France Schengen Visa
Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) · For Egypt citizens
Planning a trip to France as an Egyptian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Schengen Visa application: required documents, current fees of €90, processing times of 15 days, and strategies to improve your chances. A France Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
France Schengen Visa for Egyptian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Egypt citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the harmonized Schengen visa application form
Two recent biometric passport photographs meeting Schengen requirements
Schengen-compliant travel insurance covering medical emergencies
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income in Egypt
Evidence of where you will stay in France
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen area
Certificate from Mogama showing your travel history
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Egypt
Application Process
Applications for a France Schengen visa from Egypt must be submitted through VFS Global, the authorized visa application centre.1 The process involves these steps:
1. Determine Visa Type
Use the visa wizard on France-Visas.gouv.fr to confirm you need a short-stay Schengen visa and that France is the correct country to apply to (main destination or first entry point).1
2. Complete Application Form
Fill out the Schengen visa application form online or download and complete it manually. Gather all required supporting documents.1
3. Book VFS Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global centre in Egypt. Centres are available in Cairo and Alexandria.2
4. Submit Application
Attend your appointment with all documents, pay the visa fee (€90) and VFS service fee. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.2
5. Wait for Decision
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. You can track your application status online. Once decided, collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery.2
Fees
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and older) | €90 |
| Children (6-11 years) | €45 |
| Children (under 6 years) | Free |
| VFS Service Fee | ~€35 |
The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Additional optional services are available at VFS for extra fees.
What You Need to Prove
French consular authorities require you to demonstrate:1
- Genuine travel purpose for tourism, business, or family visit1
- Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and daily expenses (approximately €100/day)1
- Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage1
- Intention to return to Egypt before visa expiry1
Processing Times
Standard processing time for Schengen visa applications is 15 calendar days.1 However, this may extend during:
- Peak travel seasons (May-August)
- Holiday periods
- When additional documentation is required
- For applicants requiring consultation with other Schengen states
Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, the Schengen visa sticker will be placed in your passport. Check carefully:
- Validity dates (from/until)
- Number of entries (single, double, or multiple)
- Duration of stay permitted
- Territory validity (should say “SCHENGEN STATES”)
At the French border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward travel tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance documents
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific reasons. Your options include:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised
- Appeal the decision within the specified timeframe (if applicable)
- Seek professional advice for complex cases
The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Focus on strengthening the weak areas identified in the refusal letter for any future application.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns such as large unexplained deposits.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of stamped bank statements with consistent balance and regular income. Budget approximately €100 per day of intended stay.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Egypt, such as stable employment, property, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include employment letter, property documents, family certificates, or evidence of ongoing commitments in Egypt.
Incomplete Documentation
Application missing required documents or containing inconsistent information across different documents.
How to avoid: Use the VFS checklist to ensure all documents are included. Verify dates and amounts match across all documents.
Unclear Travel Purpose
The stated purpose of visit is not clearly justified or accommodation and itinerary do not match travel dates.
How to avoid: Provide a clear day-by-day itinerary. Ensure hotel bookings cover all nights of your stay.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals or overstays in Schengen or other countries raises compliance concerns.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous refusals. Explain changed circumstances and provide evidence of improved situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in France on a Schengen visa?
The Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just France. You must track your days carefully across all Schengen countries.
Can I work on a France Schengen visa?
No, the short-stay Schengen visa does not permit any form of paid work in France or other Schengen countries. If you need to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa.
How long does France visa processing take from Egypt?
Standard processing takes approximately 15 calendar days. During peak seasons (May-August), processing may take longer. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date.
What is the France Schengen visa fee for Egyptians in 2025?
The visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 are exempt. VFS Global service charges apply separately.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a France visa?
Yes, a France Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within all 29 Schengen member states. However, France should be your main destination or first entry point if visiting multiple countries equally.
Where do I apply for a France visa in Egypt?
Applications are submitted through VFS Global visa application centres. The French Embassy in Cairo processes the applications. Book your appointment through the VFS website.
What is the approval rate for France visas from Egypt?
The approval rate for Schengen visas from Egypt is approximately 74-75%. The rejection rate has been around 25%, with common reasons including insufficient financial proof and weak ties to home country.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter with specific reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation, or in some cases appeal the decision. The visa fee is non-refundable even if refused.