NOTE: This guide was last updated on 28.11.2024. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-d ate information.

France Visa Information

France, with its long history of art and culture, is a popular destination for travelers who seek to make the best of their holidays. You can set off on a journey to this Western European paradise to enjoy a distinct atmosphere and try some delicious French food.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to France?

France is a member of the Schengen zone, in which states have jointly agreed their visa requirements towards third country nationals. Although each state may enforce specific regulations concerning travel documents it asks from foreign nationals, the requirements are generally similar for each Schengen country.

However, it should be noted that French territories are divided into French European Territory, French Overseas Departments/Regions and French Overseas Territories, the latter two of which are outside of the Schengen area and subject to different visa rules.

French overseas departments consist of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion whereas the overseas territories are as follows: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin Saint Pierre, Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna. European territory of France is the only part that belongs to the common Schengen zone.

You can find out whether you need an entry visa to travel to France using the page on the official government website.

Plan with Pegasus

You can secure your flight ticket with Pegasus Airlines now to enjoy the most affordable prices. Thanks to Pegasus’ extensive network of destinations, you can fly to four different cities within France: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice.

France is huge, and there is a lot to see. Therefore, having an itinerary beforehand might help you navigate better. Check our France travel guide for an overview of what France has to offer.

Did you book a flight to France ?

In France Consulate visa applications, showing a flight ticket to the country can help the application to be concluded positively. For this reason, you can also benefit from early booking advantages by booking a flight ticket to France in advance in accordance with your travel date.

You may also be interested in these articles:

France Travel Guide

Paris Travel Guide

Marseille Travel Guide

Lyon Travel Guide

France Visa Types

There are different France visa types issued for visitors who travel to France for different purposes. The short-stay, uniform Schengen visa allows visitors to travel to and stay in France for a maximum of 90 days, while a long-stay visa is issued to those who will stay in the country for longer than three months.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa is a type of short-stay visa that allows its holder to move freely within the Schengen area for a short period.

The Schengen area covers 29 European countries, namely the Schengen States, among which border controls are abolished. Therefore, passengers who wish to travel in the Schengen area either for business-related or touristic visits are obliged to obtain Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. If you would like to see the all Schengen countries, you can visit our Schengen page.

France Category C Visa – For Short Stay Visits

France Category C Visa, also known as a Uniform Schengen Visa, is a short-stay visa that allows travellers to stay in the country for a maximum of three months. This visa type is usually issued for tourism, business, and family visit purposes.

France Category D Visa – For Long Stay Visits

Also known as France National Visa, this visa allows visitors to stay in France for longer than 90 days. Those who wish to carry out professional activity, pursue education, or join family members for extended periods in France can apply for a Category D Visa. Although less commonly, this visa might be issued to tourists who wish and have an acceptable reason to stay in France for longer than a Category C Visa allows.

Required Documents to Apply for France Visa

France’s tourist visa requirements and application procedures are explained for specific categories below. In general, applicants must submit their applications comprising of the requested documents to the Diplomatic Mission or authorised visa application centres in due time. Please bear in mind that the necessary documents may differ depending on the term and purpose of your stay, hence the category of your visa.

France Visa Applications

Required documents for France visa applications are:

• Visa application form, duly dated, printed, and signed by the applicant,
• Passport or official travel document with a validity of at least three months beyond the expiry date of visa applied for,
• One recent passport photograph (frontal view, size 35 x 45 mm, white background),
• Photocopy of the first pages of passport and previous Schengen visas (if any),
• Photocopy of return ticket booking and any document related to the trip and its precise itinerary,
• Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund his/her travel.
• Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents through employer letter, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds
  • If the visitor is unemployed, doesn’t study at an educational institution and isn’t retiree they must demonstrate proof of financial resources. If the person cannot provide evidence for their financial sufficiency, they will need a sponsor.
• Confirmed hotel booking or any other proof of accommodation,
• Photocopy of medical insurance covering at least 30,000 € in medical expenses including repatriation, and valid for all Schengen states in cases of emergency.

Further documentation for visits with business purposes are:

• The original letter of invitation from the company you are visiting – it must be physical, e-mails aren’t accepted.

Further documentation for minors are:

• Parental authorization signed by both parents (to travel with or without parents),
• Photocopies of father and mother’s signed passports and residence cards have to be attached to the authorisation.

NOTE: The entirety of the above-mentioned information was gathered from official sources. However, as regulations can change, it is advised to confirm the information presented here with the official authorities.

How Does Visa Application Process Work?

Here is a step-by-step guide to France visa application:

1. Gather information regarding which visa type you will apply for and the documents you will need – you can use the Visa Wizard on the official website of the French government,
2. Fill out the visa application form,
3. If your country is eligible for online application, fill out the online application form,

1. If your country is ineligible for online application, check the appropriate procedure and the relevant authority on your country’s application page,
2. Make an appointment with the embassy or the visa application centre.
3. Submit your application,
4. Track your application to make sure that you’re informed of the whole process.

France Visa Requirements

In addition to above mentioned application documents, general requirements may differ depending on your nationality.

France Visa requirements for non-Europeans

The general requirements for non-Europeans, who aren’t from visa-exempt countries, wishing to enter the EU conform to above mentioned procedures.  In case of an invitation to support the documentation process, contact details of the host organisation or private host such as name, address, relation to the guest, purpose and length of visit shall be included in the application. However, a formal invitation does not secure positive result of the application.

You can check whether you need a French visa by using the official visa page.

France visa for EU countries

Citizens of EU countries can benefit from visa-free travel within the borders of the European Union.

France Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

Citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada can enter France, and the Schengen Area, without a visa for stays up to 90 days.

France Visa Fees

You can find below fixed fees for different types of French visas determined by authorities as of March 2020. The visa fees includes consultation, submission and processing of your application. However, please keep in mind that under specific conditions some applicants may be exempt from visa fees or benefit from reduced prices. The visa fee is non-refundable, thus in the case of rejection of your application reimbursements are not available.

NOTE: Visa fees are fixed at 35 euros for entry visas and short-stay visas under a facilitation agreement for national from the following countries:

• Albania
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Bosnia
• Georgia
• North Macedonia
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Ukraine

You can find the detailed informations and latest update by visiting the France visa fee prepared by Ministry for  Europe and Foreign Affairs.