Expert Visa Assistance for Every Destination
France
1. Visa Type: Tourist Visa – Schengen Type C
Purpose: Leisure travel, sightseeing, or vacation in France and/or other Schengen countries
Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Validity: Single-entry or multiple-entry depending on travel history and documents
Main Destination Rule: Apply to the country where you will spend the maximum number of days or first port of entry if equal duration in multiple countries
2. Step-by-Step Application Procedure
1. Create France-Visas Account: Go to https://france-visas.gouv.fr and create an account
2. Fill Application Form Online: Choose “Short stay” → “Tourism” → Fill and download PDF
3. Book Appointment via VFS Global: Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra and schedule your biometric + document submission
4. Submit Documents at VFS: Visit VFS center with printed form and required documents
5. Track Application: Use your reference number here: VFS Tracking Tool
6. Collect Passport / Opt for Courier: Once processed, collect from VFS or get it couriered
3. Documents Required (Tourist Visa – Mandatory)
✅ Passport: Valid for 3+ months after return date, at least 2 blank pages, not older than 10 years
✅ Visa Application Form: Filled and signed (generated via France-Visas portal)
✅ Photographs: Two passport-size photos (35x45 mm, white background, recent)
✅ Cover Letter: Purpose of visit, dates, itinerary, and explanation of travel
✅ Flight Reservations: Round-trip flight bookings (no need to purchase tickets)
✅ Hotel Bookings: Entire stay covered with confirmed hotel reservations
✅ Travel Insurance: Coverage of €30,000 minimum for Schengen area (medical + repatriation)
✅ Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements (past 3–6 months), ITR, salary slips
✅ Proof of Employment / Ties to India: Employment letter/NOC or self-employed docs, property ownership, family ties
✅ Aadhaar / PAN (Optional): Identity documentation for cross-reference
4. Visa Fee
€80 (~₹7,200) for adults
€40 (~₹3,600) for children 6–12 years
Free for children below 6
VFS service charge: ₹1,679 approx. (payable online at time of appointment booking)
5. Processing Time
Normal Processing: 7–15 working days from biometric submission
Peak Season (Apr–Aug): May take up to 20–30 working days
Earliest You Can Apply: 6 months before travel
Latest You Should Apply: 15 working days before departure
6. Application Forms & Official Links
🌐 France-Visas Portal: https://france-visas.gouv.fr
📝 Application Form Generator: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/application-form
📅 VFS Appointment & Submission: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra
7. Embassy & Consulate Contact (India)
New Delhi (Embassy): 2/50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, Delhi 110021 ,📞 +91 11 4319 6100,✉️ visas.new-delhi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Mumbai (Consulate): NM Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021,📞 +91 22 66 99 40 00
Bangalore (Consulate): 21, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore 560052
Chennai / Kolkata: Also have French consular services through alliances or honorary consuls
8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances
✅ Show strong ties to India – employment, property, family
✅ Ensure all bookings are real (use reputable sources like Booking.com or Expedia)
✅ Use valid travel insurance (like Tata AIG, Religare, or AXA Schengen)
✅ Maintain sufficient funds (minimum ₹1.5–2 lakh per traveler suggested)
✅ Don’t leave any section blank in forms; always sign and date
✅ Attach a clear cover letter explaining: Purpose of travel, Duration, Cities to be visited, Who is funding the trip
Tourist Visa
1. Visa Type: Business Visa – Schengen Type C
Purpose: Attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, training sessions, or other business-related activities
Validity: Up to 90 days within 180 days (single or multiple entries)
Main Destination Rule: Apply to France if it is the main country of stay or the first entry point
2. Step-by-Step Application Procedure
1. Visit France-Visas Portal: Go to https://france-visas.gouv.fr
2. Fill Application Form: Select visa type: “Short stay” → “Business”, fill form, and download PDF
3. Book Appointment at VFS Global: Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra and schedule a biometric appointment
4. Submit Documents at VFS: Attend the appointment with documents and biometrics
5. Track Application: Use the tracking link provided by VFS
6. Collect Passport: Either in person or through courier (if opted)
3. Documents Required (Business Visa – Mandatory)
✅ Passport: Valid for 3+ months after return date, minimum 2 blank pages
✅ Completed Visa Form: Filled and signed from France-Visas portal
✅ Photographs: Two 35x45 mm passport photos (white background)
✅ Cover Letter (from Applicant): Business purpose, itinerary, dates of travel, and company info
✅ Invitation Letter (from France): From the inviting company: details of business relationship, meeting agenda, and duration of stay
✅ Proof of Employment in India: NOC or letter from current employer on company letterhead
✅ Flight Bookings: Round-trip reservation (do not purchase until visa is approved)
✅ Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking or proof of accommodation from host
✅ Travel Insurance: Schengen-compliant with €30,000 minimum coverage
✅ Financial Proof: Bank statements (last 3–6 months), salary slips, ITRs
✅ Business Registration: Company registration documents (for self-employed)
4. Visa Fee
Visa Fee: €80 (approx. ₹7,200)
VFS Service Charge: ₹1,679 approx.
