Is France included in Schengen visa, or can a Schengen visa holder enter France? Yes, holders of Schengen visas can definitely enter France because the country is a member state of the Schengen Area. France joined the Schengen Zone in 1997 after signing the Schengen Agreement. This agreement made it an official Schengen country, so therefore, it could issue the visa and also recognize Schengen visas issued by other Schengen states.
Travelers coming to France with plans to only stay for a few days or weeks may apply for a Schengen visa instead of a national visa for long term visits.
Schengen French Visa
A Schengen French Visa is a short stay visa issued to citizens of non-visa Exempt countries coming to France. The visa is mostly issued for tourism, business, medical care, or any other short term engagement that doesn't involve the visitor doing paid employment. Schengen visas are valid for 180 days, and visitors can stay for 90 days in one or more Schengen countries. For longer visits beyond 90 days, a national visa will be required.
Every year, France attracts millions of visitors to the country; in fact, the country is the most visited in Europe, with many of the visitors coming in doing so for tourism. France has several historical sites, palaces, monuments, and natural landscapes like hills, mountains, and dense jungles. There is so much to see in Paris and some of its other amazing cities like Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Auxerre, and more. The Schengen visa also grants access to Micro States like Andorra and Monaco.
With a Schengen visa, you can enjoy this great country's amazing sights and sounds.
Types Of France Schengen Visa
Transit Visa: A Transit visa allows you to land at an airport in France to switch flights en route to another country. This visa also allows you to leave the airport if you wish to stay for a few days before continuing your trip.
Business Visa: As the name suggests, this visa is for persons coming for business engagements. This visa should not be mistaken for a work visa only for non commercial activities that will not result in wages or salaries.
Visitor Visa: A visitor visa is for private visits to family and friends who may or may not be French citizens.
Short Study Visa: Persons coming for a short course that will not last beyond 90 days may opt for this visa.
Medical Visa: Patients coming to France for Medical care may apply for a medical visa only after providing evidence that they have been admitted into a health facility in France.
Tourism Visa: This is perhaps the most common Schengen visa issued by embassies to visitors.
Tourists coming to spend their holidays in the country need this visa.
Schengen Visa Processing Time
The time required to process this visa depends on the embassy. Some embassies take more time than others. The normal processing time is 15 days but only after the visa interview and the collection of your visa. So in total, you may need to wait 45 days to get your visa or even more. That is why applicants are advised to submit their applications as early as possible.
Visa Fee
The visa fee depends on the age of the applicant. Schengen visa fees are the same all over the world, but the applicant may need to pay it in their local currency. The visa fee is not refundable after it is paid, and without it, you can't submit your application. The visa fee is
€80 for 12 years and above
€50 for 6-11 year old children
Free application for children under 6 years
Note: How you pay the fee will be at the discretion of the embassy
Required Documents
All applicants must fill out an application form with their correct details and sign it to make it valid. They must also attach the following documents to it
Valid passport
Two recent photographs
Travel health insurance
Cover letter
Proof of funds
Round trip travel Itinerary and ticket reservation
Invitation letter, where applicable
Proof of accommodation
Civil status certificate, where applicable
Copies of previous letters, if any
These are the documents you will need to apply for your visa, but the embassy may request additional documents where applicable.
Where To Submit Your Application
The embassy in your country is the normal place to submit your application, but some embassies don't receive applications directly from people. Instead, they use the services of visa agencies like VFS and will schedule an interview with you at a later date after booking an appointment with them. Please find out the procedure in your country and follow it through. Is France included in Schengen visa issuance? The answer is yes.