France Tourist Visa for Indians - Procedure, Fees, etc.

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 - 

1. To start off, obtain all the necessary documents required by the embassy.
2. Visit the France-Visas website and register for the application.
3. Fill in the application for with all the relevant details. You will receive a confirmation mail via email.
4. Once this is done, proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs. You can do this by visiting their website, or by calling them up.
5. Attend the appointment with your documents, and application confirmation print out.
6. Pay the fees and submit your biometrics here.

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. 

• You must be present in your home nation while applying from within. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it from there. 
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your primary purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism-related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. France is your only destination, or
  2. France is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, France is your port of entry.

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 - 

• A valid passport- 

1. 1. The passport should consist of at least 2 blank pages.
   2. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
   3. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• Print out of the application confirmation 
• A covering letter - 

• 1. This should include the applicant's basic details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds for the stay.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the French embassy.

• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• 1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Proof of round trip flight booking
  3. Proof of accommodation 

• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

• If employed 

• 1. Employment contract copy, Employee ID card copy
  2. Letter from employer stating sanction of leave for the travel period
  3. NOC (No objection certificate) from the company
• If self-employed
• 1. A copy of the business license
  2. Copy in the commerce register or as a partner in a company
• If student
• 1. Letter granting leave for the travel period, or NOC from the institution
  2. Proof of admission
• If retired
• 1. Pension statement of the latest 6 months
  2. Copy of Retirement letter/relieving letter

• Financial documents -

• 1. Personal bank statements for the last 3 months or copy of passbook showing recent funds, or
  2. Income tax papers/salary slips (If employed). 
  3. Income tax statement (ITR) for the last 3 years or form no. 16 ( if self-employed).

The photo specifications of France tourist visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

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.

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- 

• Before travelling, make a note of the expiry date, as well as the number of entries on the visa sticker. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. Also, you must travel within 6 months of your visa issue date. Otherwise, the permit will become invalid. 
• You must carry a copy of your travel documents on you while you are travelling within the country. This is to ensure that you do not face any difficulties during emergencies. 
• While you are on a tourist permit, you must not engage in work or other employment activities. Your visit must be restricted to tourism and other allowed activities under the Schengen category.
• You cannot extend the stay unless in extreme unforeseeable circumstances.
• You are allowed to visit any of the other Schengen nations while you are in this category.