How Can I Get a Tourist Visa for France?
Guide to Get a Tourist Visa for
France
France continues to be a dream
destination for travelers around the world. Whether it’s walking along the
streets of Paris, exploring historic landmarks, enjoying French cuisine, or
visiting scenic towns and vineyards, France offers a truly memorable travel
experience.
If you’re planning a leisure trip
and asking yourself how you can get a tourist visa for France, this
guide explains the entire process in a simple and easy-to-understand way. From
eligibility and documents to application steps, fees, and timelines, everything
you need to know is covered here.
What Is a France Tourist Visa?
A France tourist visa is a Schengen
short-stay visa that allows you to travel to France and other Schengen
countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This visa is generally issued for:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting family or friends
- Short private visits
If France is your main
destination or the country where you plan to spend the most time, you must
apply for your Schengen visa through France.
Do Indians Need a Tourist Visa for France?
Yes. Indian passport holders are
required to get a tourist visa for France before traveling. Since France is
part of the Schengen Area, the same visa allows travel to 26 Schengen
countries, as long as France remains your primary destination.
How Can I Get a Tourist Visa for France? (Step-by-Step Process)
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin the application
process, make sure:
- Your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond
your return date
- Your travel purpose is clearly tourism
- You can show sufficient financial resources
- You have strong ties to India, such as employment,
business, or family
These basic checks help ensure a
smooth application.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To get a tourist visa for France, preparing the correct documents is one of the most
important steps.
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- Valid Passport
- Issued within the last 10 years
- At least 2 blank pages
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Filled online through France-Visas
- Printed and signed
- Two Recent Photographs
- White background, Schengen-compliant size
- Cover Letter
- Explaining your travel purpose, dates, and itinerary
- Flight Reservation
- Proof of Accommodation
- Hotel reservations or host invitation (Attestation
d’accueil)
- Travel Medical Insurance
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 across the Schengen area
- Financial Proof
- Last 3–6 months bank statements
- Income proof or ITRs
- Proof of Occupation
- Employees: NOC, leave approval, payslips
- Business owners: Registration and tax documents
- Students: Bonafide certificate
All documents should clearly reflect
tourism as the purpose of travel.
Step 3: Start Your Application on France-Visas
All applicants must begin their visa
application on the official France-Visas website. Here, you will:
- Identify the correct visa category
- Complete the online application form
- Receive a personalized checklist
Once done, print the application
form and receipt.
Step 4: Book an Appointment with VFS Global
In India, France tourist visa
applications are submitted through VFS Global, the authorized visa
application center.
You will need to:
- Choose the correct VFS center based on your location
- Book an appointment online
- Visit the center in person on the scheduled date
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Biometrics
On the day of your appointment:
- Submit your complete set of documents
- Pay the applicable visa fee and VFS service charges
- Provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a
photograph
Biometrics are mandatory unless you
have recently applied for a Schengen visa.
Step 6: Track and Collect Your Passport
After submission:
- Track your application status online
- Collect your passport once processed or receive it via
courier service
When Should You Apply for a France Tourist Visa?
Applying at the right time is
important:
- Earliest:
6 months before your planned travel date
- Latest:
15 days before travel
Applying early is always
recommended, especially during peak travel periods.
France Tourist Visa Fees for Indians
The approximate fees include:
- Schengen Visa Fee:
€80 for adults
- Children (6–12 years): €40
- VFS Service Charges:
Additional
Fees are non-refundable and may change
from time to time.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a France Tourist Visa?
There is no officially fixed amount,
but applicants are usually expected to show:
- Around €65–120 per day, depending on
accommodation arrangements
- Additional funds if accommodation is not prepaid
- Stable and genuine financial records
Your financial documents should
realistically match your travel plans.
France Tourist Visa Processing Time
The average processing time is
usually:
Processing may take longer in some
cases due to:
- High number of applications
- Additional checks by authorities
- Incomplete documentation
Applying well in advance helps avoid
last-minute stress.
Special Requirements for Minors
If a minor is traveling:
- A notarized consent letter from both parents or
legal guardians is required
- Copies of parents’ passports must be submitted
- If one parent is not traveling, written consent is
mandatory
These requirements are strictly
followed under Schengen visa regulations.
Common Reasons for France Tourist Visa Rejection
Some common reasons include:
- Insufficient financial proof
- Unclear travel purpose
- Missing or incorrect documents
- Weak ties to the home country
- Previous Schengen visa refusals
Careful preparation helps reduce
these risks.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Tourist Visa for France
- Apply as early as possible
- Submit accurate and genuine documents
- Maintain consistent bank statements
- Avoid unverifiable bookings
- Ensure your itinerary and cover letter clearly match
tourism plans
Even small details can have a big
impact.
FAQs: France Tourist Visa for Indians
Is it easy to get a tourist visa for France?
Yes, if your documents are complete
and your travel purpose is clear, the process is generally straightforward.
How long can I stay in France on a tourist visa?
You can stay for up to 90 days
within a 180-day period.
Is IELTS required for a France tourist visa?
No, language tests are not required
for tourist visas.
Can I visit other countries with a France tourist visa?
Yes, you can travel to other
Schengen countries, provided France is your main destination.
Final Thoughts
Getting a tourist visa for France
mainly depends on good planning, accurate documentation, and timely submission.
When your application clearly reflects your travel plans and meets all
requirements, the process becomes much smoother.
If you want to avoid common mistakes and delays,
professional guidance can help you submit your application with confidence.