france visa for indians

Prepared by Visa Lounge Your Trusted Visa Partner

This checklist is standard but not exhaustive. The Embassy of France (and its Consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Puducherry) reserves the right to request additional documentation.

1. Your Travel Identity

• Passport:

  • Original passport issued within the last 10 years.

  • Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.

  • Must contain at least 2 blank visa pages.

  • Previous Travel: You must provide copies of all previous Schengen visas and your old passports to demonstrate travel history.

• Photograph:

  • Two recent colored photographs ($35\text{ mm} \times 45\text{ mm}$) no older than 3–6 months.

  • Background: Plain white or very light grey.

  • Face Coverage: Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame (neutral expression, eyes open).

  • Note: France is extremely strict on photo quality; avoid any shadows or glasses glare.

2. The Logistics of Your Trip

• France-Visas Registration: You must provide the Registration Receipt and the printed Application Form generated from the official France-Visas portal.

• Flight Itinerary: Confirmed round-trip flight reservations.

• Accommodation Proof: * Tourists: Confirmed hotel bookings for the entire stay.

  • Private Visit: If staying with a host, you must provide the original “Attestation d’Accueil” (Accommodation Certificate) issued by the local town hall (Mairie) in France.

• Cover Letter & Itinerary: A formal cover letter detailing your purpose of visit and a day-by-day breakdown of your plans in France.

• Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage of at least €30,000. It must be valid for the entire Schengen territory and cover all medical emergencies, including repatriation.

3. Financial & Professional Paperwork

France requires proof of “Means of Subsistence,” calculated based on your accommodation:

• Proof of Funds:

  • Personal bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months, original copy with bank stamp and signature.

  • Daily Minimums: Approx. €65/day (with hotel proof) or €120/day (without hotel proof).

• ITR: Income Tax Return acknowledgment for the last 2 to 3 years.

• Occupational Proof:

  • Employed: Last 3 months’ salary slips, and an official Employment Letter (on company letterhead) stating your position, salary, and Leave Approval.

  • Self-Employed: Business registration (GST copy/Certificate of Incorporation) and recent company bank statements.

  • Retired: Pension statements for the last 3 months.

  • Students: NOC from the School/University and a copy of the Student ID.

4. Biometrics & Submission

• Biometrics: Required for all applicants unless fingerprints were provided for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months.

• Processing: Visa Lounge will coordinate your appointment at the VFS center. Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but we recommend applying at least 1 month in advance.

Essential Travel Insights by Visa Lounge

France remains the world’s most visited destination for a reason. From the iconic skyline of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux and the glamour of the French Riviera, a trip to France is a masterclass in culture. At Visa Lounge, we ensure your journey starts with total clarity.

1. The Schengen Area (2026 Update)

France is a founding member of the Schengen Area, which has now grown to 29 countries. Your French Schengen visa is your gateway to explore these borders freely:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

2. The “Main Destination” Rule

To ensure your visa application is handled by the right consulate, keep these rules in mind:

• The Longest Stay: You must apply through France if it is the country where you will spend the maximum number of nights during your trip.

• First Port of Entry: If your stay is split exactly 50/50 between France and another country (e.g., 4 nights in Paris and 4 nights in Rome), you must apply through France if it is your first stop in Europe.

3. Key Visa Policies for 2026

• Mandatory Visa: All Indian passport holders require a valid visa before flying to France. There is no visa-on-arrival.

• No Extensions: A short-stay Schengen visa is fixed. Once it expires, you must leave the area. Renewals or updates are not permitted while you are in France.

• Exceptional Circumstances: In extremely rare cases (such as a medical emergency), you must contact the local Préfecture (immigration office) in France to discuss a stay extension.

• Extra Documents: Our experts or the Embassy may occasionally ask for additional records to strengthen your file. Quick cooperation is the best way to ensure a positive result.

4. Cultural “Pro-Tips” for Your Visit

• The “Bonjour” Rule: In France, it is considered impolite to start any conversation—even with a shopkeeper or waiter—without saying “Bonjour” first. It’s the magic word that opens all doors!

• Dining Etiquette: Dinner in France starts late (usually after 7:30 PM) and is meant to be savored. Don’t be surprised if the waiter doesn’t bring the bill until you explicitly ask for it (“L’addition, s’il vous plaît”).

• Cash & Cards: While cards are accepted everywhere, it’s always handy to have a few small Euro coins for the boulangerie (bakery) or public restrooms.

• Dress the Part: French style is “effortless chic.” To blend in, opt for smart-casual attire. Avoid wearing heavy hiking gear or flip-flops when visiting city landmarks or nice restaurants.

5. Getting Around

• The TGV Network: France’s high-speed trains (TGV) are world-class. You can zip from Paris to Lyon in just 2 hours or to Marseille in 3.

• Paris Metro: It’s one of the densest networks in the world. Download the Citymapper or Bonjour RATP app to navigate like a local.

• Walking Cities: Most French cities are best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes—those charming cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be tough on your feet!

Expert Advice by Visa Lounge

Can I handle my France visa application online?

Mostly! You can kickstart the process, fill out the official forms, and book your VFS appointment right through visalounge.in. However, the French Embassy still needs to meet you in person for biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo), so a quick visit to the visa center is the final step in the journey.

Do Indians actually need a visa for France?

Yes. Since France doesn’t offer visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders, you’ll need to have your Schengen Visa in hand before you head to the airport. This visa covers you for tourism, business, or visiting family for up to 90 days.

How much does the France visa cost?

For 2026, the standard fees are:

• Adults: €90 (approx. ₹8,100)

• Children (6-12 years): €45 (approx. ₹4,050)

• Children under 6: Free

• Note: These fees are paid in INR at the current exchange rate. There is also a small VFS service charge, and you can opt for add-ons like courier delivery or SMS alerts for peace of mind.

How long is my visa valid?

A typical French tourist visa is valid for up to 180 days, allowing you a maximum stay of 90 days within that window. Whether you get a single-entry or multiple-entry visa depends on your travel history and the discretion of the consulate.

What’s the difference between Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry?

• Single-Entry: Think of this as a “one-trip” pass. Once you leave the Schengen area, you can’t go back in on that same visa, even if it hasn’t expired.

• Multiple-Entry: This is for the explorer. You can enter and exit France (and the other 28 Schengen countries) as many times as you like, as long as your total stay doesn’t exceed 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

How much money should I show in my bank account?

France is quite specific about “Proof of Subsistence.” They generally expect you to show:

• €65 per day if you have a confirmed hotel booking.

• €120 per day if you don’t have a pre-paid hotel (e.g., staying with friends without an official Attestation d’Accueil). At Visa Lounge, we recommend showing a balance of ₹2 Lakhs to ₹3 Lakhs for a 10-15 day trip. It’s not just about the minimum; it’s about showing the embassy you can comfortably afford your Parisian getaway.

What are the most common reasons for rejection?

To keep our 99.3% approval rate, we watch out for these “red flags”:

• Inconsistent Itinerary: If your flight dates don’t match your hotel bookings.

• Insufficient Insurance: Your policy must cover at least €30,000 and include repatriation.

• Vague Purpose: A weak cover letter that doesn’t explain why you’re visiting France specifically.

• Unexplained Deposits: Large, sudden chunks of money appearing in your bank statement just before applying.

For official France Schengen Visa guidelines, visit the https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra