France Schengen Visa: Conditions and Application Steps

Learn all the details about the France Schengen visa, starting from the requirements for applying to the steps for submitting the application correctly. Discover the documents required to obtain a France Schengen visa and how to facilitate the visa procedures to enter France and the Schengen area. A comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to travel to France via the France Schengen visa.

France visa acceptance rate

The acceptance rate for a French visa varies depending on the type of visa and the country from which the application is submitted. For example, the acceptance rate for visa applications for Moroccan citizens has reached about 90%. If all requirements are met and the necessary documents are submitted correctly, the chances of obtaining a visa are high.

France Schengen Visa 5 Years

The 5-year France Schengen visa is an excellent option for travelers who plan to visit France frequently or for extended periods. This visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times during its five-year validity period, saving a lot of time and effort compared to repeatedly applying for short-term visas. To obtain this visa, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the visa expiration date, and all visa requirements must be met.

Read also: France work visa - all the details!

Book an appointment for a French visa

To book an appointment for a France visa, you can visit the official website for travel visas to France, France-Visas. On this website, you can start your application, track its status, and schedule an appointment to submit the required documents. If you prefer to use the services of visa application centers, you can visit the VFS Global2 website, where you can book an appointment and submit your application through them.

Book an appointment for France visa 2024

To book an appointment for a France visa for 2024, you can visit the official website for travel visas to France, France-Visas. On this website, you can start your application, track its status, and schedule an appointment to submit the required documents. If you prefer to use the services of visa application centers, you can visit the VFS Global2 website, where you can book an appointment and submit your application through them.

France family visit visa

A family visit visa to France is granted to individuals wishing to visit their family members residing in France for a short period. This visa usually falls under the Schengen visa category, which allows its holder to enter France and other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To obtain this visa, an invitation must be submitted by the person residing in France, in addition to submitting the necessary documents such as proof of family ties, travel health insurance, and proof of financial ability to cover the costs of the trip. This type of visa aims to facilitate family reunification and provide an opportunity for relatives to spend time together.

Read also: Tourism in France

What documents are required to obtain a French visa?

To obtain a French visa, you will need to submit a set of documents, the most important of which are:

It must be valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of the requested visa, and contain at least two blank pages with the following:

• The visa application form must be completed and signed.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs, with a white background.
• Travel health insurance covering the period of stay in the Schengen area.
• Hotel reservation or invitation from a host in France.
• Bank statement for the last 3 months or proof of income.
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and travel plan.
• A visa fee must be paid, which varies depending on the type of visa required.

Read also: The 10 best restaurants and cafes in France for the year 2024

What are the steps to apply for a visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa for France, you can follow these steps:

• Choose the type of visa that suits your travel purpose (tourism, business, study, etc.).
• Make sure to collect all required documents such as passport, personal photos, health insurance, proof of residence, and proof of financial resources.
• Fill out the visa application form online or on paper, according to the instructions available on the website of the French embassy or consulate.
• Book an appointment to submit your application at the French Embassy, Consulate or authorized visa center.
• Pay the required visa fee, which is (about 320 riyals).
• Submit your application and all required documents by the deadline. You may be asked to provide fingerprints and a personal photo.
• Wait for the embassy or consulate to decide on your application, this may take a few weeks.
• If your application is approved, you can collect your passport with visa.

Time required to process a France visa application

The processing time for a French visa application depends on several factors, including the type of visa and where the application is submitted. The processing time for a short-term Schengen visa application usually takes about 10 to 15 days from the date of submission of the application. However, this time may vary depending on the volume of applications submitted at the consulate or embassy at a given time.

France Schengen Visa

France, a charming and romantic country located in the heart of Europe, is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. It is distinguished by its unique culture and ancient history, which makes it an irresistible destination for travelers. Paris , the country's capital, is a gateway to a world of French beauty, as it is full of famous tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre Museum , and Notre Dame Cathedral .

France is one of the European Union countries that requires - according to the passport - the application for a Schengen visa to enter its territory.

Do you need a France visa?

If you are planning to visit France for tourism or business purposes, an important question may arise: Do you need a visa to enter France?

The news is good news for many travelers, as the countries whose citizens are not required to obtain a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen area member state include:

1. Albania
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Argentina
4. Australia
5. Bahamas
6. Barbados
7. bosnia and herzegovina
8. Brazil
9. Brunei
10. Canada
11. Chile
12. Colombia
13. Costa Rica
14. Dominica
15. El Salvador
16. Georgia
17. Grenada
18. Guatemala
19. Honduras
20. Hong Kong SAR*
21. Japan
22. Kiribati
23. Macau Saudi Riyal *
24. Malaysia
25. Marshall Islands
26. Mauritius
27. Mexico
28. Micronesia
29. Moldova
30. Montenegro
31. Nauru
32. New Zealand
33. Nicaragua
34. North Macedonia
35. Palau
36. Panama
37. Paraguay
38. Peru
39. Saint Kitts and Nevis
40. Saint Lucia
41. Saint Vincent
42. Samoa
43. Serbia
44. Seychelles
45. Singapore
46. Solomon Islands
47. South Korea
48. Taiwan **
49. Timor Leste
50. Tonga
51. Trinidad and Tobago
52. Tuvalu
53. Ukraine
54. United Arab Emirates
55. UK
56. USA
57. Uruguay
58. Venezuela

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Visas " permit "   Single Schengen Visa (USV)

Uniform Schengen Permit means an authorization issued by a Schengen Area Member State to travel or reside in the desired area for a specified period of up to 90 days in each six-month period, starting from the date of entry.

