France Tourist Visa for Indians: A Complete Guide

Planning on a journey to explore the rich culture of France requires careful planning, and securing a tourist visa for France from India is a crucial step. In this comprehensive guide, we simplify the process of obtaining a France Tourist Visa for Indians, covering essential details such as France tourist visa requirements, application procedures through Teleport or VFS Global, and vital documents needed. 

Whether you're opting for a short-stay visa, a Uniform Schengen visa, or a long-stay visa, we break down the steps to ensure a hassle-free experience. 

If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out to us if you have any queries or need assistance, our committed team is prepared to offer guidance and support.

Call us at 073148 52914 or reach out to us on WhatsApp

Get ready for a smooth journey to France .

A Schengen visa allows you entry in 29 Schengen Region countries. It can become confusing for applicants to know at which Schengen country Embassy they should apply their visa at. 

The below 3 points tell you all the times when you should be applying for your Schengen visa at the French Embassy -

Apply at the French Embassy if France is your sole Schengen destination.

If you plan on visiting multiple Schengen countries with comparable lengths of stay (e.g., touring France, Lithuania, and Italy), you need to initiate your visa application at the consulate of your initial entry country, which is France in this case.

The primary purpose of your trip dictates at which Embassy you should be applying your visa. In case of ambiguity, particularly when visiting multiple countries, submit your application to the embassy or consulate of your first entry point into the Schengen Region.

For example, You need to apply your visa at the French Consulate, if your primary purpose involves attending a conference in France while exploring other Schengen countries.

Getting a France visa is now hassle-free with Teleport. Follow these simple steps for a smooth France tourist visa application:

Step 1: Begin Your Application: Start your French tourist visa application through Teleport's user-friendly platform.

Step 2: Application and Payment Completion: Enter your essential travel and passport details and make your visa payment via Teleport, selecting either full or partial upfront payment.

Step 3: Document Preparation and Review: Your designated relationship manager will review and organise all necessary documents for your France visa application.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment: Teleport's committed relationship manager will arrange an appointment on your behalf with the VFS Appointment Centre.

Step 5: Visit VFS Centre and Submit Biometrics: Attend your scheduled appointment at the nearby VFS Visa Application Centre, where you'll submit biometrics and required documentation.

Following your appointment, choose between passport delivery via courier or personally picking it up from the visa centre.

✅ For comprehensive support, your dedicated relationship manager is here to guide you through the entire process.

Step 1: Begin your application

Visit the FRANCE-VISAS website and select "Start your visa application”.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Before you begin the visa application process, take a few minutes to review all the steps.

Make sure you have the following ready:

Step 3: Create an Account

Now that you have all the necessary documents, it's time to begin your visa application.

To get started, you'll need to create an account on the visa application website

Once you've successfully created your account, the next steps are to verify your email address and begin completing the application form.

Step 4: Book your Appointment

After submitting your visa application, it's time to book an appointment at VFS Visa Application Centre for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprints and a photo.

Once you've made the appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email along with your appointment letter.

If you're applying as a family or group, remember that each member must schedule their individual appointments.

Step 5: Pay your fees

If online payment of service fees is not an option, you'll be required to pay the service fees at the Visa Application Centre along with the visa fees during your appointment.

Step 6: Visit the Visa Application Centre

You must personally submit your fully completed visa application form and documents at one of the designated Visa Application Centers unless directed otherwise.

Step 7: Track your application

You can track your application's status on the France-visas website under the "Track your Application" section.

Or, If you submitted your application at a VFS visa application centre, you can use the VFS online application tracking tool to check your application's status. Simply provide the following details:

Step 8: Collect Your Visa

Once a decision has been reached on your visa application, you can retrieve your documents and passport from the Visa Application Centre. Alternatively, if you chose a courier service during your application submission, your documents will be returned to you by the selected courier.

Refer to Visa Application Guidelines for more details.

Recent Photo: Your visa photo must be no older than 6 months.

Size and Dimensions: Your visa photo should measure 35mm x 45mm (width x height) with a 80% face coverage.

Head Position: Ensure your head is fully visible and centered in the photo.

Eyeglasses and Headgear: If wearing eyeglasses, no glare should obscure your eyes. Religious headgear is allowed, but your entire face (from chin to forehead, including cheeks and ears) must be fully visible.

Quality: The photo should be in colour, high-resolution, and well-lit, with no shadows, red-eye, or reflections.

The regular processing time for a France tourist visa is approximately 15 working days after your appointment at the Visa Application centre.

Apply for your France Schengen visa as early as possible, ideally at least 3 to 4 weeks before your planned travel date. This allows sufficient time for processing, as visa processing times can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply.

The France Visa remains valid for a period of 6 months (180 days). However, the exact validity of your visa is dependent on the discretion of the embassy.

If you've applied for a France visa through Teleport, easily stay updated on your application. Get real-time status updates through WhatsApp, email, or directly from the Teleport Dashboard.

You can also track your France visa application status from the VFS Global website

Travellers who are not entering the French territory as a final destination but will travel via the French airport to catch a connecting flight to a different country need a France Airport Transit Visa. 

Generally, if you're not leaving the French airport's international zone during your layover, you may not need an airport transit visa. But if you plan to leave the airport an airport transit visa might be necessary. 

There are three types of France airport transit visas:

According to both French and European laws, if your visa application is denied, there must be clear reasons for the decision. You have the right to challenge the refusal within 30 days. You need to appeal to the Deputy Director of Visas (BP 83609 44036 Nantes Cedex 01). 

In case you don't receive a decision on your visa application within two months from applying, it is considered an implicit refusal. In such instances, you can appeal either to the CRRV or the Deputy Director of Visas. You can appeal to the CRRV either in person, through a lawyer, or with a family member holding a mandate. Your appeal, written in French, should be sent by regular mail to:

Commission de recours contre les Décisions de refus de visa d’entrée en France

BP 83609

44036 NANTES Cedex 01

Yes, when applying for a France visa, it is mandatory to have minimum travel insurance coverage of 30,000 Euros. It's strongly advisable for travellers to consider acquiring health insurance coverage from reputable providers such as Tata AIG, Digit Insurance, HDFC Ergo, and others.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free exit from the airport upon landing in France, consider the following steps:

In France, extending a tourist visa is generally discouraged and can be challenging. France Tourist Visas are typically granted for 180 days allowing for a 90-day stay, and extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness or unforeseen events that prevent departure like cancellation by a carrier due to bad weather conditions, or a strike.

If you believe you have a valid reason for extending your France tourist visa, contact the Prefecture well before your current visa expires to inquire about the possibility and process of extension. 

You will have to pay a visa extension fee amounting to €30. If your request is motivated by a reason of force majeure, French authorities may exempt you from the extension fees.

Preparing for a France tourist visa interview is crucial to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you ace your interview:

Remember, each visa application is unique, and there's no guaranteed formula for success. Thorough preparation and genuine intentions can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining a France tourist visa.

Acquiring a France visa can be made simple by adhering to the guidelines outlined in this guide. Ensure you fulfil the particular France tourist visa requirements relevant to your travel intentions. France's diverse culture and stunning scenery are ready for you to discover.

Wishing you safe travels and a delightful journey through France!

For a seamless France visa application process, consider using Teleport. Our intuitive platform streamlines the application process, ensures that your submission aligns with all necessary standards.

Should you have any inquiries or require any help, call us at +91 73148 52914 or reach out to us on WhatsApp.