France Visa for Indians - Procedure, Fees, etc.

Issued for people planning to visit France for a wide number of purposes, the entry permit for France also acts like other Schengen visas. It is issued in mainly two categories, such as the short term and long term. Depending on the purpose these can further be divided as will be explained in further sections. However, for citizens of other Schengen nations, and visa-exempt countries, they do not require a permit to enter France.

The process of applying for France visa from India is mainly done online. However, the submission of the application has to be done at a Visa Application Center (VAC) offline. Before starting the France visa online application, it is necessary to ensure that you are eligible to apply for the particular type of permit. After this, you can proceed to apply as follows- 

1. You must obtain all the necessary documents required for the process.
2. Visit the France-Visas website and register your account.
3. Fill in the France Schengen visa application form online.
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 page. 
6. You must pay the fees, and submit your biometrics here.

Please note that if you have previously submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the last 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. As a result, you do not have to be at the VAC in person for the submission of the France visa application.

Also, ensure that you have submitted only genuine documents and the correct information. Submission of fake documents or false information can lead to delayed processing, or even cause your application to be rejected. Visa rejection can affect your future travel.

Based on the duration of stay allowed, the permit to enter France can be classified as follows- 

• Short-stay - Also known more commonly as the Schengen, these are issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of the visit, the France Schengen visa types are as follows- 

• 1. France Tourist Visa - This is issued for people who are visiting the country for the sole purpose of tourism. This includes sightseeing, leisure activities, etc. 
  2. France Business Visa - This type is for people visiting France for the purpose of taking part in business activities. 
  3. France Visitor Visa - It is issued for people entering the country to visit their family members or friends. 
  4. France Student Visa - This type of permit is issued for people taking part in short term studies, training, internships, and so on. 

• Long-stay - These are issued for people who want to stay for a longer period of time. It is granted for a duration between 90 days and 12 months. These can be for purposes such as 

1. 1. Study
   2. Work
   3. Family reunion

If your stay is for more than a year, you will have to apply for a residence permit.

As per the requirements, there are specific documents for each type. You are expected to check the exact documents required for the particular type you are applying for.  The following are the list of common documents required for France visa- 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel 
• Covering letter stating the details of the applicant, and the travel
• Travel itinerary
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel medical insurance covering 30000 Euros 
• Proof of occupation 
• Financial documents to show sufficient funds

The Photo Specifications of France Visa are as follows -

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

The fees required for the French visa depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the type of permit, duration of stay, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It also fluctuates upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, it is recommended that you check the exact fees before starting your application.

While you are waiting for an answer, you can perform a France visa status check online. You can do this by visiting the website of the VAC, and entering your application number and name at the tracking portal. You can also check your France visa application status by contacting the travel agency you have applied through.

You have to apply for the permit online. However, you will have to submit the application at the VAC. VACs are located across India in the major cities. The application is then processed by the consular section of the Embassy of France in New Delhi, or by one of the consulates of France in Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Puducherry as per the jurisdiction.