request at the Belgian consulate.

Validity of the passport

Your passport must be valid at least 3 months after the end date of your visa. It must also have been issued since under 10 years .

Recording of the applicant's data

Your data biometrics are saved to a file, called Visabio .

These data are the scanned images of your photo and fingerprints (children under 12 years of age are not affected).

You cannot object to this registration. However, you have the right to access and correct the file.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa?

To find out the cost of the visa, you can consult the Rates of the pages of the France-Visas wizard:

France-Visas - Cost of visa according to country

The amount of the visa fee must be paid to the visa office at the time of application.

In countries where the State has entrusted the receipt of applications to a private provider, the application fees must be paid to that provider. The latter may also charge additional service charges abroad.

After payment, a receipt with an indication of the amount paid shall be given to the applicant.

In case of refusal of the visa or cancelation of the stay, the amount paid is not refunded.

Can the issue of a Schengen visa be refused?

A Schengen visa may be refused on the following grounds:

• You can't introduce the supporting documents concerning your stay in France (proof of accommodation, resources, medical insurance, etc.)
• You present false travel documents or documents of questionable authenticity
• You have already stayed 90 days during the current period of 180 days in the French territory
• Your presence in France would represent a threat to public order
• You are registered for the purposes of non-admission in the Schengen Information System or pose a threat to the security, public health or international relations of a country the Schengen area
• You are subject to a prohibition order ( judicial prohibition of french territory , expulsion order , return ban , administrative inadmissibility )
• Your intention to leave French territory before the end of the visa is not established
• You cannot provide precise information about the purpose and conditions of your stay in France

The short-stay visa requested by the holder of a diplomatic or service passport may be refused to a national of a State which does not cooperate sufficiently in the readmission of its nationals in an irregular situation or which does not comply with a bilateral or multilateral agreement on the management of migratory flows.

Your Schengen visa may be refused:

• Explicitly by a written decision which must specify the reason for the refusal
• Implicitly if your request is not answered after 2 months

Can an appeal be lodged against a refusal to issue a Schengen visa?

You can appeal against a visa refusal decision in court. But you must first make a mandatory prior administrative remedy (Rapo).

How to make a Rapo?

You must write to the Deputy Director for Visas of the Directorate-General for foreigners in France (Ministry of the Interior), which is responsible for examining administrative appeals against decisions by diplomatic or consular authorities to refuse short-stay visas.

The Rapo must be trained in 30 days from the date on which you were notified of the visa refusal decision.

The Deputy Director of Visa may:

• Dismiss your appeal, or
• Either instruct the consulate to issue you the requested short-stay visa.
• Deputy Director of Visas

What if the Rapo is rejected?

The Rapo : titleContent shall be rejected:

• Either if a written decision to refuse is sent to you (explicit rejection),
• Or if you don't have a response within 2 months of sending your RAPO (implicit rejection).

You can then file an application for annulment, within 2 months after the implicit or explicit rejection of your Rapo.

The Administrative Court of Nantes has jurisdiction to hear and determine actions for annulment of visa refusals.

Administrative Court of Nantes

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

Statute and miscellaneous references

Regulation of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas

Articles 16, 17, 32 (2), 34 (6) and Annex 6

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L312-1 and L312-1-1

Principle of short-stay visas

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: article R313-1

Documents relating to the purpose and conditions of the stay

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: article R313-2

Livelihood documents

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: article R313-3

Coverage of medical and hospital expenses

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R313-4 to R313-5

Repatriation guarantees

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R142-1 to R142-10

Visabio File

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles D312-3 to R312-8

Appeal against visa refusals

Code of Administrative Justice: Articles R312-6 to R312-19

Jurisdiction of the Administrative Court of Nantes: Article R312-18

Decree No. 2014-1292 of 23 October 2014 on exceptions to the principle of "silence means acceptance" and exceptions to the 2-month period of birth of implied decisions (domestic)

Implicit refusal in case of silence on the visa application by the consulate for more than 2 months

Order of 10 May 2010 on the documents and visas required for foreigners to enter the European territory of France

Online services and forms

Online service

What is the "student competition" short-stay visa?

Additional topics

The steps of applying for a visa

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

How to read a Schengen visa sticker? (PDF - 33.7 KB)

Photo Standards for a Visa Application (PDF - 586.5 KB)

Specific disputes: jurisdiction of the administrative court of Nantes

Map of the Schengen area

All of Europe

Compulsory prior administrative appeal

Accueil > Applying for a short-stay visa

Applying for a short-stay visa

Date of update

As a citizen of a State outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, are you looking to visit or stay in France for a short period?

Typically, you should apply for a short-stay visa.

A short-stay visa authorizes foreign nationals to enter and stay in French territory for up to 3 months.

Short-stay visas can be single-entry for one short stay or multiple-entry for several successive short stays.

Obtaining a short-stay visa

Where to apply.

Applications must be submitted to the French embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

When processing visa applications, the visa authorities normally invite applicants to attend their premises in person.

Some formalities, such as arranging appointments and submitting applications, may be outsourced to external service providers. (VFS Global, TLS, etc.).

The application is initiated online via the official website france-visas.gouv.fr.

