Indian citizens need a Schengen visa before travelling to France.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportValid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and containing at least two blank pages.
• Schengen Visa Application FormDuly filled, dated, and signed.
• Passport-sized PhotographsTwo recent photographs, compliant with Schengen visa requirements (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background).
• Cover LetterExplaining the purpose of the visit, itinerary, and duration of stay.
• Flight ItineraryRound-trip flight reservations or confirmed tickets.
• Proof of AccommodationHotel bookings, rental agreements, or an 'Attestation d'accueil' (invitation letter) from a host in France.
• Travel Medical InsuranceValid throughout the Schengen area, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of Financial MeansBank statements for the last three months, salary slips, income tax returns, or a sponsorship letter if applicable, demonstrating sufficient funds for the stay.
• Proof of Civil StatusMarriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, if applicable.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)From employer or educational institution, if applicable, stating approval for leave and return to work/study.

1. 1
   Determine your visa type and gather all required documents based on your purpose of travel. Use the official France-Visas website to check specific requirements.
2. 2
   Create an account and fill out your visa application form online on the official France-Visas portal.

   France-Visas Online Application
3. 3
   Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global visa application center in India to submit your application and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

   VFS Global France in India
4. 4
   Attend your appointment, submit your complete set of documents, and provide your biometric data. Pay the visa fees at the center.
5. 5
   Track the status of your application online using the reference number provided by VFS Global.
6. 6
   Collect your passport from the VFS Global center once your application has been processed.

• Insufficient proof of funds

  How to avoid: Ensure your bank statements, salary slips, or sponsor's financial documents clearly demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your entire stay and return journey without relying on public funds.

• Unclear purpose of travel or itinerary

  How to avoid: Provide a detailed and consistent cover letter, flight itinerary, and accommodation bookings that clearly outline your travel plans and purpose. Any discrepancies can lead to suspicion.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents

  How to avoid: Double-check that all required documents are submitted, are up-to-date, and that information across all documents (e.g., dates, names) is consistent. Missing or conflicting information is a common reason for refusal.

• Invalid or inadequate travel medical insurance

  How to avoid: Ensure your travel insurance meets all Schengen requirements: minimum €30,000 coverage, valid for the entire duration of your trip, and covers all Schengen states for medical emergencies and repatriation.

• Doubt about your intention to return to India

  How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of your ties to India, such as employment letters, property ownership, family responsibilities, and a clear return flight ticket, to demonstrate you have no intention of overstaying.

• Passport validity issues

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area, was issued within the last 10 years, and has at least two blank pages.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and leave the originals securely stored at your accommodation.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, to guard against pickpocketing.
• Public transportation in major cities like Paris is efficient; consider purchasing a Navigo pass or single tickets.
• Learn a few basic French phrases; while English is spoken in tourist areas, locals appreciate the effort.

• Can I extend my Schengen visa while in France?

  Schengen visas are generally not extendable except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons, serious personal reasons) and only if the total stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. It is advisable to plan your trip carefully to avoid overstaying.

• Can I work in France on a tourist visa?

  No, a short-stay Schengen tourist visa does not permit employment in France or any other Schengen country. Engaging in paid work is strictly prohibited and can lead to deportation and future visa bans.

• What is the '90/180-day rule' for Schengen visas?

  The 90/180-day rule means that you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated by looking back from each day of your stay. Overstaying this limit can result in penalties, fines, and future entry bans.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

  Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa. It must be valid throughout the entire Schengen area, cover the entire period of your intended stay, and have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

• What if my transit involves changing airports in France?

  If your transit requires you to leave the international transit zone of an airport or change airports within France (e.g., from Charles de Gaulle to Orly), you will need a short-stay Schengen visa, not just an Airport Transit Visa, as you will be entering the Schengen area.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for a Schengen visa for France?

  For a Schengen visa, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. If your passport expires in 5 months, you should ensure your planned trip concludes at least two months before that expiry. It is generally advisable to have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

• How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a French tourist visa?

  You need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your stay in France and your return journey. The required amount can vary, so you should check the official French consulate or VFS Global website for the most current daily financial requirements. Accepted proofs typically include recent bank statements, salary slips, and income tax returns.

• I want to travel to France next month, is it too late to apply for a visa?

  It is generally recommended to apply for your Schengen visa at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date, and you can apply up to six months in advance. While some applications might be processed faster, there is no guarantee, and processing times can vary. Check the current processing times on the official visa application website for Indian citizens.

• I am self-employed. What documents do I need to submit for my French tourist visa application?

  As a self-employed individual, you will need to provide specific documentation to prove your financial stability and ties to India. This typically includes your business registration, company bank statements, income tax returns for the last two to three years, and a cover letter explaining your business and travel purpose. Always refer to the official checklist provided by the French consulate or VFS Global.

• I was refused a Schengen visa for Germany last year. Can I still apply for a French tourist visa?

  Yes, you can still apply for a French tourist visa even if you had a previous Schengen visa refusal from another country. You must declare the previous refusal in your application and provide a copy of the refusal letter, if available. It is crucial to address the reasons for the previous refusal and ensure your current application is complete and accurate.

• How much does a France visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Eiffel Tower, Paris, or does this cover all of France?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a France visa is valid for the whole country — including Eiffel Tower, Paris, Louvre Museum, Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris and French Riviera. Apply once for France and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.