France Visa For Indians: Requirements, Eligibility, And How to Apply

France is one of the top European destinations for Indians. Every year, the country welcomes around 5,00,000 to 7,00,000 Indian tourists. While the majority of Indian travellers visit the country for its iconic landmarks, culture, and food, many also visit for business, and to spend time with family and friends living there.

Regardless of the reason, France holds a special place in the hearts of Indian travellers, which explains the increasing demand for France tour packages from India ever since the end of the pandemic. 

If you are looking to make a France trip this year, but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you. 

One of the most important things you need to know before you travel to France is about your Schengen visa requirements. Read on to learn everything from types of France visa for Indians, eligibility, documentation, and more.

What is a France Schengen Visa?

A France Schengen visa is a kind of visa issued by French embassies and consulates in the applicant’s country, that allows you to visit and stay in any of the Schengen countries including France for a maximum period of 90 days. The advantage of obtaining any Schengen visa is that it also lets you visit any of the other 25 Schengen countries.

Types of France Visa For Indians

For tourism and business purposes, the French Embassy or Consulate in India grants two types of short-stay France visa for Indians; one for business travelers and one for tourists. This Short-Stay Schengen visa (Type C) can be used to explore the country, visit its landmarks, visit family and friends, attend a conference, or visit for other business purposes. It is available for single-entry and multiple-entry formats and allows you to stay in any Schengen country including France for up to 90 days, with a total validity of 6 months. 

The processing time for both Short-Stay tourist visa and business visa is 5 to 15 days.

Here is an overview of both types of Short-Stay France visa for Indians.

Parameter	Short-Stay Tourist Visa	Short-Stay Business Visa
Stay Period	90 days	90 days
Validity	6 months	6 months
Entry	Single/Multiple	Single/Multiple
Processing Time	5 to 15 days	5 to 15 days
Visa fees	Rs. 7000 – Rs. 8000	Rs. 7000 – Rs. 8000

Also Read: 10 Unobvious Things to Know Before Visiting France

France Visa Requirements For Indian Citizens

Here is a comprehensive list of all the France visa requirements.

Mandatory generic documents

• Your original passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of intended departure, and a minimum of 3 blank pages.
• Old passports, if any
• Two recent colour photographs in the size 35X45 mm with a white background and with 80% face visibility. 
• Original covering letter; in plain paper for employed professionals, and on company letterhead for self-employed individuals.
• Updated bank statements for the last 6 months
• Income Tax Returns/ Forms for the last three years
• Salary slips for the last three months
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Confirmed proof of accommodation – hotel vouchers or reservations
• Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.

Requirements for a France tourist visa from India

In addition to the above-mentioned mandatory general requirements, to obtain a France visitor visa or tourist visa, you need the following additional documents.

For employed professionals

• Proof of leave sanctioned by employer with official seal and signature
• Salary slip from the last 3 months

For self-employed professionals

• Certificate of Incorporation of company/ MOA/ Partnership Deed
• Updated bank statements of the company for the last 6 months
• Company Income Tax Returns documents for the last 3 years

For retired individuals

• Proof of retirement, such as a pension certificate or pension statements for the last 3 months

For minors

• Copy of birth certificate
• Authorization/NOC from parents if minor is travelling alone
• School/University ID Card 
• Bonafide Certificate
• ID proof of parents
• Sponsorship letter from the sponsor, including coverage of expenses

For sponsored visits

• Sponsorship letter
• Sponsor’s ID proof
• Updated bank statements for the last 6 months
• IT Returns for the last 3 years

Provide the above mentioned France tourist visa requirements depending on your employment status and purpose of visit, along with your duly filled application form when applying for your Schengen visa for France online.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in France

Requirements for a business visa for France

A business France visa for Indians requires the following additional documents:

• Invitation letter from the host company stating the purpose of the trip, name of the invitee, date of travel, and other details of the visit, on company letterhead
• Covering letter and NOC from the company in India

France Visa For Indians: Who Can Apply

Most Indian citizens possessing the generic and specific France visa requirements can usually apply for a France visa, as long as they have no criminal history in India.

