France Visa Guide
From the romantic city of Paris to the seaside resorts of the Côte d'Azur, France conjures up images of a memorable vacation. France has some of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. Once you set foot in France, you will be delighted to see the plethora of attractions. Its sites are a delight, with fairy tale-like castles, impressive and intricately designed cathedrals, picture-perfect villages, and century-old monuments. Although France has its famous attractions like Eiffel tower and Louvre Museum, one of the most impressive places to see in France is none other than the stunning Palace of Versailles. The stunning images of the Versai is enough to excite travellers to book flights to France with IndiGo.
One of the best things about France is that it falls under the European Union, and a Schengen visa is the only type of visa needed to enter the country. In fact, there are different types of France visas for Indians, so let us read more about how to apply for a France visa and learn about their types below.
To begin your French visa application, you need to first know whether you require a visa. After that is clear, you need submit your application.
We have a comprehensive Schengen visa guide here which provides detailed information about the visa, how to apply, types of visa and more.
You can check your visa application on the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number. The France visa process is simple, and it has a user-friendly website to check the application status.
There are various types of France visas, each for different purposes like tourism, business, and transit.
If you are planning a vacation in France, you need to apply for a tourist visa. By choosing this visa, you are eligible to explore the cities and attractions.
A France visa for tourism is valid for no more than 90 days. This visa will be issued under a short-stay visa, which is valid for this Schengen country.
France visas can take up to ten working days to process. However, it can take up to a month if the information provided is not correct.
If you are planning to travel to France for business-related activities, then you will require a business visa. A business visa for France requires a local company or individual business to provide a copy of the invitation letter.
A France visa for business is valid for a maximum of 90 days. This visa will be issued under a short-stay visa, which is valid for this Schengen country.
France visas can take up to ten working days to process. However, it can take up to a month if the information provided is not correct.
To study in France, you need to apply for a student visa. This visa allows a student a short stay of a maximum of three months. However, it can be extended to a long-stay study visa at the embassy in your home country.
The student visa is valid for up to three months within a six-month period. After you receive the passport with the visa, double check the validity period and duration of stay.
The processing time for student visas may take up to 15 working days. However, based on the application and any corrections to be made, the processing time may be more or less than two months.
If you need to apply for a transit visa, while en route a non-Schengen country, here’s all the information you need.
There are three types of France airport transit visa (ATV):
The airport transit visa for France is valid for 24 hours.
The processing time for transit visas is around two weeks. But, for a specific transit visa or in extraordinary situations, it may take 30 to 60 days.
After how long do I get my French visa?
The France visa processing time may take up to 15 days. However, based on your application, the period may be extended up to 30 days or more.
For how long can I stay in France without a visa?
Only selected citizens do not need a visa to visit France. Only they can remain in France without a visa, but only for up to 90 days.
It is possible to extend my France Schengen visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend the France visa in exceptional cases. For ordinary passport holders, you can apply from the authorities of the France prefecture you are at for extending the period of stay. For diplomats, visa extension is done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How to book for France visa appointment?
To book a France visa appointment, you need to submit an application on the official website, print it, and submit it to the French consulate (or embassy).
What to do if my France visa is refused?
If your France visa is refused, you need to lodge an appeal with the concerned authorities within two months of being officially notified.