Holders of the Single Schengen Permit can travel to the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Single Schengen Permit applies to categories A and C, depending on the purpose of travel.

Category “A” means an Airport Transit Permit which allows its holder to travel through the international area of an airport of a Schengen State without entering the Schengen Area. The Airport Transit Permit is mandatory for citizens arriving from non-Schengen countries and travelling to non-Schengen countries by changing flights at an airport of a Schengen State.

Category “C” means a short-term permit that allows the holder to stay in the Schengen area for a specified period depending on the validity of the permit.

This specific category can be obtained, depending on the purpose of travel of the permit holder, in the form:

1. Single entry permit
2. double entry permit
3. Multiple Entry Permit

Please visit the official website to check whether you need a permit to enter France or not.

France Schengen Visa: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting a Visa:

Schengen visa is the first step to travel to France. Here are important details and steps to get the visa:

Types of Schengen visas:

When you fill out a Schengen visa application, you must specify the purpose of your application to enter the Schengen area.

1. Airport Transit Visa:

If you need to travel through the international area of a Schengen airport without entering any of the Schengen countries, you must obtain this type of visa. This type applies to a narrow list of countries, and citizens of those countries must be holders of this visa.

2. Transit visa:

A transit visa is similar to an airport transit visa, but applies to foreign seafarers who need to make a short stopover at ports of Schengen countries. Please check this when filling out your application form.

3. Tourist visa:

If you are planning to visit any of the Schengen countries to enjoy the sights, experience the culture, cuisine, architecture and more, you must specify this purpose when filling out the application form.

4. Visiting family or friends:

If you have relatives or friends who are legally resident in the Schengen area and you want to visit them, you can apply for this visa. There are some special requirements for this type of visa, including a letter of invitation.

5. Business:

Many people travel to and from Schengen countries for business purposes. If you plan to travel for this purpose, you must specify this in your application.

6. Press and Media:

This visa is required for journalists and correspondents visiting the Schengen area for journalistic purposes.

7. Official visit:

If you are travelling officially with a large delegation and have specific official travel dates, you can apply for this type of visa.

8. Medical reasons:

This visa allows patients to receive medical care in clinics or hospitals in the Schengen area for up to three months within a period of 180 days.

9. Education:

Students who wish to enrol in educational institutions in the Schengen Area, such as universities and language institutes, can apply for a student visa. Students who need to pass an entrance exam for these institutions must also specify the purpose of the visa.

10. Cultural, sports and cinematic works:

This visa is for people who are taking part in cultural, sporting or cinematic events in the Schengen area. The applicant must be part of the event, such as a musical performance or a book presentation at a book fair.

Tourist visa to France:

The Schengen Tourist Visa allows third-country foreign nationals the opportunity to explore France for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. It is a great opportunity to travel and visit!

To obtain a tourist visa to France, you need to submit some necessary documents. All documents attached to the application must be translated either into French or one of the languages of other European countries (such as Italian or Portuguese), or into English.

Prepare for your tourist trip to France and make sure to prepare the required documents correctly according to the official requirements. Enjoy the wonderful sights, unique French culture and delicious cuisine. Your experience will be unforgettable!

Read also: Top 10 Shopping Places in France for 2024

France Visa Requirements - Bring Everything You Need!

If you are planning to obtain any type of Schengen visa to visit France, you must provide the following basic documents:

1. Visa application form: Fill it in with the correct information and make sure to sign it.
   
   
2. Two recent photos: Take two photos that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements, and they must have been taken within the last three months.
   
   
3. Passport: Must be valid, not older than ten years, and must be valid for at least three months after the end date of your planned stay in the Schengen area. Must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker to be attached.
   
   
4. Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary: Provide a document containing the dates and flight numbers specifying the times of entry and exit from the Schengen area.
   
   
5. Travel health insurance: You need a document confirming that you have emergency medical insurance of a minimum of 30,000 euros for the period of your stay.
   
   
6. Proof of accommodation: Provide proof of accommodation for the entire period of your stay in the Schengen area, such as a hotel reservation or rental agreement.
   
   
7. Proof of financial means: Provide proof of financial means to support you throughout your stay in Schengen, such as a bank statement or a letter of guarantee.
   
