Apply for France Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to France.

Citizens of United States of America do not require visas for travel to France and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

France

France is set to introduce a new electronic visa next year, known as the France eVisa, which will make it easier and more convenient for travelers to apply for a visa. The online application process will eliminate the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates, which can often be time-consuming and expensive.


The France eVisa is expected to streamline the visa application process, making it more accessible for tourists, business travelers, and students alike. With the introduction of the France eVisa, France is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the tourism industry and promoting international travel. 


This move is expected to attract more visitors to France and boost the country's economy.

Types of Visas Available for France

There are three types of visas available for France: Schengen Visa - Short Stay Visa, Airport Transit Visa, and National Visa - Long Stay Visa. France Schengen visa is required for short trips lasting less than 90 days, suitable for various purposes such as tourism, business trips, and medical treatment. For studying or working permanently in France, a France National visa is necessary, and official invitations or letters of acceptance are required for the application.

  • France Schengen Visa
    • France Tourist Visa
    • France Business Visa
    • France Visiting Family and Friends Visa
    • France Cultural Visa
    • France Sports Visa
    • France Official Visit Visa
    • France Study (up to 90 days) Visa
    • France Medical Visa
  • France Transit Visa
  • France National (Long-stay) Visa
    • France Study (National) Visa
    • France Family Reunion Visa
    • France Entrepreneurship or Independent Profession Visa
    • France Job Search/Business Creation Visa
    • ICT Posted Employee and Professional Work Placement Visa
    • France Au Pair Visa

Documents Required for france eVisa Online / Visa on arrival / ETA / Invite letters

To obtain a France visa, you will need to provide several documents and meet specific requirements. The following are the general requirements for obtaining a France visa:

A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in France, with at least two blank pages.

Completed visa application form: You must fill out the visa application form correctly and completely.

Two recent passport-sized photos: You need to provide two identical color passport-sized photographs that meet the French visa requirements.

Proof of accommodation: You must provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host.

Proof of financial means: You must provide evidence of your financial means to support your stay in France, such as bank statements, a letter from your employer, or a tax return.

Travel insurance: You must provide proof of travel insurance with medical coverage, repatriation, and emergency medical assistance valid for the entire duration of your stay in France.

Purpose of travel: You need to provide proof of the purpose of your travel, such as an invitation letter, a business contract, or a student enrollment certificate.

Flight itinerary: You must provide proof of your round-trip flight reservation.

Visa fee: You must pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Please note that additional documents may be required based on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances.

Validity of France Visas

The validity of a France visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit. Short-stay visas, also known as Schengen visas, are typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Long-stay visas, on the other hand, are intended for stays of more than 90 days and can be valid for up to one year or more, depending on the purpose of the visit.

It is important to note that the validity of a visa does not necessarily determine the length of stay allowed in France or any other Schengen country. The duration of stay is typically determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry, who will consider various factors such as the purpose of the visit and the traveler's intentions.

Overview of the Online France Visa Application Form

The online France visa application form is a user-friendly, step-by-step process that allows applicants to apply for a France visa from the comfort of their own homes. The form requires applicants to fill in personal details, travel plans, and other relevant information. Applicants can upload their supporting documents, such as passport photos and travel insurance, directly to the application form.

Steps for Applying for a France Visa

To apply for a France visa, there are two options available: applying online or applying at an embassy or consulate.

Applying for a France Visa Online (France eVisa)

Here are the steps to apply for a France Visa online (France eVisa):

  • Visit the eVisa websites and select the type of visa you need to apply for.
  • Create an account and fill out the online application form, providing accurate and complete information about yourself and your trip to France.
  • Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as passport photos, travel insurance, and flight itinerary.
  • Pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
  • Book an appointment at a visa application center to submit your biometric data.
  • Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress online using your account details.
  • Wait for the visa application to be processed, which may take up to several weeks.
  • Once the visa is approved, it will be delivered to you by mail.

Applying for a France Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

To apply for a France visa at an embassy or consulate, follow these steps:

  • Visit the website of the French embassy or consulate in your country to find out the application requirements and schedule an appointment.
  • Download and fill out the visa application form accurately and completely, and prepare all required supporting documents.
  • Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
  • Attend the appointment at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date and time.
  • Provide your biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at the embassy or consulate.
  • Wait for the visa application to be processed, which may take up to several weeks depending on the type of visa.
  • Once the visa is approved, collect it in person from the embassy or consulate, or have it mailed to you if that option is available.

Processing Time for France Visa Applications

The processing time for France visa applications can vary depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant. France visa processing times are typically categorized into three options: normal, rush, and super rush.

