France Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa)
The France Tourist Visa, officially known as the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C), allows foreign nationals to travel to France for leisure, sightseeing, or holiday purposes. It permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, not just France. This is the most commonly applied-for category among travellers heading to France for vacations, cultural trips, or to visit popular destinations such as Paris, Nice, or the French Alps. Since France follows the Schengen framework for short stays in its European territory, this visa is uniform in format with other Schengen states, though it must still be applied for at the French consulate or an authorised visa centre if France is the applicant’s main destination. The final decision on every France Visa application rests with the French Consulate, Embassy, or the France-Visas authorities, and approval is never guaranteed regardless of how complete the file is.
Eligibility
- You intend to visit France purely for tourism, sightseeing, or leisure.
- Your stay will not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
- You are not eligible for visa-free entry as a citizen of an exempt country.
- France is your sole destination, or your main destination by duration or purpose if travelling to multiple Schengen countries.
- You can demonstrate sufficient financial means, confirmed accommodation, and an intent to return to your home country after the trip.
Applicants must also hold a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
Government Visa Fees
| Category | Fee (EUR) |
| Adults (Schengen Short-Stay Visa) | €90 |
| Children aged 6–12 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
*INR figures are approximate, based on prevailing exchange rates, and may vary at the time of payment.
An additional service fee, not exceeding €45, may be charged by the external visa application centre processing submissions in India. This is separate from the government fee. All visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or refused.
France Visa Processing Time
Once biometrics and a complete application are submitted, the standard decision-making period is around 15 days. This can extend up to 45 days in cases requiring additional checks, such as further document verification or consultation with other authorities. Processing time depends on the applicant’s nationality, the season of travel, and how far in advance the application is submitted. Applications can be filed no earlier than six months before travel and should be submitted at least two weeks before the planned trip to allow sufficient processing time. Passports are either collected in person or, in some cases, returned by post, depending on the consulate or visa centre.
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 Tourist Visa requires careful travel planning, accurate documentation, 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, travel itineraries, hotel bookings, travel insurance, financial documents, 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 holiday planning and visa application journey. 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 Tourist Visa application with confidence.