How to Obtain a French Tourist Visa?
- Complete the French Tourist Schengen visa application form. You can find the France tourist visa application form at the website of the France embassy in your home country.
- Collect the required documents. After the completing application form, collect the required documents for a France tourist visa. Take care to have each document in original and copy.
- Book an appointment. You will need to book an appointment for your interview with a consular officer of the French embassy.
- Pay the fees. You will have to pay the visa fee before you attend the interview on the day of your appointment, at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
- On the day of the appointment. On the day of your appointment, show up on time at the France embassy, consulate or visa application center.
What is the process to get a French visa?
- Completed France Visa Application Form. ...
- Two recently taken passport-style photos. ...
- Your valid passport. ...
- Copies of older visas. ...
- Travel Medical Insurance. ...
- Complete Itinerary. ...
- Proof of financial means. ...
- Proof of accommodation in France. ...
- Certificate of criminal record of the home country– showing that candidate has no open crime case involvement
Does a French citizen need visa to get in USA?
French citizens who wish to live in the US for work or study require a visa and should contact a United States embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Additionally, if a national of France wishes to remain in the United States for longer than 90 days , they are obligated to obtain a US visa instead of the ESTA.
How much does a French visa cost?
Visa for 90 days; This visa allows the entry of visitors for tourism, business meetings, sports, company formation and cultural exchanges. It does not offer a work permit or a residence permit. Fee: the cost of the procedure and the visa amounts to approximately 220 US dollars. In case of exceeding the time of stay, an additional fee must be paid.
What are the requirements for France visa?
- Recent bank statements.
- Employment contract stating your salary, if you will be working in France.
- Income from rented property.
- Retirement benefit plan.
- A letter of declaration from a sponsor stating the readiness to cover your costs for the period of stay, accompanied by documents that confirm possession of money of such sponsor ...
How long does it take to get your French visa?
How Long Does it Take to Get a French Visa? Your French visa application will be processed within five to 20 working days. Whereas, if you have applied for a France long-stay visa, you will get a reply for 15 to 20 days, or up to 2 months in some specific cases.
How do you get a visa for France?
Visa Application GuidelinesSTEP 1 - Gather information on your situation. Seek information and check if you require a visa or not. ... STEP 2 - Set up my online application. Fill out the visa application form. ... STEP 3 - Book your appointment. ... STEP 4 - Submit your file. ... STEP 5 - Track your application.
How much bank balance is required for France visa?
The minimum balance required for France is Euro 65 / day (if you show hotel reservations for the entire stay) or Euro 120 / day (for the number of days you do not show proof of hotel reservation). You should provide the details of bank account which is your salary account.
How much does it cost to get a visa in France?
The basic service fees are paid in the local currency and costs 31.88 USD per submitted application. Please note that the service fee cannot be reimbursed.
What documents do I need for France visa?
The visa application file must include the following documents:Three long-stay visa application forms;Three passport photographs;A valid passport;The long-stay visa fees;A letter explaining why you are applying for a return visa;Proof of address in France (utility bill, etc.)
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How much money do I need to show in my bank account for Schengen visa?
Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months. If you do not have this amount in your bank, you could show a family member's/guardian's statement instead, with an accompanying letter stating that they are sponsoring your travel and stay.
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa?
5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Can I get Schengen visa without bank statement?
The additional required documents to obtain a Schengen visa for tourism purposes are: Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
How long does a French visa last?
Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year. In order to extend your stay beyond the period of validity of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit at a prefecture.
How long can you stay in France without a visa?
90 daysU.S. citizens planning to enter and visit France as tourists do not require a visa. Citizens are permitted to remain in the country a maximum of 90 days.
Is France accepting visa applications now?
Diplomatic and consular posts are now once again issuing visas, with all posts processing applications based on the classification of the countries and in accordance with their ability to meet health conditions.
Do I need a visa to go to France in 2022?
Do US citizens need a visa for France? US citizens do not need a visa to travel to France for up to 90 days. American passport holders can go to France for tourism, business, or transit visa-free. From November 2023, US citizens will need to register with ETIAS to travel to France.
Do I need a visa for France from UK 2022?
British citizens do not require a visa if spending up to 90 days over a 180 days period in the Schengen area. You may however be asked like any other third country nationals to justify your travel by the Immigration Officer (means of living, address of stay, medical travel insurance…).
Does US citizen need visa for France?
Documents required for Americans France is a member of the Schengen Agreement. To travel to France U.S. citizens are required to hold: A valid passport valid for their whole stay. A valid ETIAS visa waiver for France—ETIAS is a travel permit or visa waiver that will be mandatory in 2023.
Do I need a visa to go to France?
Depending on your nationality, a visa is required when intending to travel to France. All visas must be applied for prior to departure at the nearest French Embassy or French Consulate in the applicant's country of residence.
How to fill out a visa application?
Fill out the visa application form 1 Your application fees are due upon filing. 2 If your home country is eligible, you must fill out the online application form. You will be guided through the whole process by on-screen explanations.#N#Before validating and printing out your application, you will be asked to create a personal account that includes your email address in order to save your partially- or fully-completed form. After this step, you will receive the list of required supporting documents and have the opportunity to book your appointment. 3 If your country is not eligible, please check the appropriate procedure on your country of application page.
What is the service provider for a visa?
The service provider (or consulate ) will receive you, review your application, collect the visa fee, capture your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and retain your passport and the copies of all your supporting documents in order to forward them to the consulate.
How long can you hold a Schengen visa?
If you hold a biometric Schengen visa issued within 59 months, either bearing the mention ‘VIS’ or issued after March 2016, your previous biometric data can be re-used.
What is the role of consular services?
The consular services nonetheless remain fully responsible for reviewing applications and making visa issuance decisions.
How long does it take to get a visa for a short stay?
Check on the average appointment wait times to ensure that you are able to submit your application three months to two weeks prior to your departure date for a long stay visa and 6 months to two weeks to your departure date for a short stay visa.
How old do you have to be to get a visa?
Any visa applicant aged 12 or older must submit his or her visa application in person. The following biometric data will be required: a photo (scanned or taken during your appointment), and ten individually-taken fingerprints.
What is visa wizard?
The visa wizard will help you determine, depending on your situation, the visa requirements to which you are subject, as well as the submission fee and required supporting documents.
Who does and who doesn’t need a Visa to enter France?
Not every foreigner and not for every territory of France applies the same visa policy. As such, visa exemptions are greatly influenced by dissimilar factors, where the major ones are: foreigner’s nationality, the territory of France that the applicant seeks to visit, foreigner’s residence status in Schengen Area or specifically in France, the purpose of visit, as well as the duration of stay.
How to apply for a visa in France?
Download the France Visa Application form, fill it completely and with sincerity. You can also fill the France Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard copy .
How long can a French citizen stay in Uruguay?
Uruguay. Nationals who can enter the French Overseas Territories WITHOUT a French Visa but CANNOT stay more than three (3) months or ninety (90) days there, come from the following countries: Schengen Area member countries, Andorra, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco,
How much does it cost to get a short stay visa in France?
If required a short-stay or airport transit visa for France the application fee is 60€ (unless otherwise stated on the visa sticker)
What is a medical visa in France?
France Visa for Medical Purposes is destined for foreigners who need to enter and stay in a French territory temporarily to get medical treatment in a medical institution located in French territory . Typically this visa type is issued to foreigners who cannot get the appropriate healthcare in their home country.
What is a cover letter for a French embassy?
French embassy/consulate also requires the confirmation of coverage letter as the proof of coverage to be submitted along with other requested documents and France visa application. A cover letter stating the purpose of a visit to France and itinerary. Flight ticket reservations.
What age are children allowed in France?
Children of 6-11 age (not including French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte and French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Who needs a France Tourist Visa?
Whether you need or you do not need a short-stay visa to visit European France or its overseas territories, collectivities, departments, and regions, it all depends on your nationality.
Where Should I Lodge my Application for a France Tourist Visa?
According to the French authorities in your country of residence and how they have regulated visa admission, you may have to submit your application at:
When Can I Submit the Application?
According to the France tourist visa rules the earliest that you can make the application is six months before your booked flight to France.
How long is a French tourist visa valid?
The validity of your visa depends on the French embassy that issued it to you. The maximal validity of a French tourist visa can be three months, within half a year.
What to see after getting a tourist visa in France?
After you receive your France tourist visa: Make a list of the places you want to see in France. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arch of Triumph, these are of course things every person in France with a tourist visa wants to see. Yet, you should know that traveling from one place to the other will take time.
What is a French consulate?
A French consulate in your country. A third party visa-processing center, to which France has outsourced visa submission in your country. The French embassy/consulate/visa processing-center in a neighboring country, to which French authorities in your country of residence have outsourced visa submission.
How long is a passport valid in France?
Your valid passport. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages in order to be able to put the visa sticker on it. Copies of older visas.
Who needs a French visa?
You don’t need to apply for a French visa if you are an EU/EFTA citizen. You no longer have to apply for a residence permit ( carte de séjour) or register at your local town hall ( mairie) if you’re an EU/EFTA citizen. However, you can apply for a residence card if you wish.
How long is a Schengen visa valid in France?
France uses the “ Uniform Schengen ” category C visa as its short-stay visa. This is valid for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. It can be granted for tourism, business trips, short-term study, family visits, medical care and for short-term work-related purposes. The Schengen visa allows you to travel around the Schengen Area for its duration.
What are the requirements for a French visa?
This guide to French visas and permits includes: 1 Do you need a French visa? 2 Short-stay/Entry visas 3 Long-term /extended stay visas ( visa de long séjour) 4 Residence permit ( carte de séjour) 5 When you arrive in France 6 When your visa/permit expires 7 Working in France
How long is a short stay visa in France?
Short-stay visa (uniform Schengen visa), which is for visits to France lasting three months or less.
What is a VLS-TS visa?
The VLS-TS visas are issued for anyone travelling to France to carry out work for a period of less than a year. The visa will be marked “ travailleur temporaire ” (temporary worker) and may be for a variety of purposes including:
How long is a French visa valid?
Temporary long-stay French visas (VLS-TS) are valid for up to one year and are non-renewable. If you come to France on a VLS-TS and want to stay longer than a year, you will need to apply for a French residence permit and meet the criteria for extending your stay.
What happens if you stay in France for a long time?
If you stay on beyond the duration of your visa, you run the risk of being fined or having an alert recorded against you , when you leave France, which may be detrimental when you make future visa applications.
What is a Statutory Declaration?
Statutory declaration. Sworn statement duly endorsed by a justice of the Peace of non-bankruptcy in the last 10 years in all the countries the applicant has lived, as well as a statement of non-conviction of the applicant in all these countries.
What is voluntary work contract?
Which must mention: the name and address of both parties, a detailed description of the volunteering activities to be performed, the time period the applicant is hired for, confirmation of registration of the volunteering worker with French National Health Insurance, the detailed amount of all subsidies with methods of payments and benefits in kind given to the worker, as well as the number of holidays allowed.
How long is a passport valid in France?
Before you apply, check your passport for its validity and date of issuance. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages in order to be able to put the visa sticker on it.
How long does a humanitarian visa last in France?
This is a visa for people who wish to engage in humanitarian work in France, for up to one year and more than three months. If you are planning to obtain such a visa, keep in mind that you will have to start the visa application process through a French Foundation or Association recognized by the French authorities as registered charity / public utility.
What is a French tax clearance?
French tax clearance. Issued by the French Inland Revenue if the applicant has been a resident in France within the last 10 years.
What is a certificate of guarantee?
Certificate of guarantee, issued by a registered bank or insurance company established in France or a certificate of a credit balance from a bank account in your name issued by a bank registered in France.
What documents should be backed by supporting evidence of applicant’s socio-professional situation?
These documents should be backed by supporting evidence of applicant’s socio-professional situation (degrees, curriculum vitae, portfolio…).
How long can a foreigner stay in France?
A long-stay visa allows foreign nationals to stay in France for longer than three months, with the aim of enabling the holder to obtain a residence permit so they can live in France for a specified period.
How long does a passport need to be valid in France?
A passport (or other travel document) meeting both the following conditions:#N#Issued in the last 10 years.#N#Valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from French territory.
Can a consular reject a visa?
Consular or diplomatic authorities can reject visa applications. The reasons for such rejection must always be given in writing. Applicants may informally appeal such decisions free of charge and ask the relevant authority to reconsider their application.
Are there any transit visa exceptions for France?
Yes, airport transit visas are not imposed for citizens who hold a diplomatic passport, have a Schengen visa, are family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens or hold a residence permit issued by one of the Schengen states. This means that citizens from the above-mentioned countries who present one of these statuses will no longer need an airport transit visa for France. In order to be sure you won’t need an airport transit visa, we suggest you talk to one of our French immigration lawyers and ask for legal advice.
How can we help with a transit visa for France?
We can help you obtain a short or long-stay visa, student visa, work visa, the residence permit in France and we can offer complete legal advice. We have also gathered information and statistics about the population and immigration in France:
What is transit visa?
The Transit Schengen visa for seafarers is required for the marine crew who needs to disembark in a Schengen port. Citizens of third world countries who must transfer to other vessels, who need medical support or must take care of family emergency cases in a Schengen harbor must obtain a transit visa for seafarers. In matters of documents, the shipping company will have to issue a letter stating the reason for such a visit or stay and a copy of the work contract. We remind that having health insurance is part of the policies and requirements for this kind of transit visa for France.
What is an ATV visa?
The airport transit visa (ATV) for France is solicited for specific types of citizens who are traveling from an airport in a country that is not part of the Schengen Area. They will have to stay in the international zone of a French airport while waiting for the connection for the final destination, which can also be located outside the Schengen area. The formalities for this type of visa can be entirely handled by one of our French immigration lawyers.
Can I travel outside the airport in France?
This means that you cannot travel outside the airport and visit the city you arrived in. Citizens from countries like Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria, Eritrea, Chad, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, India, Mali, Russia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa, Syria, and Palestine must verify and comply with the requirements of an airport transit visa for France. We remind that France is part of the Schengen Area, so the transit visa will also be imposed by the country members of the organization. In terms of documents, the following are the most important:
Immigration in France
Who Needs A French Visa?
- EU/EFTA nationals
You don’t need to apply for a French visa if you are an EU/EFTA citizen. You no longer have to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) or register at your local town hall (mairie) if you’re an EU/EFTA citizen. However, you can apply for a residence card if you wish. Spouses and depende… - Non-EU/EFTA nationals
Some nationalities need a visa to enter France, even if just staying for a short period of time. You can check the France-Visas websitefor the requirements of your own country and own situation. All non-EU/EFTA nationals must apply for a long-term French visa (visa long de séjour) and resid…
Types of French Visa
- There are essentially three types of French visa: 1. Short-stay visa (uniform Schengen visa), which is for visits to France lasting three months or less. 2. Temporary long-stay visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour– VLS-TS), which is for stays of up to a year. 3. Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour), which is for stays in France of over one year. See below for information on individu…
Short-Stay French Visas
- France uses the Uniform Schengen category C visa as its short-stay visa. This is valid for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. It can be granted for tourism, business trips, short-term study, family visits, medical care, and short-term work-related purposes. The Schengen visa allows you to travel around the Schengen Areafor its duration. You will also need the Schengen v…
Temporary Long-Stay French Visas
- Temporary long-stay French visas (VLS-TS) are valid for up to one year and are non-renewable. If you come to France on a VLS-TS and want to stay longer than a year, you will need to apply for a French residence permit and meet the criteria for extending your stay. The VLS-TS acts as a temporary residence permit in France. You need to validate this permitwithin three months of arr…
Long-Term French Visas
- General long-stay French visas are for any stays lasting longer than a year. Typically, the initial visa is granted for one year. After this, you need to obtain a longer-term residence permit from your local préfecture. Sometimes you may initially get the temporary VLS-TS if your stay may not last beyond a year. You can then apply for a residence permit if you end up staying beyond a yea…
Asylum Seekers and Refugees in France
- France has a similar asylum system to countries such as Germany and the UK. Anyone can claim asylum in France. There were 81,800 asylum applicationsin the country in 2020, the third-highest total in the EU behind Germany and Spain. The process for claiming asylum in France differs slightly depending on where you make the claim. If you apply at one of the French borders, you s…
Residence and Citizenship in France
- If you are staying in France for more than three months, you will need a residence permit (carte de séjour). The temporary VLS-TS visa acts as a one-year residence permit which you need to validate with the OFIIwithin three months of arrival. If you have a standard long-stay visa, you need to apply for a residence permit within two months of arrival. You can do this online or through yo…
Arriving in France
- Once you have arrived in France and applied for/validated your residence permit, the OFII will contact you for an interview regarding integrating into French society. You will also have to undergo a two-day civic training course and take a French language test. Other things you should consider to help you settle in include: 1. Registering for French healthcare 2. Opening a French b…
Appeals and Complaints
- If your application for a French visa has been refused and you wish to contest it, you need to lodge an appeal with either the French embassy or consulate in your home country or the Visa Appeals Board in France (Commission de Recours contre les Décisions de Refus de Visa). You need to do this within two months of the decision. The appeal must be in French if sent to the Visa Appeals …