France Visa Requirements

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and about 60 other countries can visit France and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. Most other nationalities, including India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan, need a Schengen visa.

Yes, a Schengen visa issued by France grants access to all 29 Schengen member states including Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and more. You can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. During peak season (April-August), processing can extend to 30-45 days due to high application volumes. Applications from some countries like India may face longer delays. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before travel during summer.

The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are exempt. Long-stay national visas cost €99. Additional service fees apply when applying through TLScontact or VFS Global visa centres.

Start at France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr), the official application portal. Use the visa wizard to determine your requirements, complete the online form, then book an appointment at your nearest TLScontact or VFS Global centre to submit biometrics and documents.

France has strong overall approval rates averaging around 79%. US, Chinese, and Filipino applicants see rates above 94%, Indians around 84%, while applicants from Pakistan and Nigeria face higher refusal rates around 50%.

Required documents include a valid passport (3+ months validity beyond stay), completed France-Visas application, biometric photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, round-trip flight reservation, bank statements, and employment verification or business documents.

Apply to France if it is your main destination (longest stay) or your first point of entry if visiting multiple Schengen countries equally. Applying to the wrong country is a common reason for visa refusal.