France Tourist Visa from India: Step-by-Step Application Guide & Fees

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. 

Yes, if you are an Indian passport holder, you are required to obtain a visa to visit France for tourism. You will need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa, which allows you to stay in France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Follow these simple steps for a smooth France tourist visa application using Teleport portal:

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.

The processing time for a France tourist visa is typically within 15 days. However, in certain cases where additional examination of the application is required, the processing time can be extended up to 45 days. In some instances, the passport may be returned via postal services for added convenience.

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.

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.

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.