May be money can’t buy happiness, but a visit to France can surely be bought. People from all over the globe visit the country for various purposes. Be it tourism, business, work, study, there is always a visa pertaining to it. Now, what if you are invited by your relatives or friends in France to visit them? Well, the type of permit for this called France visit visa.
Also known as the France Schengen visit visa, this endorsement is issued to people whose primary motive of the visit is to meet their family members or relatives residing in France. Being a type of the Schengen C category, this is a short term type and is valid for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. It is issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry as per your requirements. However, the final decision will depend on the consular officer.
To apply for the French visitor permit, the application has to be made online. However, the submission is done offline at one of the French appointed VACs (Visa Application Centre). Even though it is done by this method, the VAC has no role in the processing of the application. They sent the application to the embassy or consulate for processing. Before starting the application, it is necessary to check if you meet the eligibility conditions for the visitor category. You may then proceed to make the application as follows-
Please note that you must carry the original documents with you to the appointment centre for verification. However, you must only submit photocopies (except passport) to them. Also, ensure that you provide genuine documents. Any misinformation or fake documents can cause a visa rejection. A rejected application affect your travel.
Keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics in the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Your old biometrics are still in the system, and can be used again. In this case, you do not have to be at the appointment in person. You may send the application through someone else.
To be able to apply for a visitor category of the Schengen, you must meet the following conditions. If you do not, you will not be allowed to apply, and your application will be rejected.
As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents requirements for France visit visa at the appointment centre. However, keep in mind that there may be other specific documents required as per individual requirements. You must check the exact requirements before applying -
The photo specifications of France visit visa are as follows -
The actual time taken for the processing depends on several factors such as the entry type, the volume of applications, duration of stay, and varies significantly. In normal circumstances, the application is processed in 15 working days. However, due to the variability, it is suggested that you apply well in advance. You must apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but no more than 3 months.
The total fees for the process includes the application fees, biometric charges, express processing charges, and other service charges. The application fees again depends on the number of entries, the validity, foreign exchange rates, and so on. As a result, you must check the exact fees 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 |
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 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Term Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6851.0 |
Term 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 |
Once you have submitted the application and paid the fees at the VAC. The centre will send the application package to the respective embassy or consulate as per the jurisdiction. If approved, you can pick up the passport with the visa sticker at the VAC, or you can have it delivered to you for a fee.
After you have submitted an application, you can track the status of your application in a few ways. You can opt for SMS notification services by the VAC. Alternately, you can enter the tracking portal provided by the VAC and enter your application number and name to know the status. You may also contact your travel agency to have them track it for you.
Once you are in possession of this permit, you must keep in mind the following points. These are to ensure that you have a pleasant travel experience.
You are allowed to visit any of the Schengen countries while you are on the Uniform type of the permit. However, if you have been issued with an LTV form (Limited Territorial Validity), you will only be allowed to visit the countries that are mentioned on the sticker.
Due to the fact that France visit visa is a type of the Schegen short term category, these are non-extendable in normal conditions. However, in certain extreme cases such as a Force Majeure, or other humanitarian reasons, you may be granted an extension. In other cases, you must leave the country upon expiry.
You are not allowed to stay any longer after your permit expires. One of the primary conditions under which the visitor permit is issued is that you return back to your home country after the validity period. Staying back after this period is considered as a breach of this rule, and is an offence. This can get you deported, or even be banned from entering the country again.
Since the visitor permit is issued for a duration of only 90 days, there is no requirement for a mandatory medical test. However, you are supposed to possess a medical travel insurance. In either case, it is suggested that you get a health checkup done before travelling to a new country.
No, the France visit visa is non-extendible and non-convertible. However, if you require a tourist permit, you must apply for it once you go back to your home country. Alternately, you do not require a tourist permit to take part in tourism. Your visitor visa allows you to take part in tourist-related activities.
Yes, you can travel to any of the other Schengen countries while you are on a visitor permit. Due to the fact that France is a part of the Schengen region, you do not need another country specific visa. However, you may not visit all the European countries. Since only a few of the European nations are a part of the Schengen region, you can visit only these countries. Also keep in mind that if you are issued with an LTV type, you will be allowed to visit only the countries listed on the sticker.