France Visa Rules and Regulations

France is one of the most visited countries in the world for a very long time. The country is blessed with rich culture, history, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. Every traveler to France has always been mesmerized because of all that this European country has to offer. From the celebrated art museum of the Louvre to the iconic Eiffel Tower, there are many attractions to explore. The French Riviera is a stunning coastline that offers world class beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and luxurious resorts. Those looking for a cultural experience can explore France's many churches, castles, and cathedrals. The country is a heaven for foodies as well since it is known for its delicious wines and regional dishes, including escargot, boeuf bourguignon, and Crème Brulé. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a chance to explore European culture, or a beach holiday, our France tour packages will take care of it all. All you will need to do is simply apply for France visa online and we will take care of the rest.

In order to apply for a France visa, the most important part is understanding the Rules and Regulations of the country. This knowledge can help applicants understand the process and avoidFrance visa rejection.Below are the mandatory rules and regulations one needs to know:

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance.

The most common France visa types (Schengen visa France) are the short stay visa France and long stay France visa. The short-stay visa France is applicable for the purpose of tourism, visit, or business travel. It allows a stay period of 90 days with a validity of 6 months.

However, the decision lies completely at the discretion of the Embassy. You may get the France Schengen Visa only for the number of days that you present in your travel itinerary and your flight & hotel bookings.

A Schengen Visa for France may allow for a single entry or multiple entries depending upon your purpose of travel and itinerary.

Typically, it takes anywhere between 15 – 20 days for France Visa to be processed at the Consulate. The France visa processing time is dependent on several factors and can change without prior notice at the consulate’s discretion. Sometimes it can take up to 30 days.

The common France tourist visa documents required are your passport, photographs, cover letter, employment letter, bank statements, Income tax returns, flight tickets, hotel reservations or invitation letter from family or friend, and travel insurance. We have provided a complete list of documents required for France visa.

If you intend to visit France, then you have to apply through the French embassy in your home country. Furthermore, if you are going to travel to more than one Schengen country during your travel, be aware that you need to outline your itinerary. You also have to apply through the embassy of the country where you will spend the maximum number of days.

The France visa for Indians is non-extendable and non-transferable. You cannot extend your French short-stay while in France except in special circumstances. It is illegal to exceed your permitted period of stay. Instead, you must return to your home country within the permitted period of stay and apply for another France Visa if necessary.

In order to submit your visa application, an appointment at the Visa application center is mandatory. Every member of the family needs an individual appointment.

Personal appearance of the applicant is mandatory at the Visa Application Center VFS in order to submit biometrics (including fingerprints and digital photograph) and the visa file. These will remain valid for 5 years. Some applicants, such as children under the age of 12; do not need to have their fingerprints taken.

When you hand in your application personally during your appointment, make sure that you show them both originals and copies of your papers.

On successful submission of your visa application, the VAC will provide you with a receipt that will contain your application reference number. Make sure you make a note of the reference number. You can even track the progress or status of your visa application on the France VFS website using the VFS reference number and your name.

FAQs:

Q.What are the requirements for a French visa?

Ans - The general visa requirements for France are: · Duly filled and signed France visa application form. · Original and valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months of validity remaining. · Colored passport sized photographs as per the France visa photo requirements. · Travel Insurance – minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. · Detailed travel itinerary. · Proof of accommodations. · Proof of sufficient funds. · A cover letter. · Confirmed return flight tickets. Check out France visa documents and requirements for a detailed list of France visa requirements for Indian citizens.

Q.How long France visa process takes?

Ans - Normally a short stay France tourist visa is processed between 15 – 20 days. However, the long-stay visa France processing time may vary depending upon the France visa types.

Q.How much bank balance is required for France visa?

Ans - The general France tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens include having sufficient funds to obtain a tourist visa for France from India. The minimum amount to have in your account is at least EUR 65 per day which is equivalent to INR 5,730.

Q.How much is France visa fee?

Ans - The France visa cost for Indian citizens is INR 7,199.

Q.Is France visa free for Indians?

Ans - No. Indians need a France visitor visa in order to visit France, as France is not among the list of countries where Indians can travel without a visa or get a visa on arrival.

Q.Is France open for tourists now?

Ans - Yes. France is open for tourists and you can visit France with a France tourist visa from India 2023.

Q.What happens if I overstay in France?

Ans - If you are found overstaying in France after your visitor visa for France from India is expired, you may be deported, face hefty penalties, and may be banned from entering France.

Q.How long can I stay in France without a visa?

Ans - Indians need a France visa to visit and enter the country. Indians cannot enter or stay in France without a valid France visa.

Q.Can I work in France with a tourist visa?

Ans - No. When you fill out a France tourist visa application form, you are required to state your purpose of visit and then the visa is issued accordingly. If you wish to work in France or conduct business in France you need to apply for a France work visa or a France business visa respectively. You absolutely cannot take up employment or invest in a business with a tourist visa for France as it is issued solely for the purpose of tourism.

Q.How long is a French visa valid for?

Ans - Depending upon its type the validity and stay period of a French visa varies. The most common types of France visas and their validity are as follows: France short stay visa: it is non extendable, non renewable and valid for 6 months with a 3 month stay period. France temporary long stay visa: it is valid for more than a year and has 6 – 12 month stay period, visa holders can apply for a French residence permit and extend their stay if they meet the criteria. France long stay visa: typically granted for a year after which visa holder can apply for a long term residence permit in France provided that they meet the criteria.

France Visa Application Process

How can Akbar Travels help you?

The application for France Visa for Indians can get complicated as it involves online form filling and appointment schedules. Some French visa applications can even result in rejection if not applied correctly with the supporting documentation. Hence, it is advisable to take help from a reliable travel agent. Trust Akbartravels.com to take care of your France visa application form right from verifying your documents to the stamping of your France visa. Moreover, from cheap flightstoFrance, visa to accommodation France tour packages and everything in between, we can handle it all.

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