France Visa Documents

The immigration authority of France has set visa application guidelines to ease applicants' work. These assist applicants in getting their France visa in a timely manner. Any failure to meet these guidelines can result in significant delays or, in some cases, even the rejection of the visa application.

The specific documents required for a Schengen visa for France may vary depending on the purpose of the traveller’s visit. For example, the documents required for a France tourist visa from India will differ from those required for a work or business visa. Therefore, applicants must carefully review the list of required documents based on the visa category they are applying for.

These documents allow the visa authorities to verify your identity and purpose of visiting the country. This is done to ensure security of the country you are visiting.

Also Read: France Visa Requirements for Indian

General France Visa Supporting Documents

• Duly signed and filled out a visa application form. The form should be filled out correctly and fully.

• A valid Indian passport with a minimum of two blank pages. The validity of the passport should be at least three months beyond the intended date of departure.

• Two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.

• Proof of travel insurance plan that covers the entire Schengen Area, including France, with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and any other unforeseen events.

• The visa fee payment receipt can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

• A personal cover letter stating the purpose of your visit to France.

• Provide proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in France. If the travellers have no proof of pre-paid accommodation, they should have a daily amount of €120.

• Furthermore, if you have already arranged your accommodation, then €65 per day or €32.25 per day if you have cheaper forms of accommodation.

Also Read: Documents Required for Schengen Travel

France Visa Supporting Documents for Tourism

• Proof of hotel stays or bookings made in France.

• A detailed travel itinerary, including travel dates, accommodation details, flight bookings, and intended travel routes.

• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets.

France Visa Supporting Documents for Minors

• The birth certificate of the minor who is travelling to France.

• A France visa application form that both parents sign.

• A family court order, certified copies of both parents' IDs or passports, in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.

• A notarised parental authorisation is required if the minor is travelling alone to France.

France Visa Supporting Documents for Transit Visa

• Flight ticket for the destination country.

• Visa documentation for the destination country.

• Letter justifying conditions for stay and accommodation.

France Visa Supporting Documents for Employment Status

• An employment letter from the French employer, which includes your designation and job role.

• A letter of invitation from the host, if you are travelling for business activities such as seminars, conferences, etc.

• Copy of income tax returns for the last 3 years.

• Copy of your business licence.

France Visa Supporting Documents for Study

• An enrollment letter from the educational institution in France confirming your admission and course details.

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses during your studies.

• A letter of accommodation or proof of housing arrangements while studying in France.

• No objection certificate from the school or university.

The two photos should be identical and no more than six months old.

• The dimensions of each photo should be 35x45mm.

• The photos must be in colour and not black and white.

• The head of the applicant should occupy 70-80% of the photo.

• The background should be brightly coloured, preferably light grey, without any patterns.

• The applicant should look directly at the camera.

• The facial expression should be neutral, with no smile and a closed mouth.

• It is recommended to avoid wearing uniforms or clothes that match the background.

Also Read: France Visa Photo Size

Step 1: Create Your Visa Account

To apply for a France visa, you need to create an account by visiting the official France-Visas website. Click on the “Start Your Visa Application” button.

It will take you to a new page, where you must create your account by providing all the necessary details, such as name, email, password, etc. Once done, click on the “Create an Account” button.

Step 2: Fill Out Visa Application Form

Once the account is created, log in using your credentials. Start filling out the France visa application form. Enter all the information accurately.

For a short-stay visa, you need to submit an application a minimum of 5 days before the scheduled departure date. For a long-stay visa, the application must be submitted 1 month before the scheduled departure date.

Step 3: Submit France Visa Supporting Documents

After submitting their visa application form, applicants need to submit the documents required for a Schengen visa to France. All the submitted documents need to be in the proper size and format as described by the immigration officials.

The list of long-stay visa France documents may be different from the short-stay list. Hence, it is necessary to verify the list of France visa documents before applying.

Step 4: Book Your Appointment

Applicants must schedule a visa appointment with the visa application centre after submitting their application and supporting documentation. It is crucial to make sure you have enough time to book an appointment before your travel date.

Step 5: Submit Biometrics and Visa Application Fees

On the day of your consultation, bring a copy of your visa application and the necessary paperwork. The official will verify the form and documents. After that, they will collect your biometrics, such as photos and fingerprints.

Once you have submitted the biometrics, applicants need to submit the visa application fees. The visa application process takes around 20 minutes in the visa application centre.

Step 6: Track Visa Application

You can check the status of your application by going to the official website after it has been filed. Applicants will receive a notification when a passport is prepared for pickup. The passport will be collected from the visa application centre.

The average processing time for visa applications is between 15 days and 45 days, and in some exceptional cases, it may take even more.

Applicants who want to acquire a France visa need to pay an application fee to the immigration officials. The fee is basically the administrative cost of processing the visa application.

The fees must be paid online at the visa application centre. Here is a breakdown of the France visa application fees.

*The appropriate visa fee is calculated using the current INR exchange rate (as of March 2023). Changes may be made without prior notice.

Note: Applying for a Schengen visa through a private visa application agency like VFS Global will result in a higher fee than the standard cost. These agencies provide services such as appointment scheduling and document submission at the embassy or consulate on your behalf and may charge an additional €30 to €40 per application.

Also Read: France Visa Fees for Indians

The processing time for a French Schengen visa can take up to 15 days, but it may be extended up to 30 days or even 60 days in exceptional cases, depending on your visa application.

We recommend applying for a Schengen Tourist Visa at least three months before the intended trip to ensure adequate time for processing all necessary documentation and the traveller's request.

The Embassy or Consulate typically responds within ten working days, although the processing time may be shorter. In certain situations, such as unusual political circumstances or unique individual cases, the processing time may be extended up to two months.

The documents required for a France visa are crucial for a successful visa application process. The incorrect or misinterpreted documentation can lead to delays and rejection of visa applications. Below are some of the common reasons for visa rejections.

• One crucial reason for visa rejection is improper documentation when submitting the application. Therefore, it is important to provide all requested documents when submitting the visa application.

• If the applicant is unable to provide a sufficient funds report while travelling to France, this may also result in visa rejection.

• Having travel insurance online with medical coverage is crucial for a Schengen visa. If the applicant does not have a travel insurance policy, the visa can be rejected.

• If the applicant fails to prove the return date to the home country, the visa can also be rejected. Applicants need to show strong ties to their home country.

• Furthermore, if the applicant does not present the complete itinerary when applying, this can also lead to rejection.

Knowing all about the France visa supporting documents is crucial for a successful visa process. If the applicant forgets to submit the correct documentation, it can lead to visa rejection. Without proper documentation, getting a visa on time is nearly impossible.

As discussed, a recognised travel insurance policy with a minimum health coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for travelling to France. It means that your France visa can not be processed without a travel insurance certificate.

TATA AIG offers travel insurance plans for Schengen visas that safeguard you from trip-related emergencies. These emergencies can range from medical emergencies to baggage loss to trip curtailment.

We also offer travel insurance for senior citizens that is customised to their healthcare needs. This plan offers comprehensive protection to elderly people against accidents, illness, baggage loss and much more. Not just this, we have a dedicated helpline number for senior citizens to provide them with the support they need during travel.

At TATA AIG, we offer an affordable travel insurance plan starting at ₹24.8 per day. Buy travel insurance for a France trip with TATA AIG.

Also Read: Travel Insurance For France From India