This first step allows the applicant to verify the need for him to obtain a visa using the Visa Assistant. The user can then apply for a visa via a personal account and then find out how to submit their file, often with the service provider from the Consulate or Embassy. Thanks to the france-visas.gouv.fr website, visa applicants can now follow the progress of their application directly online.

Related Cards

Visa, staying, working.

• Schengen Area
• Travel visa
• Fact sheet: short-stay visa
• 10 year certificate of residence
• Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)
• EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
• Fact sheet: long stay visa
• Fact sheet: Different visa categories
• Entering and staying in Mayotte
• Applying for a long-stay visa

Residence-permit

• Recruiting a foreign employee: cost for the employer
• Highly skilled employees: “Talent Passport – European Union Blue Card”
• Graduates – “Talent Passport – Qualified employee”
• French Tech Visa for Founders
• ‘Talent Passport –Employee of a young innovative company’ (JEI)
• Talent Passport : new business
• Talent Passport – innovative business project
• Fact sheet : Employees hired by a French company
• French Tech Visa for Employees
• Fact sheet : run a company in France
• Employees transferred within a group: ‘Talent Passport – Employee on assignment’
• Launch your startup in France
• Resident card
• French Tech Visa for Investor
• Talent Passport ‘Business investor’

Company directors

• Appointed Directors : Passport talent « Company director»

Startup founders

• Temporary residence permit ‘Entrepreneur/independent professional’
• Residence certificate for “Non-salaried professions”
• Temporary residence permit marked “Temporary worker”
• International service provider
• Intra-corporate transferees (ICT) : seconded employees
• Temporary residence permit marked “Employee”

Work permit

• Obtaining a work permit
• Renewing a work permit
• Fact sheet : work permit
• Service provision and work permit

Accompanying family

• Fact sheet: “Accompanying family” simplified procedure
• Travel document for foreign minors (DCEM)
• Family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss Nationals
• Family of French citizens

Do you need to travel in the overseas departments and regions?

The overseas departments and regions (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion Island and Mayotte) are not part of France’s European territory.

The Schengen agreements thus do not apply on these overseas territories.

• Foreign nationals holding a short-stay Schengen visa may thus not enter an overseas department, authority or territory;
• Foreign nationals issued a specific short-stay visa to one of the overseas departments, this visa does not allow them to enter the Schengen Area.

More details on the website of the Ministry of the Interior

When to apply

Processing timescales for short-stay visas can vary from one embassy or consulate to another.

Applicants are advised to apply relatively early, but no earlier than three months before the planned date of arrival in France

Helpful tip: All documents must be submitted in French (originals together with a set of photocopies). Visa applications are not processed until a complete application has been received.

France-visas provides the public with a precise list of the documents to be provided in support of a visa application, adapted to the purpose of the stay and the personal situation of the foreign national.

To submit a short-stay visa application, applicants should typically present the following documents:

• Issued in the last 10 years.
• Valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from French territory.
• Short-stay visa application form (Cerfa no. 14076*01) duly completed, signed and dated via France-visas website and France-visas receipt.
• Three standardized  passport photos.
• €32.50 a day for foreigners with an accommodation certificate.
• €65 a day for foreigners with proof of a hotel room booking.
• €120 a day for foreigners without proof of a hotel room booking.
• Proof of a  guarantee of repatriation to the foreign national’s usual place of residence.
• Proof of insurance  covering medical and hospital expenses up to at least  €30,000 .
• Evidence of the  reasons for and conditions of the stay:
• Tourist visits: Hotel booking showing the applicant’s name, lease agreement, etc.
• Family or personal visit: Original and photocopy of proof of accommodation ( accommodation certificate ).
• Transit: Travel bookings, visa for final destination, etc.
• Business travel: Letter of invitation from the host (company, seminar or conference organizer, etc.).
• Internships and training: Internship agreement.

A full list of specific supporting documents to be submitted with a visa application, depending on the purpose of the stay and the foreign national’s personal circumstances, is freely available to the public at the France-visas website.

 For further details, please visit France-visas

Proof of accommodation

Any foreigner wishing to stay in France for no longer than three months, especially for a family or personal visit, must provide proof of accommodation. This can take the form of a hotel booking or an accommodation certificate supplied by a person hosting the foreign national in their home. The host must apply in person to the town hall in their place of residence, signing Cerfa form no. 10798*03 .

Cost of a short-stay visa

Application and visa fees are charged when the application is submitted. They range from €35 to €60 depending on the nationality of the applicant, to whom a receipt is issued. Fees can be found on France-visas. Fees are not refunded if a visa application is unsuccessful.

Helpful tip: Some formalities, such as arranging appointments and submitting applications, may be outsourced to external service providers. Any fees they charge are in addition to standard application fees, and are payable by the applicant.

The process for initiating a visa application is divided into several stages as explained on the official website France-visas.gouv.fr:

Download the “Schengen” short stay visa application form Cerfa 14076*03 .

Download the visa for a department or an overseas territory application form  Cerfa 15934*01 .

Access to all the forms on the France-visas website

How to read a short-stay visa sticker

For further information, please visit the website of France-visas.gouv.fr .