Whether for tourism or business, the basic eligibility for a France visa includes:

• Valid passport
• Financial documents proving means of support for the trip
• Clear purpose of visit and documents to support the same
• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation

How to Apply For France Visa

You can easily apply for your France tourist visa or business visa with a reliable travel agency that provides online visa services for 180+ countries. Once you apply online, make the payment and submit the required documents, the agency will fill the visa application form for you and process the same in 5 to 15 days.

The Process

The process of applying for and obtaining France visa for Indians is fairly straightforward.

1. Apply online through a reliable agency
2. Make the payment
3. Scan and submit all the required documents
4. Wait for verification of documents
5. Fill the application form for specific France visa
6. Agency books the biometrics appointment for you
7. Attend the appointment and submit your visa file
8. Wait for your France visa

Also Read: France Beyond Paris: 5 Beautiful French Villages Every Indian Must Visit

Wrapping Up: France Visa For Indians Decoded

Whether you are looking to travel to France to see the Eiffel Tower, visit your family, or conduct business, you need a valid Schengen visa for France. But the good news is, applying for a France tourist visa or a business visa is simple and easy. As long as you possess and submit copies of all the France visa requirements listed above, depending on your status and purpose of visit, your visa should be on your way. However, make sure that you partner with a reliable agency when you apply, because whether you need a travel visa for Paris or a business visa for Lyon, you need to secure a hassle-free journey.

Book cheap flights to Paris or Lyon and a comfortable stay at one of the best hotels in Paris for a complete and wholesome experience.

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Quick Summary – France Visa For Indians: All You Need to Know

If you are planning to travel to France, you inevitably need a valid France Schengen visa. Whether for tourism or business, a short-stay Schengen visa for France lets you stay in the country for 90 days within a total validity of 6 months. The basic requirements for all France visa for Indians include a valid passport, financial documents proving means of support for the trip, clear purpose of visit and documents to support the same, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. France tourist visa requirements for employed, self-employed and minor individuals vary in the additional requirements. Once you apply online with the required documents and pay the fees, you can easily receive your visa.

FAQs

Schengen visa is valid for which countries?

The Schengen visa is valid for all 26 countries of the Schengen area, including France. This means you don’t need another visa to visit or stay in any of these countries.

The Schengen Area comprises of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Do Indians get a Schengen visa easily?

Schengen visas are relatively easy to obtain for Indians. Although rejections do occur, the rejection rate for most Schengen countries is usually below 10%. Some countries like Switzerland have a rejection rate below 6%.

What is the minimum bank balance for Schengen visa?

The minimum bank balance would vary from one country to another, as every country establishes its own financial criteria for visas. Nevertheless, a broad sum requirement to maintain would be €45 to €100 per day of stay, per person. This amounts to an average of Rs. 5000 to Rs. 9000 per person per day, depending on the exchange rate. This can be used as a base to calculate the bank balance requirements. Your agency will be able to help you with the same.

How much does a Schengen visa cost in India?

Schengen visas can cost anywhere from Rs. 7000 to Rs. 10,000 in India, depending on the country you are applying for. A France visa for Indians can cost between Rs. 7000 and Rs. 8000, as long as you apply with an established agency.

Can I get a Schengen visa with Indian passport?

Yes, you can obtain a Schengen visa with an Indian passport, provided you have at least 6 months of validity left, and 3 blank pages, along with zero criminal records.

Which country gives the quickest Schengen visa?

Technically, no countries provide a “quick” Schengen visa. However, countries like Iceland, Switzerland, and Denmark are known to have high approval rates due to fewer applications. You are required to apply slots in advance, as the availability is limited.

Can I get a Schengen visa in 3 days?

No, Schengen visas typically take anywhere from 5 to 15 days to be processed. Sometimes, this can extend up to 45 days as well. Hence, getting a Schengen visa in 3 days is highly unlikely.

How long is a Schengen visa valid?

A standard short-stay Schengen visa is valid for 6 months, and lets you stay in a Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Can I get visa on arrival in France?

No, Indian citizens cannot obtain visa on arrival for France. You will need to apply for your France Schengen visa in advance to obtain permission to enter the country.

Can I apply for France visa without booking flight tickets?

Flight bookings are required to apply for a France visa, as they would serve as proof of your intended travel purposes and dates. Hence, it is advisable to book your flight tickets before you submit your application for a France visa.

How will I get my visa?

Once your France visa application is approved, and granted, a sticker visa will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport.

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