Short-Stay Tourist / Visitor Visa (Schengen Type C)
Category: Tourism · Processing time: 15 calendar days (can take 45-60 days during peak season).
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Apply through official authority
France-Visas / OFII
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-10-03.
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
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
The Tourist / Visitor Visa for France allows travelers to visit not only France but also any of the 29 Schengen Area countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or
- 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 (minimum €30,000 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.
Get visa checklist updates
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 is determined by the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. It is important not to assume that a pending application, job offer, or school…
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In France, possessing a visa for entry does not automatically grant permission to work. Different categories of employment, such as paid jobs, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts, each have specific…
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
In France, tax residency is determined by several factors, including the duration of your stay, where you work, and whether you register as a resident. If you live in France for more than 183 days in a year, or if your…
Active scam alerts
In France, newcomers sometimes hit challenges when dealing with document requirements for visas, residency, or work permits. Unfortunately, some agents exploit this vulnerability by overcharging for essential services…
Scammers in France often impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents, claiming that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country or to expedite their border crossing. This scam can be…
In France, a concerning trend has emerged involving fraudsters who claim to offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages through unofficial channels. These scams often target students, parents, and…
Scammers frequently target newcomers in France by advertising fake rental properties. These scams often begin with attractive listings that feature low rental prices and appealing photos. Newcomers, including students,…
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Tourist / Visitor Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inaccurate application form or missing documents.
- - Insufficient financial resources to cover the duration of the stay.
- - Failure to adequately demonstrate the purpose of the visit or intention to return.
Application Tips
- - Ensure your passport has at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- - Book your visa appointment well in advance to allow time for processing.
- - Double-check all documents for completeness and accuracy before submission.
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.