Optional Services: Courier return, SMS updates, lounge access, etc.
5. Processing Time
Standard Processing: 7–15 working days
Busy Periods: May take longer (apply 3–4 weeks in advance)
Application Window: You can apply up to 6 months in advance of travel
6. Application Forms & Official Links
🌐 France-Visas Portal: https://france-visas.gouv.fr
📝 Application Form Generator: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/application-form
📅 VFS Appointment & Submission: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra
7. Embassy & Consulate Contact (India)
New Delhi (Embassy): 2/50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, Delhi 110021 ,📞 +91 11 4319 6100,✉️ visas.new-delhi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Mumbai (Consulate): NM Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021,📞 +91 22 66 99 40 00
Bangalore (Consulate): 21, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore 560052
Chennai / Kolkata: Also have French consular services through alliances or honorary consuls
8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances
✅ Ensure invitation letter is specific: dates, meeting agenda, company address, contact person
✅ Use official company letterhead for all letters
✅ Show proof of business ties between your company and the French entity (emails, MOU, invoices, past transactions)
✅ Clearly state your position and responsibilities
✅ Have travel history, if available (Schengen, UK, US, etc.)
✅ Apply at least 3 weeks before travel
Business Visa
1. Visa Type: Student Visa – Long-Stay (VLS-TS – “étudiant”)
Purpose: Pursuing higher education in France (degree, diploma, exchange program, language course)
Validity: Usually issued for the duration of the course (up to 1 year initially; renewable in France)
Work Rights: Up to 964 hours/year (~20 hours/week) during studies
Campus France Process: Mandatory for most Indian students before visa application
2. Step-by-Step Application Procedure
1. Campus France Registration: Create an account on https://www.inde.campusfrance.org and submit your academic documents and admission letter
2. Attend Academic Interview: Schedule and attend an interview at your nearest Campus France office; obtain NOC after approval
3. Visit France-Visas Portal: Go to https://france-visas.gouv.fr
4. Fill Application Form: Select visa type: “Long stay” → “Student”, fill online form, download PDF, and sign
5. Book Appointment at VFS Global: Go to https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra and schedule biometric appointment
6. Submit Documents at VFS: Attend with required documents, Campus France NOC, and biometrics
7. Track Application: Use VFS tracking link provided after submission
8. Collect Passport: Pick up in person or receive via courier (if opted)
8. Validate Visa After Arrival: Within 3 months of arrival in France, validate online at https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
3. Documents Required (Student Visa – Mandatory)
✅ Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond course end date; minimum 2 blank pages
✅ Completed Visa Form: From France-Visas portal, signed
✅ Photographs: Two 35×45 mm passport photos (white background)
✅ Admission Letter:Official acceptance from a French institution (mentioning course, duration, and start date)
✅ Campus France NOC: Proof of completion of Campus France procedure
✅ Proof of Funds: Minimum €615/month for the study period (bank statements, scholarship proof, or sponsor affidavit)
✅ Accommodation Proof: University housing confirmation, rental contract, or host attestation
✅ Travel Insurance: Schengen-compliant, covering entire first year or until renewal (€30,000 min.)
✅ Academic Records: Transcripts, degrees, certificates from previous studies
✅ Statement of Purpose: Explaining study plan and career goals
✅ Flight Booking: One-way or return reservation (recommended only after visa approval)
✅ ID Proof & Copies: Aadhaar/PAN card, photocopies of all documents
4. Visa Fee
Visa Fee: €99 (approx. ₹8,900)
VFS Service Charge: ₹1,679 approx.
Campus France Fee: ₹18,000 (payable during academic process)
Optional Services: Courier return, SMS updates, lounge, photocopies, etc.
5. Processing Time
Campus France Process: 2–3 weeks (including interview)
Visa Processing (Consulate): 15–30 working days
Application Window: Up to 3 months before course start date
6. Application Forms & Official Links
🌐 Campus France India: https://www.inde.campusfrance.org
🌐 France-Visas Portal: https://france-visas.gouv.fr
📅 VFS Appointment & Submission: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra
🖥 Visa Validation in France: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
7. Embassy & Consulate Contact (India)
New Delhi (Embassy): 2/50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, Delhi 110021 ,📞 +91 11 4319 6100,✉️ visas.new-delhi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Mumbai (Consulate): NM Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021,📞 +91 22 66 99 40 00
Bangalore (Consulate): 21, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore 560052
Chennai / Kolkata: Also have French consular services through alliances or honorary consuls
8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances
✅ Apply as soon as you receive your admission letter (3 months before course start)
✅ Keep proof of clear study plan and career objectives in SOP
✅ Ensure financial documents are consistent and show stability
✅ Use official university housing letters or legally valid rental agreements
✅ Be prepared for a Campus France interview—know your course content, career goals, and reason for choosing France
✅ If sponsored, include affidavit of support and relationship proof