France visa for indians (visitor visa, tourist visa, processing time, requirements)
France issues visas to foreign nationals from different countries, including the France visa for Indians. Are you an Indian national with plans to visit France anytime soon? You can do so, but only after obtaining a visa. This page contains information about the different visas, application requirements, and the processing time for French visas. Keep reading to learn more about the basic requirements.
French Visas
France has been on the list of Shenghen nations since 1997 after signing the Shenghen agreement that year. Today, it operates a similar immigration policy to other Shenghen nations and welcomes millions of foreign visitors annually. There are millions of foreigners who have also made France their permanent home, including Indian nationals. If you want to visit mainland France or CTOM or DROM, you need a visa because India is not on the visa-exempt list.
Types of France Visas for Indians
There are different types of French visas you can apply for depending on the purpose of your visit to the country, and they have different validities. Typical French Shengen visas allow the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days, after which they must leave, and they expire within 6 months, but other visas last longer. Here are the different types of entry visas for Indians.
Transit Visa: Transit visas are for Indians whose original destination is not France but another country. This visa allows the traveler to make a brief stop in France before continuing their journey. Transit visas last for only a few days.
Tourist Visa: This visa is simply for tourism purposes. Those who wish to visit historical sites, landmarks, and fun spots in the country can apply for this visa. Tourist visas are valid for 180 days and allow holders to stay for 90 days or less. Besides tourism, business perons coming for meetings or conferences may apply for it.
Visitor Visa: The visitor visa is for short-term visitors coming to see family and friends in France. Just like the tourist visa, it is valid for 6 months and allows the visitor to stay for up to 90 days. The person they are visiting may be a French citizen or a Foreigner who is a permanent resident
Study Visa: There is a thriving International student population from India who schools in France. If you gain admission into any French college or institution, you need to apply for a study visa to enter the country.
Work Visa: Work visas are for Indians coming to take up employment opportunities in the country. The applicant must attach their employment letter to their application form, and the employer must be a recognized entity operating in the country.
How To Apply For French Visa
You can apply for a French Visa by going through the following routes.
Embassy Application
The conventional method is to apply to the French consulate in New Delhi. This route is suitable for long-term visas like work and study visas. Applicants must submit their application form, including copies of all required documents, at the consulate. They will also be invited for an interview where they will be asked key questions, and original documents will be reviewed.
Successful applicants will be invited later to collect their visas in person. This route is recommended for long-term visas.
Online Application
Inline applications are solely for short-term tourist visas. You don’t need to visit the French embassy if you wish to travel and stay in France for under 90 days. Online applications are quite popular among Indian tourists and visitors. How do you apply for a visa online? Simply follow these steps.
Log onto VisaHQ with your smartphone or computer
Select India as your Citizenship
Select France as your destination
Choose your preferred visa type
Fill out the application form with your details
Scan and upload all relevant documents
Pay the visa application fee
Submit the application form
Successful Indian applicants will receive the visa at the email address they provided in their forms.
What Is The Visa Processing Time?
The visa processing time depends on the type of visa you apply for. Visas typically take between 5-20 working days after applications are submitted
For online visas, you may get yours within 5-7 working days, but long-term visas take more time because of the numerous processes like the interview and verification stages required.
France For Indians Requirements
Indian applicants must submit the following documents.
Application Form: A duly completed application form filled with accurate details
Passport: A valid Indian passport with at least 3 months validity from the day of departure and not older than 10 years. The passport must also contain 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
Photos: 2 recent passport photographs in colored form and on a white background.
Older visas: If you have an old visa, you must submit photocopies.
Travel Medical Insurance: Travel insurance certificate with a minimum of €30,000 to cover potential medical costs during your stay.
Visa fee receipt: a visa application fee receipt. The visa fee can be paid with a credit or debit card
Proof of Accomodation: Hotel reservation
Proof of funds: Bank statement of account showing minimum amount balance.
The online France visa for Indian form is available on VisaHQ. Visit the platform to apply now.