France Visa

Types of France Visas

The France visa for Indians depends on the duration and purpose of stay. Here are the two main France visa types:

Short-stay Visa (Schengen Type C)

This visa is valid for stays up to 90 days, and it lets you travel across France and the Schengen Area.

Common types include:

• Tourist Visa – For holidays and sightseeing.
• Business Visa – For meetings and events.
• France Student Visa (Short-term) – For courses under 3 months.

You can choose single or multiple-entry, depending on your itinerary.

Long-stay Visa (Type D)

For stays over 90 days, this visa is issued based on your reason for travel.

Popular types:

• France Study Visa – For Indian students joining full-time courses.
• France Work Visa / France Work Permit Visa – For those taking up employment in France.
• Family or personal stay – For reunions or long visits.

Some long-stay visas double as residence permits (VLS-TS), valid for up to 12 months.

Pick the right France visa and start your journey!

Schengen Visa France from India

Planning a European getaway? Indian travellers need a Schengen visa France to explore not just France but 28 other countries in the Schengen zone. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or a short study trip, the Schengen visa of France from India allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Apply online, submit your documents, and once approved—bonjour, Europe! From the Eiffel Tower to the French Riviera, your French dream is just a visa away.

How to Apply for France Visa on MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip's quick, convenient, and fully guided process for France visa application ensures a smooth experience. Here's an overview:

• Select France as your destination within the Schengen area.
• Choose your purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, etc.).
• Upload a clear photo of the first page of your passport.
• Make your online payment.
• MakeMyTrip visa consultant will contact you for assistance and document guidance.
• Submit your France Schengen visa application form, supporting documents, and biometric data at the Visa Application Centre.
• Children under 12 are exempt from biometric submission.
• During submission, choose to collect your passport in person or via courier (additional charges apply).
• At select centres, MakeMyTrip field officers are available to provide on-ground help.
• You may be called for a personal interview at the embassy's discretion.
• Track your visa status anytime via 'My Trips' on MakeMyTrip.
• Once the passport is returned by the French embassy, you'll be notified via SMS or email.

Apply confidently and explore France and beyond with MakeMyTrip's expert support.

France Visa Fee

Understanding the France visa fee is crucial. Here's a snapshot:

Please note that these are standard France visa fees for Indian applicants and do not include additional service charges or courier fees that may apply during submission.

Documents Required for France Visa Application

Citizens applying for visas must submit certain documents as part of the application process. These documents needed for a France visa for Indians apply to both tourist and business categories under the France sticker visa (Schengen short-stay Type C).

• Valid Passport: Original passport (or travel document) issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from France.
• Old Passports: Include previous passports, if available.
• Photographs: Three recent, passport-size coloured photos as per Schengen visa photo specifications.
• Visa Application Form: Accurately filled in and signed short-stay visa application form (Cerfa no. 14076*01), submitted online via the France-Visas website, along with the application receipt.
• Flight Tickets: Confirmed return or onward flight bookings, including any travel within or outside the Schengen area.
• Travel Insurance: Medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of approx. 29,15,430.00 INR, valid for the entire duration of stay in France.
• Cover Letter: Letter explaining the purpose of your visit and a detailed travel itinerary.
• Financial Documents: Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in France:
  • ₹3,128/day for travellers with an accommodation certificate.
  • ₹6,253/day with hotel booking proof.
  • ₹11,543/day without any proof of accommodation.
  Accepted documents include recent bank statements, proof of income, or sponsorship letters.
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking confirmation with your name or an accommodation certificate (attestation d'accueil) from a host residing in France. The host must apply in person at their local town hall (mairie) and complete Cerfa no. 10798*03.
• Biometrics: Fingerprints will be collected at the time of application submission unless previously submitted within the last 59 months or if the applicant qualifies for an exemption (e.g., children under 12 years of age).

France Tourist Visa: Requirements and Application Process

Indian travellers must meet the France tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens and follow the correct application process to enjoy a smooth travel experience.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens must have a valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from French territory.
• Application: Start your visa application with authorised partners like MakeMyTrip.
• Documentation: Ensure that all documents meet the latest France visa requirements, including visa form, financial proof, and travel insurance.
• Fee: Visa fee may vary based on the type of visa and duration of stay. Payment must be made at the time of application submission.

By following these steps and meeting all France visa requirements, Indian travellers can ensure a timely and hassle-free visa approval.

Schengen Visa Letter

A well-crafted France visa cover letter is a crucial document when applying for a Schengen visa. It offers a clear explanation of your travel purpose, duration, accommodation plans, and financial readiness, helping consular officers assess your application with clarity.

Your France visa covering letter should include your personal details, travel dates, reason for visit (tourism, business, or family), proof of accommodation, and financial means. It must also confirm your intent to return to India after your stay.

Using the correct format ensures your letter is professional and easy to review. Many applicants search for a covering letter for France visa sample online to use as a guide, ensuring all essential points are covered.

Benefits of Applying for a France Visa Online

Applying for a France visa for Indian citizens online through MakeMyTrip is a smart and seamless way to kickstart your travel plans. Here's why the online application route is a game-changer:

• Faster processing with regular updates on your visa status.
• Effortless document upload—no physical paperwork involved.
• Personal and financial data remain completely secure.
• Transparent visa fee structure—no hidden charges.
• Real-time tracking of your France sticker visa application.
• Dedicated visa experts assist you throughout the process.

Skip the stress and apply for your visa online with MakeMyTrip. Enjoy peace of mind while you plan your dream trip to France!

France Visa Application Tips and Best Practices

Make your France visa application smooth and error-free with these helpful tips:

• Accuracy: Ensure all details in your application form match exactly with your passport and supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.
• Documentation: Submit all required documents—passport, photos, insurance, financial proof, and accommodation—in the correct format.
• Eligibility: Check the latest France visa requirements for Indian citizens, whether you're applying for tourism, business, or family visit.
• Timing: Apply at least 2–3 weeks in advance to account for processing times and avoid last-minute issues.
• Photo & Format Guidelines: Follow official specifications for passport-size photos and document formats.
• Trusted Platform: Use MakeMyTrip for expert visa assistance, secure document handling, and real-time application updates.

By following these tips, Indian travellers can enjoy a stress-free visa process and focus on planning their French adventure with confidence.

France Visa Processing Time

The normal processing time for a France visa application is 15 days. However, this period may be extended up to 45 days if a more detailed review of the application or additional documents is required.

How to Track Your France Visa Application Status on MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip makes it easy to check your France visa application status online in just a few simple steps:

• Log in to your MakeMyTrip account.
• Go to the My Trips section.
• Instantly view real-time updates on your France visa processing progress.

This hassle-free tracking feature helps you stay informed at every stage of your visa journey. Check your application status online anytime, anywhere!

France Visa Extension and Renewal

You can extend your France tourist visa if you need to, but you must apply before your visa runs out. The local prefecture in France will handle your extension.

Apply at least 7 days before your visa expires to avoid overstaying. Extensions depend on your reason for stay and supporting documents like accommodation proof or return tickets.

Extensions aren't guaranteed. If denied, you must leave France and reapply from India.

So, yes—you can extend your tourist visa in France with early application and valid proof.

Common Reasons for France Visa Rejection

Understanding France tourist visa rejection reasons can help Indian travellers avoid unnecessary delays. Common causes for rejection include:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
• Mismatched or inconsistent details in your passport or application form.
• Insufficient financial proof to support your stay in France.
• Unclear or poorly explained purpose of visit in the cover letter.
• Previous visa violations or overstays in France or the Schengen zone.
• Invalid or unverifiable accommodation proof or travel itinerary.

To avoid a France visa rejection, Indian applicants must ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted in the correct format. A clear France visa cover letter explaining your travel plans, accommodation, and financial support can greatly strengthen your application.

France Visa Cancellation and Refund Process

If you're considering cancelling your France visa application, here's what you need to know:

• Visa Cancellation: You may be able to cancel your application if it hasn't been submitted yet.
• Cancellation Charges: Fee varies depending on the stage of the application process. Once your application is forwarded to the issuing authority, charges are typically non-refundable.
• Refunds: The France visa fee is usually non-refundable once processing has started.

To avoid cancellation issues, double-check all details and documents before final submission.

France Embassy Information

For visa-related assistance or document verification, Indian travellers can reach out to the Embassy of France, or its consulates located across India:

• French Embassy in India: Situated in New Delhi, offering official consular and France visa services for Indian citizens.
• French Consulates: Regional consulates are in Mumbai, Kolkata, Puducherry, and Bangalore for local support.
• Embassy Contact Information: For updated contact details and working hours, refer to the official France-Visas website or VFS Global.
• Visa Support Services: All France tourist and business visa applications from India are processed through authorised VFS centres.
• Embassy Fee: Additional charges may apply for services like express visa processing, document attestation, or translations.

France Visa for Business Travellers

Indian professionals planning to travel to France for work-related engagements can apply for a France business visa with expert assistance from MakeMyTrip.

• Purpose: Participate in business meetings, trade fairs, professional seminars, or corporate negotiations in France.
• Visa Type: Short-stay Schengen Visa (Business category)
• Duration: Typically, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, based on the purpose and documentation.
• Documents Required: Invitation letter, Company registration proof, Copy of inviter's ID or passport, Letter from Indian employer, Travel insurance, flight tickets and proof of accommodation.

Apply for your France business visa from India confidently with MakeMyTrip's support for a smooth and professional travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About France Visa

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit France?

Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to France for tourism, business, or study purposes.

What are the different types of France visas available for Indians?

France offers Short-stay Schengen Visas (Type C) for stays up to 90 days (tourism, business, short study) and Long-stay Visas (Type D) for stays over 90 days (study, work, family reunion).

How can I apply for a France visa online from India?

You can apply through trusted platforms like MakeMyTrip by uploading your documents, making payments, and booking an appointment for biometric submission at a Visa Application Centre.

Is a visa on arrival available for Indian travellers in France?

No, France does not offer visa on arrival for Indian citizens. You must apply and obtain your visa in advance before travelling.

How long does it take to get a France visa from India?

Processing usually takes 15–20 working days from the date of biometric submission, but timelines can vary depending on application volume and embassy processing.

How much does a France visa cost for Indian applicants?

The approximate visa fee for a short-stay Schengen visa is ₹2,640, not including service charges or courier fee. Prices may vary based on visa type and service provider.

What documents are required for a France tourist visa from India?

You'll need a valid passport, photos, travel insurance, flight bookings, accommodation proof, financial statements, and a completed visa application form.

Can I travel to other countries with a France Schengen visa?

Yes, a France-issued Schengen visa allows Indian travellers to visit other countries in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

How do I check the status of my France visa application?

You can track your visa status online through the 'My Trips' section on MakeMyTrip.

Do Indian students need a visa for short-term study in France?

Yes, Indian students enrolling in courses under 3 months must apply for a Schengen Short-stay Visa (Type C) for educational purposes.