France Tourist Visa for Indians - Procedure, Fees, etc.

Also known as the France Schengen tourist visa, this category allows you to visit the French Republic and take part in tourist activities. Being a type of the Schengen, these are issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. It is issued as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry. However, for people belonging to other Schengen countries and of the visa-exempt nations, there is a permit-free entry.

The process of applying for a France tourist visa from India is performed mainly online. However, the submission of the documents is done offline at a VAC (Visa Application Center), and the processing is performed by the Embassy or Consulates of France situated in India. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to France on a tourist permit. You must then proceed to make the France tourist visa application as follows - 

1. To start off, obtain all the necessary documents required by the embassy.
2. Visit the France-Visas website and register for the application.
3. Fill in the application for with all the relevant details. You will receive a confirmation mail via email.
4. Once this is done, proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs. You can do this by visiting their website, or by calling them up.
5. Attend the appointment with your documents, and application confirmation print out.
6. Pay the fees and submit your biometrics here.

Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics in the past 5 years, they are still valid in the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System). As a result, you are not required to submit them again. In this case, you may choose to send the application via any third party. 

Kindly ensure that you submit only genuine documents and correct information. Stating wrong details, and providing fake documents can lead to a visa rejection. Also, make sure that you carry all the original documents to the VAC. however, you must submit only photocopies (except passport).

To be able to travel on this permit, you must meet the following conditions. Failure to do so will make you ineligible to apply, and therefore cause your application to be rejected. 

• You must be present in your home nation while applying from within. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it from there. 
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your primary purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism-related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

1. 1. France is your only destination, or
   2. France is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, France is your port of entry.

As per the France tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you must submit at the VAC during your appointment - 

Basic Requirements:

1. Indian Passport:
• Validity: At least three months beyond the intended stay in France
• Blank Pages: Containing at least two blank pages for visa stamps
• Issue Date: Issued within the last 10 years
  
  
2. Completed and Signed Application Form:
• Source: Download from the France-Visas website or obtain from a VAC
• Language: Fill out in English or French
• Signature: Signed by the applicant (or legal guardian for minors)
  
  
3. Recent Photos:
• Quantity: 2-3 passport-sized photos as per Schengen specifications
• Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, recent
  
  
4. Travel Document/Flight Itinerary:
• Confirmation: Confirmed return ticket or a detailed travel itinerary
• Coverage: Showing entry and exit from France (and the Schengen Area, if applicable)
  
  
5. Travel Health Insurance:
• Coverage Amount: At least €30,000
• Validity: Covering the entire stay in the Schengen Area
• Policy Details: Clearly stating the policy's validity, holder's name, and coverage amount
  
  
6. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank Statement: Showing sufficient funds (approximately €65 per day for the entire stay)
• Sponsorship Letter (if applicable): With the sponsor's financial documents
  
  
7. Accommodation in France:
• Hotel Booking: Confirmation of hotel reservation
• Rental Agreement: If renting a property
• Invitation Letter: From a host in France, with a copy of their ID/passport
  
  

Additional Documents (as Applicable):

• Proof of Employment or Studies:
• Leave letter from employer or university
• No-objection certificate (NOC)
  
  
• Proof of Retirement or Unemployment:
• Pension documents or proof of financial independence
  
  
• Minor's Documents (if Traveling with/without Parents):
• Birth certificate
• Consent letter from both parents (if traveling alone or with one parent)

The photo specifications of France tourist visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the French tourist visa depends on a wide number of factors such as the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, verification issues, and so on. Normally, your application will be processed in about 15 working days. However, due to the uncertainty of this, it is recommended that you apply for it well in advance.

The fees for the French tourist visa for Indian nationals depend on a key number of parameters such as the entry type, validity, biometric charges, and other additional service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates of the Euro. As a result, it is suggested that you confirm the exact amount before starting the application.

Upon successful submission and fees payment, your application will begin processing. Even though you have submitted the application at a VAC, they are not responsible for the processing. This is done only by the Embassy or Consulates of France located in India. If they require additional verification or documentation, you will be notified. If approved, you can pick up the passport and visa from the respective VAC, or you can have it delivered to you at an additional charge.

