France Visitor Visa
The France Visitor Visa, also known as the Family & Friends Visit Visa, is a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) issued to individuals travelling to France to visit relatives or friends residing there. It permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Unlike the Tourist Visa, this category typically requires a formal proof of accommodation document (“attestation d’accueil”) issued by the host, obtained from their local town hall in France. This helps consular authorities verify the nature of the visit and the host’s ability to accommodate the visitor. Applicants under this category should ensure that the personal or family purpose of the trip is clearly reflected in their supporting documents, as the stated purpose of travel determines the specific paperwork required. As with all France Visa categories, final approval rests solely with the French Consulate, Embassy, or France-Visas authorities.
Eligibility
- You intend to stay with a relative or friend residing in France during your visit.
- Your host can obtain a proof of accommodation document from their local town hall.
- Your stay will not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
- You can demonstrate sufficient financial means for your stay, either independently or through your host’s support.
- You intend to return to your home country once the visit concludes.
If you are visiting for both family reasons and tourism, the family/friends purpose should generally take precedence when preparing your supporting documents, since it determines the specific paperwork requested.
Government Visa Fees
| Category | Fee (EUR) |
| Adults (Schengen Short-Stay Visa) | €90 |
| Children aged 6–12 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Foreign spouse of a French national | Free |
*INR figures are approximate, based on prevailing exchange rates, and may vary at the time of payment.
An additional service fee (up to €45) may apply if the application is processed through an external visa application centre. All government fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused or the application withdrawn.
France Visa Processing Time
Once a complete application and biometrics have been submitted, the standard decision-making period is around 15 days. This can extend up to 45 days in cases requiring further checks, such as verifying the host’s accommodation document or family relationship. Processing time can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the volume of applications, and the time of year. Applicants are advised to begin the process as early as possible — applications can be submitted up to six months before travel and should be filed at least two weeks in advance.
Required Documents Checklist
No physical documents are uploaded; the SGAC is a declaration form completed directly online or in the MyICA app.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a France Visitor Visa requires accurate documentation, a genuine purpose of visit, and compliance with French immigration and Schengen visa requirements. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visa application forms, invitation documents (where applicable), financial evidence, travel insurance, accommodation details, and all required supporting documentation. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documents meet the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your France Visitor Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the French immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Visitor Visa application with confidence.