Are you planning to visit France for tourism, business or transit purpose ? Indians need visa to travel France. France is part of Schengen Area, so you need to apply for France Schengen visa. Before applying, its important to understand France visa requirements for Indian citizens. In this blog we will discuss documents required for France visa and other important details.
France visa requirements
France is a part of Schengen area. So you need France Schengen visa from India to visit France for the purpose like tourism, business, transit. It is suitable for short term visits up to 90 days. France visa requirements vary according to the type of visa .
Types of visa for France
Based on the purpose of the visit and the stay duration, there are different types of France visa from India :
- Schengen visa/ Short term visa : Indian can get Schengen visa for France for up to 90 days stay. The validity of it is 180 days. This visa is best for tourism, work, business and family visits. It is mainly of two types:
- Long term visa :This visa is for stays longer than 90 days. This visa is mainly for students, workers, and those planning to be in France for long time.
- Transit visa : This type of visa is required for transit through France airport:
- If you need to change airports to continue your travel
- If you are waiting for a transfer flight at a hotel or at acquaintance’s home
France visa requirements for Indian citizens
Following are documents required for France Schengen visa application :
- Valid passport, it must be valid for at least three months longer than the intended stay. Passport must also have at least two blank pages to affix visa.
- Two recent color photograph of 35 x 45 mm size.
- Personal covering letter.
- Travel Insurance with minimum risk coverage of Euro 30,000.
- Tour itinerary.
- Travel ticket.
- Personal bank statement of last 6 months with bank stamp and signature.
- Personal income tax return of last 3 years
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings
Supporting documents occupation- wise
1. If Employed:
- Company NOC with stamp
- Last 3 months salary slip
2. If Self Employed:
- Business Registration Certificate / MOA / Partnership deed
- Company’s updated bank statement of last 3 months
- Last 3 years company’s IT return
- Cover letter on company’s letterhead
3. If Retired:
- Proof of retirement like pension book, bank statement of last 3 months
4. If Student:
- School / College / Institute ID Card
5. If Minor:
- Notary affidavit with consent of parents(if travelling alone or with single parent)
7. If Sponsored:
- Sponsor ID proof: Copy of sponsor’s ID such as passport, PAN card, or residence permit
- Sponsor’s bank statement: Bank statement for last 3 months
- If sponsor is spouse: Marriage certificate
- If sponsor is parent: Birth certificate
Supporting documents depending on purpose of visit
1. If Visiting friend or relative:
- Invitation letter
- Copy of inviter’s ID proof (passport or residence permit)
2. For Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from host company that clearly mentions purpose of trip and business details
- Covering letter from Indian company on company letterhead.
- Company bank statement
- Company registration proof
3. For Transit Visa:
- Valid visa of destination country
- Flight Ticket to your destination country
Note: Signed visa application form must be submitted with documents listed above.
France visa photo requirements
Following is the photo requirements for France visa :
- France visa photo size should be 35 x 45 mm with white background
- Face should take up 70–80% of the photo
- Full face visible, directly facing camera with neutral expression
- No headgears allowed except for religious purposes
For detailed information, you can check France visa photo requirements.
Minimum bank balance for France visit visa from India
A person must have at least 120 euros (€) per day per person if staying in hotel. The amount differ if you have accomodation in France.
France visa fees in India
Followin is the France visa fees structure for different categories of visa :
| Visa type | Age category(years) | Fees in euros |
| Schengen(Tourist/business) | above 12 | 90 € |
| between 6 to 11 | 45 € | |
| below 6 | Free | |
| Long stay Visa | All | 99 € |
Note – France visa fees is are non-refundable.
For a detailed visa cost, and service charges for Indians, check out our complete guide on France Visa Fees
How to apply for France Schengen visa
Following are the steps to apply for France visa :
- Make advance payment & Book order
- Documentation and scheduling of appointment
- Visit to visa application center for documents submission and biometrics
- Issue of visa & dispatch of passport
France visa processing time
Standard processing time for France Schengen Visa from India is 15 days after appointment date. During peak travel seasons (June to September), the processing time may be longer due to a higher volume of applications.
Tips to avoid France visa rejections
When you apply for France visa, follow visa rules carefully and meet all requirements. Following are the tips to avoid visa rejection :
- Complete application form: Do not leave any section empty. Any mistake or missing detail in visa form can lead to rejection. Fill correct and complete information in the form.
- Accurate documentation: Submit all documents required for visa application.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid and in good condition. It should not be damaged.
- Financial proof: You must show proof that you have enough money for the trip. Submit bank statement and other financial documents.
- Early application: There may be chances that your visa gets delayed due to high number of applications, so you should apply for visa early.
- Status of criminal record: If you have any criminal record, mention it clearly in the application. Also provide current status and related details.
FAQs
How much does a visa to France cost from India?
You need to pay 90 Euro for adults and 45 Euro for children aged 6 to 11 years.
Do I need a visa to travel France from India ?
Yes, you need France visa to travel from India. This is Schengen visa for short-term travel for tourism, business, or other purpose.
Can I get a France Schengen visa in 3 days?
Visa processing takes about 15 days after appointment. Time can change based on appointment availability and no. of applications at embassy.
How much minimum bank balance is required for a France tourist visa from India?
You should have at least 120 euros per day per person if staying in hotel. Keep enough bank balance based on the number of travel days.
When to apply for France visa for Indians?
Standard processing time is around 15 days after appointment. It is better to apply early so you receive visa before travel. You can apply up to 6 months before travel date.
Do children also need a visa for France?
Yes, children also need visa. Fee is 45 Euro for children aged 6 to 11 years. Visa is free for children below 6 years.
Do I need confirmed flight tickets before applying for France visa?
Yes, you need proof of hotel booking and flight tickets. Many applicants use dummy bookings while applying.
Do I need to visit the embassy for a France visa?
No, you submit application and give biometrics at VFS centres in India. Embassy or consulate reviews application and makes final decision.
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