While you are waiting for a response, you can check the status of your application. This France visa status tracking can be done by visiting the website of the VAC, and then entering the application number and your name at the respective portal. Alternately, you may contact the travel agency you have applied through, to get the status.

Step 1: Check the Official Website

• Purpose: Verify the latest visa requirements and application process.
• Website to Visit: France-Visas
• What to Check:
  
  
1. Visa Requirements: Ensure understanding of all necessary documents and specifications.
2. Application Form: Confirm if the form can be filled out electronically or only in person.
3. Submission Options: Verify if applications can be submitted through a VAC in your region.
4. Biometric Data Requirements: Check if you are exempt from providing biometric data.
   
   

Step 2: Gather Documents

• Purpose: Ensure all required documents are ready and meet the specifications.
  
  
• Actions:
1. Review the Requirements: From the official website or your previous check.
   
   
2. Prepare Each Document:
   
   
• Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages.
• Completed Application Form: Printed if filled out electronically.
• Recent Photos: Meeting Schengen photo requirements.
• Travel Itinerary/Flight Tickets: Confirming entry and exit from France.
• Travel Health Insurance: Covering at least €30,000.
• Proof of Financial Means: Showing approximately €65 per day for the stay.
• Accommodation Details in France: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter.
  
  
3. Verify Document Specifications:
   
   
• Format: Ensure all documents are in the required format (e.g., PDF, original, certified copies).
• Translations: Translate documents not in English or French, if required.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Options:
1. Electronically:
• Access: Through the France-Visas website.
• Fill Out: Complete all fields accurately online.
• Print: Once completed, print the form.
  
  
2. In Person:
• Visit: The French Embassy in New Delhi or a VAC (if available).
• Obtain and Fill: Receive the form at the location and fill it out on the spot.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Options:
  1. In Person at the Embassy:
     • Location: French Embassy in New Delhi.
     • Documents to Bring:
     • Completed application form.
     • All required documents.
     • Payment for the visa fee (if not paid online).
  2. Through a Visa Application Center (VAC), if Available:
     • Additional Service Fee Applies.
     • Check the VAC’s Website: For specific requirements and any additional services offered.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data

• Requirement: For all applicants, unless exempt (e.g., children under 12, diplomatic passport holders).
• Location:
• At the Embassy: In New Delhi.
• At a Consulate: If available in your region.
• At a VAC: If you chose this submission method.
• What to Expect:
• Fingerprint Scanning: For all applicants, unless exempt.
• Photograph: May be taken on the spot, ensuring it meets the requirements.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Typical Duration: Up to 15 calendar days.
• Variations: May take longer due to various reasons; check the application status if concerned.
• Tracking Your Application:
• Online Tracking: If available through the embassy or VAC’s website.
• Contacting the Embassy/VAC: For status updates.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

• Location: Same as where you submitted your application.
• Required Documents to Bring:
• Your Passport: To collect the visa.
• Receipt/Reference Number: Provided during application submission.
• Outcome:
• Approved Visa: Attached to your passport or provided as a separate document.
• Rejected Application: You will be informed of the reason and potentially guided on the next steps.

• Schengen Visa Fee (Short-Stay):
  
  
• Adults: Currently €60 (subject to change; check the latest rate)
• Children (6-12 years): Reduced fee, currently €35
• Exemptions: Children under 6 years, family members of EU/EEA citizens, and others (check eligibility)
  
  
• VAC Service Fee (if applicable):
  
  
• Additional: Varies by VAC; check with the specific center

• French Embassy in India:
  
  
• Address: 2/50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2419 6100
• Email: ambassade.de.delhi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
• Website: https://in.ambafrance.org/
  
  
• Visa Application Centers in India (if available): Check the official government or VAC websites for locations and services.

• Apply Early: To account for any unforeseen delays.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all meet the specified requirements.
• Be Prepared for the Interview (if scheduled): Clearly explain your travel purpose and plans

Need more clarity on Bulgaria visa? check out helpful resources below:

• France Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• France Business Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• France Study Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• France Work Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• France Visit Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• How to Apply for an France Visa for Indian Passport Holders