   
8. Description of your trip to Europe: Provide a description of your planned trip to Europe, including the purpose of travel, the places you intend to visit, the time frame of the trip, as well as all required personal data.

Document requirements for different purposes:

If you work for an employer:

1. Employment Contract: Provide a copy of your employment contract.
   
   
2. Permission from your employer: Obtain written permission from your employer confirming your ability to apply for the visa.
   
   
3. Proof of Tax Returns: Provide documentation proving that your income taxes have been paid.

If you are self-employed:

1. Copy of Business License: Provide a copy of your business license.
   
   
2. Company Bank Statement: Provide a bank statement reflecting the company's activity for the last 6 months.
   
   
3. Income Tax Return (ITR): Submit your income tax return as proof of your personal income.

If you are a student:

1. Proof of Enrollment: Submit a document proving your acceptance into the university or educational institution.
   
   
2. No Objection Letter: Obtain an official letter stating that the university has no objection to you traveling and studying.

If you are a minor:

1. Document proving identity and age: Submit one of the following documents - Birth certificate / Proof of adoption / Custody decree in case the parents are divorced / Death certificate of the parent.
   
   
2. Letter of consent from parents: Obtain a written letter of consent from the parents, and you may need copies of the passports of both parents or legal guardian.

Where to apply for a Schengen tourist visa to France?

The place to apply for a Schengen tourist visa to France is at the embassy, consulate or visa center of your main destination in France.

Application steps:

1. Provide general information: General information must be provided on the pages related to your country to determine where and how to apply for a visa.
   
   
2. Create a personal account: Create a personal account to submit your visa application.
   
   
3. Fill out the form: Fill out the form, then download, print and sign it.
   
   
4. Specify the number of entries into the Schengen area: Specify the number of planned entries into the Schengen area.
   
   
5. Complete the required documents: Prepare and complete the required documents.
   
   
6. Make an appointment to apply: Book an appointment to submit your Schengen visa application.
   
   
7. Pay the Schengen visa fee: Pay the required fee to obtain a Schengen visa.
   
   
8. Submitting the application: Submit your application for a Schengen visa in time, no less than 15 days and no more than 6 months before your travel date.

Applications must be submitted in person to the relevant centre. When submitting your visa application, you may be asked to take biometric data such as fingerprints. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from having their fingerprints taken, but they may be asked to take a facial photograph if they are 5 years of age or older.

Can I extend my Schengen tourist visa to France?

A Schengen tourist visa to France cannot normally be extended. However, there are some exceptional cases in which a visa extension can be requested, including:

1. Late Entry: If there is an unexpected delay that affects your scheduled departure date, you can contact the relevant authorities to request an extension of your visa.
   
   
2. Humanitarian reasons: In cases of compelling and necessary circumstances such as acute illness or accidents, a visa extension application may be considered.
   
   
3. Force Majeure: In cases of force majeure beyond your control, such as natural disasters or political events, your visa extension application may be considered.
   
   
4. Important personal reasons: In cases where there are important and necessary personal reasons that require extending your stay in France, such as necessary medical treatment or urgent family issues, an extension request may be considered.

However, you should contact the relevant French embassy or consulate in your country for more information on the extension procedures and the required conditions.

The appropriate date for application

The best time to apply for a visa is at least 15 days before the planned travel date, but the application should not exceed 6 months before the travel date.

How long does it take to get a France visa?

The duration of obtaining a French visa varies according to the case, and usually the processing of a Schengen visa takes about 15 days. However, it may take up to 60 days in some special cases.

Multiple entry and 5 year visa

A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows its holder to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times. However, it should be noted that one should not stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, as this may lead to the rejection of the visa application in the future.

France visa fees

1. 12 years and over: 80 euros
   
2. Children from 6 to 12 years old 40 euros
   
   
3. Children under 6 years old: Free
   
   
4. VFS service fee is 36.04 Euro per visa applicant.

Biometric data:

To obtain an entry visa to France, all applicants over the age of 12 are required to complete a biometric application procedure.

The person must appear in person to submit their first application, where the following biometric information will be collected: a personal photo taken or received during the application, and ten fingerprints taken and stored.

However, if you have previously obtained a biometric Schengen visa within the last 59 months, it is possible to restore your previous biometric data. This means that you will not have to submit your biometric data again.

Please note that these procedures apply to biometric visas for France, and requirements may differ for visas for other countries. It is advisable to contact your local French embassy or consulate for accurate information and updates on visa requirements.

Follow up on your French visa application

To track your France visa application, you can rely on the visa center where you submitted your visa application. You will find more details and options to track your application on the “ Track your application ” page. A notification will be sent to you asking you to come to collect your passport at the center where you submitted your application.

There may also be an option to have your passport sent by mail in some countries.

We advise you to check the “Track Your Application” page for detailed information on the process of tracking your application. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, it is advisable to contact your Visa Centre directly for assistance.

Tourism in France is characterized by many activities and places that can be visited. Click here to explore the best activities and tourist places in France .