group-2line-73

Blog

Get started

France Tourist Visa for Indians: A Complete Guide

Last Update: 07-02-2024

Man smiling in sunglasses and a jacket, with snowy mountains in the background.

Aditya Jain

Twilight view of France nestled by a river
Home
>
France
>
France Tourist Visa for Indians: A Complete Guide

⚡Quick Summary

France Tourist Visa Requirement

Is a visa required for France?

Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit France.

France Tourist Visa Processing Time

France Tourist Visa Processing time

15 Working Days

France Tourist Visa Fees

France Tourist Visa Fees

  1. VFS Appointment fees: Euro 19.25(INR 1,825/-)
  2. Embassy fees: 0 to 6 years old: No fees.
  3. 6 to 12 years old: Euro 40 (INR 3,400/-)
  4. 12+ years: Euro 80 (INR 7,100/-)
France Tourist Visa Validity

France Visa Validity

180 Days

France Tourist Visa Stay Duration

France Visa Stay Duration

90 Days

How to Apply for a France visa

How to apply for a France visa

  1. Apply through Teleport in under 2 minutes
  2. Apply through VFS Global website.
Documents Required for France visa

Documents required for France visa

  1. Passport
  2. Visa Application Form
  3. Passport-sized Photograph
  4. Cover Letter
  5. Travel Medical Insurance - Euro 30,000
  6. Flight tickets and Hotel Bookings
  7. Bank Statement (last 3 months)
  8. Income tax return (last 2 years)
France Tourist Visa on Arrival

Does France offer visas on arrival?

France does not offer visas on arrival to Indians. You need to have an approved visa prior to your departure.

Is my French visa a Schengen visa?

Is my French visa a Schengen visa?

Yes, your French visa is a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel to and within all 27 Schengen countries, including France.

Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit France?

Yes, Indian citizens typically need a Schengen visa to visit France for tourism. The French visa is stamped on your passport and allows you to stay in France for 90 days or more depending on the visa type you have applied for.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Can Indians Get a France Visa on Arrival?
  3. When Should I Apply For A France Schengen Visa?
  4. Types of France Visas for Indians
  5. How to Apply for a France Visa for Indians?
  6. France Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians
  7. What is the France Tourist Visa Processing Time for Indians?
  8. France Tourist Visa Fees for Indians
  9. What is the Validity of a France Visa for Indians?
  10. How to Check the Status of a France Visa Application for Indians?
  11. Do I need an Airport Transit Visa for France as an Indian?
  12. What are the Reasons for France Visa Rejection in India?
  13. What to do if My France Tourist Visa Gets Rejected?
  14. Do Indian Citizens Need Travel Insurance for a France Visa?
  15. What to Do After Reaching France Airport?
  16. Conclusion

Introduction

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 – Safe Travels!✈️

Can Indians Get a France Visa on Arrival?

Visa on arrival is not available in France for Indian citizens. To enter France, Indian citizens must obtain a pre-approved visa in advance.

When Should I Apply For A France Schengen Visa?

Applying for a Schengen Visa at a France Diplomatic Mission:

  1. Single Country Visit: Apply at the French consulate if you're visiting only France as your single Schengen country and it's your first entry point.
  2. Multiple Countries, Equal Stay Duration: If visiting several Schengen countries with similar stays (e.g., tourism in France, Germany, and Switzerland), apply at the consulate of your first entry country—France, in this case.
  3. Main Purpose of Visit: Your main purpose determines where you apply. If it's unclear and you're visiting multiple countries, submit your application to the embassy or consulate of your first entry point to the Schengen area.

Example: For instance, if your main purpose is attending a conference in France while touring multiple countries, apply at the French consulate.

teleport-white-icon

Teleport’s Expert Tip

Start applying for a Schengen visa for France up to 6 months prior to your trip. It is recommended to submit your application no later than 30 days before your departure for the most hassle free processing.

Types of France Visas for Indians

  1. Uniform Schengen short-stay visa: A "Uniform Schengen" short-stay visa is issued by a Schengen Area member country. It allows you to transit through or stay in part or all of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa will specify the territories you're allowed to visit. This type of visa is generally issued for tourism, business trips or family visits.
  2. Long-stay Visa: If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-stay visa in advance, regardless of your nationality. Long stay visas can be issued for stay for an extended period for tourist or personal reasons, Carry out a professional activity, Pursue education and/or Join family members. Your long-stay visa can be valid for a minimum of three months and up to one year. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit in a prefecture.
  3. Airport Transit Visa: Indian passport holders flying from a non-Schengen country and staying in the international zone of a French airport in mainland France while waiting for your connecting flight to another non-Schengen country, you may need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV). You do not require an airport transit visa if you are a holder of a valid Schengen visa, a national long-stay visa, or a residence permit issued by a Schengen country.