Normal processing time:

  • The normal processing time for a France visa application can take up to 15 days.

Rush processing time:

  • Rush processing is an expedited service that is available for an additional fee.
  • The processing time for a rush visa application is typically between 2-3 days.

Super rush processing time:

  • This service is available for an additional fee, and the processing time is typically between 1-2 days.

How to Apply for an Urgent France Visa

If you need to apply for an urgent France visa, there are two options you can choose from to expedite the process: rush and super rush.

  • Rush processing:2-3 days.
  • Super rush processing:1-2 days.

The visa expediting service will charge an additional fee for their services and for the expedited processing of your visa application.

Expired France Visas: What to Do

If your France visa has expired, you cannot use it to enter the country again, and you need to apply for a new visa. The application process remains the same, including submitting all the required documents and paying the fee.

Depending on the type of visa, an interview or biometric data may be necessary. It is essential to allow enough time for processing, which can vary based on your country and visa type. Contacting the French embassy or consulate in your country can provide you with the latest information and help with the application process.

France Visa Policy Map

 
France

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
france visa policy map.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for France

If you are planning to visit France for a longer period of time, such as for work, study or long-term stay, you may need to apply for a visa through the French Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The visa requirements will vary depending on your purpose of travel and your nationality.

Cost of a France Visa

If you're planning to apply for a France visa, it's important to know that the fee can vary depending on a few factors. These include:

  • The type of visa you're applying for (tourist, student, work, etc.)
  • The processing time you choose (standard or expedited)
  • The country you're applying from (fees may be different for different countries)

To find out the specific fee for your visa application, you can use the fee calculator tool provided on the official France visa website. This tool will help you determine the fee based on your individual circumstances, so it's a good idea to check it yourself before proceeding with your application. Once you've determined the fee for your visa application, you can proceed to the next step of the application process. 

France e-Visas vs Sticker-Visas

France offers both e-Visas and sticker-visas for applicants, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

E-Visas:

  • An e-Visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained online, without the need to visit a French embassy or consulate.
  • The process is simpler and faster than applying for a sticker-visa, as it can be completed online.
  • E-Visas are usually cheaper than sticker-visas, as there are no additional processing fees.
  • E-Visas are typically issued for short-term stays of up to 90 days.

Sticker-Visas:

  • A sticker-visa is a physical visa that is placed in the applicant's passport by the French embassy or consulate.
  • Sticker-visas are typically required for long-term stays, such as for work or study purposes.
  • The processing time for sticker-visas may be longer than for e-Visas, and applicants must visit the embassy or consulate in person to submit their application and biometric data.
  • Sticker-visas may be more expensive than e-Visas due to additional processing fees.

France Work Visas: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to work in France, you will need a work visa to legally work in the country. Here are some important things to know about France work visas:

Types of Work Visas: There are several types of work visas available in France, including short-term visas, long-term visas, and temporary work visas.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a work visa, you must have a valid job offer from a French employer, possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the job, and meet the language requirements for the position.

Required Documents: The required documents for a work visa include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a job offer letter, proof of qualifications and language proficiency, and proof of financial means to support yourself while in France.

Application Process: The application process for a work visa involves submitting your application and supporting documents to the French embassy or consulate in your home country, attending an interview if required, and providing biometric data.

Processing Time: The processing time for a work visa can vary, depending on the type of visa and your individual circumstances. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Renewals and Extensions: Work visas may be renewable or extendable, depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. It is important to adhere to the visa conditions to avoid any issues with visa renewals or extensions.

Overall, obtaining a work visa for France can be a complex process, and it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure a smooth application process.

France Temporary Work Permit

Individuals coming to France under a French Schengen visa for paid activity need a temporary permit, except for those working under specific exemptions. For other short-stay professional visas, the employer needs to obtain a temporary work permit from the DIRECCTE, and the processing time is typically 10 to 15 days.

Engaging in paid activity without the necessary work permit can result in penalties and denial of entry. It is advisable to consult with the French Embassy or Consulate to determine the requirements and process for obtaining a temporary work permit.

Quick facts about France

France is a popular destination known for its rich cultural heritage, including 41 protected historical sites, 8,000 museums, and 500 festivals. The country values inclusivity and diversity, guided by the principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, and secularism.

France is also a hub of scientific events and innovation, recognizing the importance of education for development. It offers a welcoming integration process for foreigners who wish to make it their permanent home, with opportunities to assimilate into French society and take on associated rights and responsibilities.

FAQs about france eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies