How to Apply for France Tourist Visa from India - A Guide
How to Apply for France Tourist Visa from India - A Guide
France is the gem of Europe. Everyone has dreamed of visiting the Eiffel Tower, the most admired tourist destination in the world. More than 85 million people visit France every year, making it the most visited country in the world.
Now, since France is a member of the Schengen area, you need a Schengen visa to explore the country. A Schengen visa grants access to France’s enchanting cities, picturesque countryside, and renowned culinary delights and opens the door to 28 other European countries.
Let us discuss how to apply for France tourist visa, how long does it take to get a France visa, how to go Paris from India, along with all the necessary details.
How to Apply for France Tourist Visa- Complete Process
The following steps will give you the answer to how to apply for France tourist visa.
Step 1: Gather Information
Check Visa Requirement: Before completing your application form, verify whether you need a visa. Check for the required documents and visa fees.
Calculate Schengen Stay: If you already have a Schengen visa (if it has not expired), you can use that to enter France.
Determine Application Authority: Your visa application authority differs depending on your residence. So check your specific residence embassy website for accurate requirement details.
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Application
Create an Account: You can apply online on the France-Visas website using the France-Visas application form. You will be asked to create a personal account, which includes your email address, to save your application data.
Fill Out the Application Form: You must provide the following document when submitting the application form.
- A travel document
- 2 recent ID proofs
- Supporting documents depend on your plan.
Pay Application Fees: Your visa application fees are due upon filling out the online application form. The fee may differ based on your service provider. The European Commission has increased the Schengen short-stay visa fees on March 14 2024. The new fee will come into effect from June 11 2024
- 90 euros for adults
- 45 euros for children from 6 to 12 age
Source: France Embassy in India
Step 3: Book Your Appointment:
Schedule an Appointment: After submitting your application form, you will receive the necessary supporting documents and a chance to schedule an appointment. You can book an appointment at the VFS Global Centre VFS Global France in your city.
Use Service Providers: You can use the visa application centre to book an appointment. The average appointment waiting time is 6 months to 2 weeks before you depart for a short stay and 3 months to 2 weeks for a long stay.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Attend Appointment: You should attend the interview with the visa application form copy and all the supporting documents.
Give Biometric Data: At the consulate, you must give your biometric data, such as your 10 fingerprints and scanned photographs. Your prior biometric information may be utilised again if you possess a biometric Schengen visa obtained within the last 59 months.
Document Review: The service provider will collect your passport, application, and all supporting document copies for review. The visa interview process in the consulate takes 20 minutes to complete.
Source: France Visa Guidelines
Step 5: Track Your Visa Status
Monitor Application: You can track your application status from the consulate where you applied.
Collect Passport: You will receive a notification when your passport is ready for collection. Visa applications are usually processed within 15 days but can take up to 45 days in particular cases.
Follow the above steps on how to apply for France tourist visa for a successful visa process.
Key Takeaways
Now that you know how to get a France visa from India, it’s time to pack your bag and get ready for the extraordinary adventure of a lifetime. Remember the critical steps, from gathering the necessary documentation and filling out the France visa application form to scheduling an appointment and submitting your biometric data. Ensuring that all documents are accurate, providing a clear visit purpose, sufficient financial proof, and valid travel insurance are key factors in a successful application.
By following these guidelines on how to apply for France tourist visa, you can enhance your chances of obtaining your visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a France Visa by mail?
No, you can fill out your visa application form online, but you must submit your application with all the supporting documents in person.
2. What are the visa fees for France?
The cost of a visa is 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for minors aged 6 to 12 years.
3. How long does it take to get a France visa?
Applications for visas are usually processed in 15 days or less. This period may be extended by up to 45 days in specific circumstances.
4. How to go Paris from India?
You can go to Paris through Airlines that fly directly to Charles de Gaulle, such as Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad, Emirates, and Air India, from all the major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
5. What can I do if my France Visa from India is rejected?
You have two months to file an appeal if your France visa is denied, or you can apply for a new visa within three months after the rejection.
