Are you planning to visit France for tourism or business? You need France visa to travel to country for any purpose. France is part of Schengen Area, so you need to apply for France Schengen visa. But before applying, you should 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 the Schengen area. So you need France Schengen visa from India for the purpose of tourism and business. It is suitable for short term visits up to 90 days for any of the purposes like tourism, business, training, family visits, etc. France visa requirements vary according to type of visa . So you should first understand France visa types before understanding visa requirements.
Types of visa for France from India
Based on purpose of the visit and stay duration in France, there are different types of France visit visa from India
- Schengen visa/Short term visa : Indian can get Schengen visa for France for up to 90 days stay of the validity 180 days. This visa is best for tourism, work, business and family visits. It mainly includes the following 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 a long time.
- Airport 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, must not be older than 10 years also 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 should have instruction to send passport to address after visa approval.
- Travel Insurance with minimum risk coverage of Euro 30,000.
- Tour itinerary
- Confirmed return ticket
- Personal bank statement for last 6 months with bank stamp and signature
- Personal income tax return for last 3 years
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings
Supporting documents as per your occupation
1. If Employed:
- Original Company NOC with stamp
- Last 3 months salary slip
2. If Self Employed:
- Business Registration Certificate / MOA / Partnership deal
- Company’s updated bank statement of last 3 months
- Company’s IT returns for last 3 years
- Cover letter from company’s letterhead
3. If Retired:
- Proof of retirement like pension book, statement of last 3 months
4. If Student:
- School / College / Institute ID Card
- No objection certificate (NOC) from school/university
- For university students: Last 3 months bank statements
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 bank statement: Bank statement for last 3 months
- If sponsor is spouse: Marriage certificate
- If sponsor is parent: Birth certificate
Supporting documents as per 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 particular destination Schengen country
- Flight Ticket to your destination country and return tickets as well
Note: Signed visa application form must be submitted with documents listed above. You need to carry all documents and submit them in person at required visa application center. You also need to carry additional documents based on type of visa you are applying for.
France visa photo requirements
Here are 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
Here is the list of France visa fees for different categories of visas in India:
| 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 € |
Additional service fees need to be paid at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) when applying for a France Visa for Indians.
- You can pay fees using Cash/Card and UPI
- France visa fees are non-refundable once they have been paid.
For a detailed visa cost, and service charges for Indians, check out our complete guide on France Visa Fees
France Schengen visa application from India
Here are how you can apply for France visa application from India:
- Make advance payment & Book order
- Upload the documents and photographs
- Documents validation by Itzeazy experts
- Form submission by Itzeazy and appointment booking for visa application centre
- Applicant have to visit visa application center for document verification and biometrics
- Get you visa by courier or in person on approval
France visa processing time
Standard processing time for a 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. In such cases, it may take up to 45 days to process your visa.
During peak travel seasons (June to September), processing time may be longer due to higher volume of applications. In such cases, it may take up to 45 days to process your visa.
Tips to avoid France visa rejections
When you apply for France visa, follow visa rules carefully and meet all requirements. Here are some tips to avoid visa rejection or delay
- Complete application form: Do not leave any section empty. Any mistake or missing detail in visa form can lead to rejection. Fill form with correct and complete information.
- Accurate documentation: Submit all required documents as per visa rules.
- 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 trip. Submit bank statement and other financial documents as required.
- Early application: There may be chances that your visa gets delayed due to high number of applications, so you should apply for visa in advance.
- Status of criminal record: If you have any criminal record, mention it clearly in application. Also provide current status and related details.
FAQ’s
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 application review.
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 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 3 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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