Visa territorial validity

The territorial validity of the visa in France is specified on the sticker.

When the sticker bears the indication “ valid for France except TCOM ”, the visa is valid for mainland France and the territories of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion and the community of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

When the sticker bears the indication “ DFA ”, the visa is valid only for Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, and for the community of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

Lastly, if the sticker only lists the name of a single overseas department or region, it authorises entry only to this department or region. On the sticker, the mark is “ DEPARTEMENT D’OUTRE MER (FRANCE) ”, the visa entitles you only to enter the departement or region specified in the « REMARQUES / REMARKS » section.

Consular or diplomatic authorities may reject visa applications.

The reasons for rejection must always be given in writing.Le ressortissant étranger may informally appeal such decisions free of charge and ask the relevant authority to reconsider their application.

Applications can also be referred to the French Visa Application Appeals Commission (Commission de recours contre les décisions de refus de visa d’entrée en France – CRV).

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• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Get a Tourist Visa for France

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 Approved

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 77 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 29 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 413,827 times.

Approximately 79 million people toured France in 2010, making it the most visited country in the world. Its rich culture, food, wine and scenery make it a great place to visit for a few weeks to a few months. The type of visa you need to visit France depends upon your nationality and your length of stay. France allows citizens of many countries to visit without a tourist visa for 3 months. [1] X Research source If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a French long-stay visa after you have returned home. If you need a Schengen or long-stay visa to enter France, then you must make an appointment with your local French consulate and provide the appropriate documents. This article will tell you how to get a tourist visa for France.

Select a French Visa

• If your native country is Andorra, Monaco or Switzerland, or it is part of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), then you do not need a tourist visa to France for any length of time. [3] X Research source
• You will not need a 3-month tourist visa, if you hold a passport from 1 of the following countries: United Kingdom, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, or the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People's Republic of China.
• If your country is not listed, then you will most likely need to apply for a 3-month Schengen visa to visit France. Countries that require a Schengen visa include South Africa, India, Algeria, Philippines, Ukraine, China, Thailand, Russia, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. The Schengen visa is based on an agreement between 25 European countries that allows tourists to enter 1 of the 25 countries and go between other Schengen countries without showing their passport. [4] X Research source

• If you need to stay longer than 3 months, apply for a long-term stay visa. This is required for any nationality outside of the EU and EEA. Most often, the applicants for long-stay visas are applying to work, study or attend a family reunion.

Apply for a French Visa

• Allow extra time if you are apply from 1 of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burundi, Guinea, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Palestine, Rwanda, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Belarus, Congo, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Niger, Oman, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, Bahrain, Burma, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Syria, Vietnam, or US Refugees.

• Both applications include sections for personal, address, traveling, passport, insurance and return information. Fill it out completely and legibly. Print in black ink or use a typewriter.

• Make 2 copies of all of the identification pages in your passport.

• 3 1.4 by 1.7 inch (3.5 by 4.5 cm) passport photographs. Your face must take up approximately 80 percent of the picture and it must show your ears and hairline.
• Your hotel or tour reservations and your departure and return flight information. These should be separate and detailed documents.
• Proof of medical insurance coverage while you are traveling in France. The minimum coverage for medical expenses shall be EUR 30 000.
• Original bank statements from the last 3 months, to show proof of funds while you are traveling in France.
• Proof of residence in the region where you are applying. A utility bill and an identification card with that address listed may work as proof of residence.

Community Q&A

• If you have already visited France for 3 months, you must leave for 90 days before entering without a visa again. You must also leave for 90 days before applying for a 6-month tourist visa. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You may also be able to use a credit card to make your visa payment; however, this is not guaranteed. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you are a minor, then you must also provide a copy of your birth certificate and a notarized parental authorization letter. If you plan to study, you must have a copy of your French school registration. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• The visa fees in dollars or pounds may change according to exchange rates. Thanks Helpful 40 Not Helpful 16
• There are a number of private companies who submit your Schengen visa for you. You do not need to use a company or pay for an application in order to get a Schengen visa. Thanks Helpful 48 Not Helpful 23

Things You'll Need

• Long-term visa application form
• Schengen (short-stay) application form
• Passport photos
• Airline reservations
• Hotel or tour reservations
• Proof of residence
• Proof of funds
• Proof of medical coverage
• Appointment for Biometric at the French consulate

Other wikiHows

• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/tourist-or-private-visit
• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/short-stay-visa
• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/long-stay-visa
• ↑ https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/who-needs-schengen-visa/
• ↑ https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/visa-application-guidelines#Etape3
• http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/IMG/pdf/Long_Stay_Visa_Application_Form-2.pdf
• http://www.learn4good.com/travel/fr_visa.htm

About this article

To get a tourist visa for France, make an appointment with your region's French consulate 1-3 months before your departure to France. Before your appointment, look on the French government's website under "Getting a Visa" for all of the documents you should bring. Prepare to fill out 2 copies of the Visa application form and pay a fee of $83 for a short term visa or $138 for a long term visa. Then, go to your appointment and wait 3-6 weeks for your visa to be approved. To learn how to select which French visa you need, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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