How to Apply for a France Visa for Indians?

Get Your France Visa Easily with Teleport

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.

Apply for your France Visa via VFS Global

Step 1: Begin your application

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

France Visa Application Form

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:

  1. Your passport
  2. Original documents and photocopies of your supporting documents
  3. 2 photos with the required specifications

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.

teleport-white-icon

Teleport’s Expert Tip:

If you made a mistake creating your account, don't worry! Simply fill out a new form. No need to delete the current form or your account

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.

  • b

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:

  1. The reference number issued to you while making the payment at the VFS centre.
  2. Your last name.

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.

France Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

Mandatory Documents

Original Passport

  • Two blank pages
  • Valid for three months beyond your trip’s end
  • Issued within the last ten years.
  • Include scanned copies of the first and last passport pages, as well as previous passport pages with travel history.

2 Photographs

  • 35mm by 45mm
  • Face covering 80% of the frame
  • White background
  • Taken within the last six months

Schengen Visa Application Form

Sign the application form and bring it to your appointment

Flight Bookings

Confirmation of round-trip bookings, including internal transfers within Schengen States (flight itinerary, train itinerary, or car rental details).

Hotel Bookings

Proof of hotel bookings for your entire stay in France.

Cover Letter

  • Stating the purpose
  • Travel dates of your trip, including your passport number.

Travel Medical Insurance

Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.

Appointment Confirmation

Carry the appointment letter containing your name, appointment date, time, and location to enter the visa centre.

3 Months Bank Statement Copy

  • Recommended budget of 50 to 150 Euros per person per day of the trip.
  • The statement should be no more than 15 days old on the appointment day. Note: Bank signed and stamped statement is not a mandatory requirement

Income Tax Return

Personal Income Tax Returns for the previous 2 financial years.

teleport-white-icon

Teleport’s Expert Tip

For a smoother France visa application, consider ensuring your bank statement is both signed and stamped by bank authorities with  a minimum balance of INR 3,00,000.

Supporting Documents

If Employed

  • Include the Income Tax Department Return or Form 16
  • Leave NOC from the Employer
  • Provide the last three months' salary slips

If Self-Employed

  • GST certificate
  • Company registration proof
  • Company bank statement
  • Company ITR.

If Retired

Proof of retirement and regular income from property or business ownership.

If your trip is Sponsored

  • Sponsor's bank statement of the last 3 months
  • Sponsorship letter stating the amount and relationship

If a Minor

  • Birth Certificate
  • Consent Letter from Parents (Necessary only if the child is travelling unaccompanied by both parents or a single parent.)

If Married:

  • Marriage certificate copy
  • Rental/property agreement, or Aadhar card.

If Divorced

  • Divorce Papers

Photograph Requirements and Specifications for France Visa Application

Photo requirements for a France visa as an Indian citizen includes

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.

Specifications for France Visa Application

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.

teleport-white-icon

Teleport’s Expert Tip

Make sure the photo in your passport matches exactly like the photograph you submitted with your application. To prevent any chance of rejection, remember to include a new and up-to-date photograph that matches the required specifications. In case your visa is rejected, submit a new and fresh visa specific photograph as the previous photograph can again lead to rejection.

What is the France Tourist Visa Processing Time for Indians?

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

teleport-white-icon

Teleport’s Expert Tip

Although the standard processing time is 15 to 21 days, in our experience, many French visas are often approved within just one week.

France Tourist Visa Fees for Indians

Fee TypeAmount (INR)

VFS Appointment Fees

1,825/-

Embassy Fees (0-6 years)

No Fee

Embassy Fees (6-11 years)

3,400/-

Embassy Fees (12+ years)

7,100/-

What is the Validity of a France Visa for Indians?

The France visa for Indians 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.

How to Check the Status of a France Visa Application for Indians?

Track Your France Visa Application Status with Teleport

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.

  1. Log in to the Teleport Dashboard.
  2. Find 'Your Applications.'
  3. Click on your submitted application to check its current status.

