Short-Stay Tourist / Visitor Visa (Schengen Type C)
Category: Tourism · Processing time: 15 calendar days (can take 45–60 days during peak season).
Recently verified
Apply through official authority
France-Visas / OFII
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-21.
Visa type
Tourism
Processing time
15 calendar days (can take 45–60 days during peak season).
Fees
VisaFeeAdult: EUR 90
Validity
Up to 90 days of stay within a 180-day period.
Stay duration
90 days maximum.
Entry type
Single, double, or multiple entry (discretionary).
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
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Overview
Grants authorization to travel within the 29 Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not applicable
- Financial requirement: Mandatory: Must demonstrate sufficient daily funds for the intended duration of stay.
- Accommodation proof: Yes (hotel booking, private accommodation certificate, or invitation letter).
- Return ticket: Yes (proof of round-trip travel).
Estimated Costs
- - VisaFeeAdult: EUR 90
- - VisaFeeChild6 12: EUR 45
- - ServiceFee: Up to EUR 45 (varies by country/provider)
Required Documents
- - Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond departure).
- - Completed and signed visa application form.
- - Two recent ICAO-standard ID photos.
- - Proof of travel purpose (itinerary, invitation, hotel).
- - Proof of financial resources (bank statements, payslips).
- - Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance (€30k coverage).
- - Proof of intention to return to country of residence.
Application Steps
- Verify visa requirement on the official [France-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/) portal.
- Complete the online application form and book an appointment with the consulate or service provider (e.g., VFS Global).
- Attend the appointment to submit the completed file, pay fees, and provide biometric data (fingerprints/photo).
- Track the status of your application via the service provider's portal.
- Collect your passport containing the visa decision.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: France-Visas / OFII →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
- - Applications must be filed via [France-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/). Most applicants will attend an appointment at an external service provider's center.
Browse foreign embassies in France (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
Track your Tourist / Visitor Visa preparation
Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.
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Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Tourist / Visitor Visa in France.
Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Access to the entire 29-country Schengen Area.
- - Simple and streamlined 15-day processing for standard cases.
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in France depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission aut
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In France, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in France for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for France, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter France, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border che
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for France through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa process
Scammers advertise fake apartments in France, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Tourist / Visitor Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete documentation or lack of proof of accommodation.
- - Inconsistent travel itinerary ('visa shopping').
- - Insufficient evidence of financial means to support the trip.
- - Insurance does not meet the €30,000 Schengen minimum requirement.
Application Tips
- - Apply early—at least 90 days before your trip, especially during peak travel months.
- - Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
- - Ensure your insurance certificate explicitly mentions 'repatriation' and the €30,000 coverage amount.
- - Use only the official [France-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/) site.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- France-Visas / OFII
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Tourism pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 15 calendar days (can take 45–60 days during peak season)., subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.