🇫🇷 Types of France Tourist Visa

France issues tourist visas under the Schengen Visa system, depending on the duration and purpose of your visit.

1️⃣ Short-Stay Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C)

👉 Most common France tourist visa

Validity

• Up to 90 days within 180 days

Purpose

• Tourism & sightseeing

• Visiting family or friends

• Short holidays, leisure travel

Key Features

• Allows travel to France + other Schengen countries

• Can be Single-entry, Double-entry, or Multiple-entry

Who should apply?

• First-time tourists

• Short Europe trips

2️⃣ Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (Type C – MEV)

Validity

• 6 months / 1 year / 2 years / up to 5 years

• Each stay limited to 90 days per 180 days

Purpose

• Frequent travel to France or Europe

Ideal for

• Business people

• Frequent travelers

• Those with strong previous travel history

3️⃣ Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

Validity

• Only valid inside the international transit zone

Purpose

• Changing flights at a French airport without entering France

⚠️ Not required for Indian passport holders in most cases, unless specified by the embassy.

4️⃣ Long-Stay Tourist Visa (Type D – Visitor Visa)

Validity

• More than 90 days (usually 6–12 months)

Purpose

• Long-term tourism

• Staying with family

• Retired persons / extended personal stay

Important Conditions

• No work allowed

• Proof of funds and accommodation mandatory

• 🇫🇷 Where to Apply?

  • VFS Global France

  • French Embassy / Consulate (based on jurisdiction)

  • Here is a complete, step-by-step guide for France Tourist Visa for Indian applicants, including documents, fees, processing time, and application steps 👇

  • 🇫🇷 France Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C) – India Guide

    ✔️ Visa Type Covered

    • Short-Stay Tourist Visa (Type C)

    • Valid for up to 90 days within 180 days

    • 💶 Official Visa Fee

      • Adults (above 12 years): €80 (~₹7,000 – ₹8,000) approx. — official Schengen visa fee set by the French authorities.

      • Children 6 – 12 years: €40 (~₹3,000 – ₹4,000) approx.

      • Children under 6 years: Free (no visa fee)

      ⚠️ These are the consular visa fees charged by the French government when you submit your application.

      💼 Additional Fees

      In addition to the visa fee, you will also pay service charges to the visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global):

      • VFS Service Fee: approximately ₹1,800 – ₹2,000 varies by location and service — this covers the handling of your application, biometric collection, etc.

    📄 Documents Required for France Tourist Visa (India)

    1️⃣ Mandatory Documents

    • Valid Passport

      • Issued within last 10 years

      • Minimum 2 blank pages

      • Valid at least 3 months after return

    • France Schengen Visa Application Form

    • Covering Letter (travel plan & purpose)

    • 2 Passport-size photos (Schengen format)

    2️⃣ Travel Documents

    • Flight reservation (round trip)

    • Hotel booking OR

    • Invitation letter (if staying with family/friends)

    • Day-wise travel itinerary

    3️⃣ Financial Documents

    • Last 6 months bank statements (stamped)

    • ITR (last 2–3 years) – highly recommended

    • Salary slips (last 3 months) / business proof

    💡 Minimum funds: approx. €65–120 per day

    4️⃣ Insurance

    • Travel Insurance

      • Coverage: minimum €30,000

      • Valid in all Schengen countries

      • Covers medical & emergencies

    5️⃣ Employment / Personal Proof

    If employed

    • Leave approval letter

    • Employment letter

    If self-employed

    • Business registration

    • GST / Company documents

    If student

    • College ID

    • Bonafide certificate

    If sponsored

    • Sponsorship letter

    • Sponsor’s bank statement & ID

    • ⚠️ Fees are non-refundable

      ⏳ Processing Time

      • Normal: 10–15 working days

      • Peak season: Up to 30 days

      • Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel

      📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

      Step 1️⃣

      Fill France Schengen Visa Form online

      Step 2️⃣

      Book appointment at VFS France (India)

      Step 3️⃣

      Visit VFS center
      ✔️ Submit documents
      ✔️ Biometrics (fingerprints & photo)

      Step 4️⃣

      Track your application online

      Step 5️⃣

      Collect passport / courier delivery

      ❌ Common Reasons for Rejection (Avoid These)

      • Weak financial proof

      • Unclear travel itinerary

      • Missing insurance

      • Doubt on return intention

      • Incomplete documents

      ✅ Tips for Higher Approval

      ✔️ Show stable income
      ✔️ Clear travel plan
      ✔️ Previous Schengen travel helps
      ✔️ Strong ties to India (job, family, property)

    • Final Document Checklist (Tick Before Appointment)

      ✅ Mandatory

      ☐ Passport
      ☐ Visa application form
      ☐ Covering letter
      ☐ Photos (Schengen format)

      ✅ Travel

      ☐ Flight reservation
      ☐ Hotel booking / invitation letter
      ☐ Travel itinerary

      ✅ Financial

      ☐ Bank statement (6 months)
      ☐ ITR (2–3 years)
      ☐ Salary slips / business proof

      ✅ Insurance

      ☐ Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)

      ✅ Employment

      ☐ Leave letter / NOC
      ☐ Employment letter / business registration

    • For any Assitance/Consultation please contact at email mamtanagrath@gmail.com