VisaFrance

Required Documents
For France Visa

1-Collect relevant information on your situation.

  • Obtain information to determine whether or not you need a visa.
  • Identify the authorized entity that can receive your visa application.

This link provides not only essential general information but also location-specific that you can access the most up-to-date information for your visa application.

2-Fill out the visa application form

In order to apply for a visa, you need to provide the following minimum requirements: 

  • A travel document that is in good condition and has at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least three months after your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. 
  • If you plan to stay longer, the document must be valid for at least three months beyond the expiration date of the requested visa, unless there is a proven emergency, in which case this requirement can be waived. 
  • Additionally, you need to submit two recent ID pictures in PDF format according to ISO/IECI standards.
  • Provide supporting documents (originals and copies) based on your specific situation and plans.
  • All documents in languages other than French or English must be translated into French.
  • Payment for your application fees is required at the time of filing.
  • If your country is eligible, you are required to complete the online application form, which includes step-by-step instructions provided on the screen.

Prior to submitting and printing your application, you will be prompted to set up a personal account with your email address to save any incomplete or complete forms. Following this step, you will receive a list of necessary supporting documents and be given the option to schedule your appointment.

  • If your country is not eligible, please refer to the relevant procedure outlined on the application page for your country of application From here.

3-Arrange an appointment

To have your visa application reviewed, it is important to schedule an appointment at the visa application center with ample time before your planned departure date. 

  • You should check the estimated wait times for appointments to ensure that you can submit your application within the appropriate time frame. 
  • For long stay visas, you should submit your application between three months to two weeks prior to your departure date, and for short stay visas, between 6 months to 2 weeks before your departure date. 
  • It is worth noting that consular services often use external service providers to receive visa applications and documents, but they remain fully responsible for reviewing applications and making visa issuance decisions. 
  • You can find all the necessary information to schedule an appointment on the country of application page.

4 -Submit your application

 

  • It is essential to bring all necessary documents and their copies, including the passport and ID pages, to your scheduled appointment. 
  • Upon arrival, the service provider or consulate will review your application, collect the visa fee, capture your biometric data, and retain your passport and copies of all supporting documents for submission to the consulate. 
  • The visa application submission process typically takes around 20 minutes at the visa center.

    1-Biometrics

    • France issues only biometric visas, and applicants who are 12 years or older must submit their visa applications in person.
    • Providing biometric data consisting of a scanned or photographed image and ten individual fingerprints. 
    • However, if you possess a biometric Schengen visa that was issued within the past 59 months and contains the mention ‘VIS’ or was issued after March 2016, your previous biometric data may be reused.

     2-Fees

    • The visa application fees consist of the administrative expenses associated with processing your application, and this amount is retained by the administration even if the visa is denied. For further information, please consult the table of application fees categorized by visa type available in PDF format.

       

    • If application fees are received by an external service provider, this provider is responsible for collecting the appropriate fees. The service charge differs by country, but may not exceed €40 per visa application. External service providers are also authorized by the administration to offer additional services at cost.

    It is possible that you will not be required to attend your visa appointment in person if:

    • If you have previously held Schengen visas and have used them lawfully. 
    • If you frequently travel for the same purpose, you may be exempted from attending your visa appointment in person. 

    5-Track your application

    Generally, it is possible to track the status of your visa application. 

    For further information on this, please refer to track the progress of your application page. You will receive a notification from the visa center where you applied once your passport is ready for collection. In some cases, the passport may also be sent to you via postal services.