When it comes to places, France seduces tourists like no other. With the Eiffel Tower, Mont Blanc, and several other spectacular views, the country is filled with amazing sights. Bring in this, the French wine, Croissants, Eclair, and. the France tourist visa, the nation is the world’s most visited tourist destination.
Also known as the France Schengen tourist visa, this category allows you to visit the French Republic and take part in tourist activities. Being a type of the Schengen, these are issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. It is issued as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry. However, for people belonging to other Schengen countries and of the visa-exempt nations, there is a permit-free entry.
The process of applying for a France tourist visa from India is performed mainly online. However, the submission of the documents is done offline at a VAC (Visa Application Center), and the processing is performed by the Embassy or Consulates of France situated in India. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to France on a tourist permit. You must then proceed to make the France tourist visa application as follows -
Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics in the past 5 years, they are still valid in the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System). As a result, you are not required to submit them again. In this case, you may choose to send the application via any third party.
Kindly ensure that you submit only genuine documents and correct information. Stating wrong details, and providing fake documents can lead to a visa rejection. Also, make sure that you carry all the original documents to the VAC. however, you must submit only photocopies (except passport).
To be able to travel on this permit, you must meet the following conditions. Failure to do so will make you ineligible to apply, and therefore cause your application to be rejected.
As per the France tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you must submit at the VAC during your appointment -
The photo specifications of France tourist visa are as follows -
The time taken to process the French tourist visa depends on a wide number of factors such as the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, verification issues, and so on. Normally, your application will be processed in about 15 working days. However, due to the uncertainty of this, it is recommended that you apply for it well in advance.
The fees for the French tourist visa for Indian nationals depend on a key number of parameters such as the entry type, validity, biometric charges, and other additional service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates of the Euro. As a result, it is suggested that you confirm the exact amount before starting the application.
Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Upon successful submission and fees payment, your application will begin processing. Even though you have submitted the application at a VAC, they are not responsible for the processing. This is done only by the Embassy or Consulates of France located in India. If they require additional verification or documentation, you will be notified. If approved, you can pick up the passport and visa from the respective VAC, or you can have it delivered to you at an additional charge.
While you are waiting for a response, you can check the status of your application. This France visa status tracking can be done by visiting the website of the VAC, and then entering the application number and your name at the respective portal. Alternately, you may contact the travel agency you have applied through, to get the status.
Once you have received this permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure a safe and sound travel experience-
Due to the fact that the entry permit to France is a Schengen, you will not be able to extend in normal circumstances. However, in cases where you are forced to stay in France due to Force Majeure or other humanitarian reasons, you may be granted an extension. In all other cases, you must leave the country once your permit has lapsed.
You are not allowed to stay back in the country for any additional time once your visa has expired. Staying back after this period is considered as an offence and can get you deported, and be banned from re-entry into the Schengen region. If you do require to stay longer, you may return to your home country and apply for another permit. History of having abided by the immigration laws can help your next application easier and faster.
There is no particular medical test mandatory for the short term category. Since the tourist will be in the country for only a period of 90 days, the government of France does not deem it necessary to have a medical report. However, for your own safety, it is recommended that you get a medical test done before travelling to any foreign country.
No, you may not convert your tourist permit into a work category. This is strictly prohibited. As per the entry criteria, you must leave the country once your current permit expires. There is no mode for extension or conversion. However, if you do require to work in the country, you must go back to your home country, and then apply for a work permit from there.
Yes, you are allowed to visit any of the Schengen countries while on this category. However, you are not allowed to visit all the European nations. Due to the fact that not all European countries are a part of the Schengen, you can only travel to those that are a part of both. For example, you can travel to Germany, Italy, etc while on this, and, you may not travel to European nations like UK, Belarus, etc, as these are not a part of the Schengen.