Track Your France Visa Application Status via VFS Global

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

  1. Visit the VFS online application tracking tool.
  2. Select the country where you lodged the application
  3. Enter your application reference number issued to you while making the payment at the VFS centre.
  4. Enter your last name.

Do I need an Airport Transit Visa for France as an Indian?

Whether you require an airport transit visa for France depends on different conditions, which are as follows:

  • Condition 1: Transit within Schengen Area via French Airport If your flight involves a stopover at an airport in France with the intention of travelling to another airport within France or to an airport in a Schengen country, you are considered to be entering the Schengen area. Border police will conduct controls, and unless exempt, you must hold a short-stay visa for the Schengen area.
  • Condition 2: International Zone Transit via French Airport If your transit involves moving through a French airport to an airport located outside the Schengen area without exiting the international zone of the French airport, you are not considered to be entering the Schengen area. In this scenario, Indian nationals typically do not require an airport transit visa.

What are the Reasons for France Visa Rejection in India?

  1. Inadequate Documentation: Ensure you provide all necessary documents, as missing any might result in rejection.
  2. False Information: Providing incorrect details can not only lead to rejection but also future bans on visa applications.
  3. Insufficient Financial Proof: It's crucial to demonstrate enough funds (at least EUR 50- 150 Euros per person per day of the trip) to cover your expenses during the stay.
  4. Unexplained Income Sources: Clear and transparent information about your income sources is vital to avoid raising suspicions.
  5. Poor Travel History: Previous instances of overstaying visas, especially in Schengen countries, may impact your application negatively.
  6. Suspicion of Fraudulent Intent: Failing to explain your visit's purpose clearly can make officials suspicious.
  7. Criminal Record: A history of criminal activities or involvement in illegal actions can lead to visa rejection.
teleport-white-icon

Teleport's Expert Tip

Many rejections happen because of financial issues, like problems with bank statements and income tax returns. Make sure you provide sufficient proof of your finances with a recommended minimum bank balance of INR 3,00,000 per applicant.

What to do if My France Tourist Visa Gets Rejected?

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 through the following steps:

  1. For long-stay visas, appeal to the Commission for Appeals against Visa Refusal Decisions (CRRV – BP 83609 – 44036 NANTES CEDEX 1). Your appeal, written in French and signed, is a necessary step before any further appeal to the administrative judge.
  2. For short-stay visas refused from January 1, 2023, appeal to the Deputy Director of Visas (BP 83609 44036 Nantes Cedex 01). Your written and signed appeal, with justifiable reasons, is mandatory before any administrative judge appeals.

In case you don't receive a decision within two months from the application date, it is considered an implicit refusal. In such instances, you can appeal either to the CRRV or the Deputy Director of Visas, depending on the type of visa applied for.

teleport-white-icon

Teleport’s Expert Tip

  • Appeals tend to have a longer embassy response time, making a fresh application a faster and more successful option.
  • Although VFS could reassess the application following the initial rejection, it is important to be prepared for potential inquiries from the embassy. Be sure to submit fresh documents with all the supporting documents to avoid any grounds of rejection.
  • 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 the address below: Commission de recours contre les Décisions de refus de visa d’entrée en France

Do Indian Citizens Need Travel Insurance for a France Visa?

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.

What to Do After Reaching France Airport?

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

  1. Prepare Your Travel Documents: Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel bookings readily available for quick verification by immigration authorities. This helps streamline the arrival process and ensures a swift exit from the airport.
  2. Unaccompanied Minor Guidelines: If you're an unaccompanied minor, stick with your designated flight attendant for safety. Upon arrival, identify and stay with your assigned adult to ensure a secure and smooth transition.
  3. Familiarise Yourself with France's Regulations: Proceed to the customs area if you have items to declare or if your baggage needs inspection. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the Customs Regulations at the France Airport, which conducts inspections to combat money laundering and drug trafficking. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the arrival process at the France Airport efficiently and adhere to the necessary regulations for a hassle-free experience.

Conclusion

In summary, with the information provided in this guide, obtaining a France visa can be a straightforward process. Just make sure you meet the specific requirements for your travel purpose. France's rich culture and beautiful landscapes await your exploration.

Safe travels and enjoy your French journey!

For a hassle-free France visa application experience, consider applying with Teleport. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the application process, ensuring your submission meets all the necessary criteria.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need assistance. Our dedicated team is ready to provide guidance and support.

FAQ

logo