France/Schengen Visa

France Schengen Visa Requirements

Complete guide to France Schengen visa requirements including documents, fees, processing time, and step-by-step application process.

Processing: 15-45 calendar days (typically 15 working days)

Fee: €80

Updated: Jan 2026

Overview

France is the most visited country in the world and a top destination for Schengen visa applicants. Whether you're visiting the Eiffel Tower, exploring the French Riviera, or conducting business in Paris, you'll need a Schengen visa if you're from a non-EU country that requires one.

France processes Schengen visa applications through VFS Global and TLS Contact centers worldwide. The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation of documents.

Eligibility Requirements

Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond planned stay
Passport must have at least 2 blank pages
Not a citizen of an EU/EEA country
Not already present in the Schengen Area
No active Schengen visa ban
Proof of sufficient financial means
Valid travel insurance

Required Documents

Completed Schengen Visa Application Form

Required

Fill out and sign the official Schengen visa application form

Download from the embassy website or complete online

Passport Photos

Required

Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm)

White background, taken within the last 6 months

Valid Passport

Required

Original passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay

Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps

Flight Itinerary

Required

Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen

Use our Flight Itinerary Generator to create this document

Hotel Booking / Accommodation Proof

Required

Hotel reservations or invitation letter if staying with friends/family

Use our Hotel Booking Generator or Sponsor Letter Generator

Travel Itinerary

Required

Day-by-day plan of your trip including destinations and activities

Use our Travel Itinerary Generator for AI-powered plans

Cover Letter

Required

Letter explaining the purpose of your visit and travel plans

Use our Cover Letter Generator for a professional letter

Proof of Financial Means

Required

Bank statements from the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds

Generally €100/day or approximately €3,000 minimum

Travel Insurance

Required

Insurance covering medical emergencies with minimum €30,000 coverage

Must be valid for entire Schengen Area, not just France

Employment/School Documents

Required

Employment letter, business registration, or school enrollment proof

Should confirm your ties to your home country

Application Steps

Determine Visa Type

Confirm you need a Schengen visa and that France is your main destination

Gather Documents

Collect all required documents including passport, photos, and supporting documents

Book Appointment

Schedule an appointment at VFS Global or TLS Contact center

Complete Application Form

Fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately

Attend Appointment

Submit documents and provide biometrics at your appointment

Pay Fees

Pay the visa fee and service center fee

Track Application

Monitor your application status online

Collect Passport

Collect your passport with the visa or receive it by courier

Visa Fees

Type	Amount	Note
Adult Visa Fee	€80	-
Child (6-12 years)	€40	-
Child (under 6)	€0	Free of charge
VFS Service Fee	€~25-35	If applying through VFS Global

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a France Schengen visa take to process?

France Schengen visa processing typically takes 15 working days. However, during peak seasons or if additional documents are requested, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date.

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a France visa?

Yes, a Schengen visa issued by France allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries. However, France should be your main destination (longest stay) or country of first entry if visiting multiple countries equally.

How much bank balance do I need for a France Schengen visa?

Generally, you should show approximately €100 per day of your stay, with a minimum of around €3,000. The exact amount depends on your accommodation arrangements and trip duration.

Do I need confirmed flights to apply for a France visa?

You need to show a flight itinerary, but it doesn't have to be a confirmed ticket. Many applicants use flight reservations or our Flight Itinerary Generator to create the required document without paying for a ticket upfront.

What is the validity of a France Schengen visa?

A standard short-stay Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The validity period printed on the visa may be longer, but the 90/180 rule always applies.

Generate Your Documents

Create all required documents for your Schengen Visa application

Flight Itinerary Generator Hotel Booking Generator Travel Itinerary Generator

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Processing Time

15-45 calendar days (typically 15 working days)

Standard processing

Important

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.

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