Visiting France is a dream for countless people, whether it is to enjoy a vacation, see family and friends, or simply to sample the rich culture, food, and architecture. But for people of a majority of other countries, entering France spells visa. If you are planning to go on a short trip to France, then applying for a Visitor Visa for France is the first step you need to take in pursuit of your adventure in the country.

This article will take you through all of the steps you need to follow to get the Visitor Visa for France, from who needs it and how to start an application to processing times and insider tips for success.

Explain the France Visitor Visa in one glance

The France Visitor Visa, also referred to as a short-stay visa for France or the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), allows you to stay in France for up to 90 days in a 180-day window. The visa serves largely for tourism, visiting relatives or attending short courses or conferences.

Keep in mind that France is one of 25 Schengen countries and that the visa means you can also enter the other 24. But really, that office should be France, or at the first one should be.

Who Requires a Visitor Visa for France?

Whether or not you are required to have a Visitor Visa for France will depend on your nationality. Visas are not required for citizens of the EU, EEA and a few other countries including Americans, Canadians, Australians, Japanese and South Koreans for short stays (up to 90 days).

Note that if you are from a country that is not on the visa-exempt list you must apply for a Visitor Visa for France before you arrive in the country. Do a final check before traveling as this list can change every so often, always check on the official French consulate or embassy website for the most up-to-date list of countries that need visas.

Application Requirements

In order to apply for a Visitors Visa for France, you will have gather all the documents that prove the purpose of your stay and that you will go back to your country. Here are the basic requirements:

Filled-out visa request form: Downloadable or available at a French embassy near you.

Passport photos: With biometric requirements..

Passport: You will need a passport with validity. Of at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.

Travel itinerary: Evidence you will be either departing on a return flight or taking round-trip flight reservations.

Proof of place to stay: Hotel reservations or an invitation letter if visiting friends or family.

Travel insurance: Must include minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses.

Evidence of funds: Bank statements, pay slips or a letter of financial backing.

Cover letter: why are you visiting, your travel plans in France.

Pay for your visa: Normally around €80 for adults, though prices may vary.

Some of what you need varies by the country of your current residence. Each consulate or embassy’s site may have slightly different requirements.

How to Apply for a France Visitor Visa?

The application process for a French Visitor Visa is usually comprised of these procedures:

Identify the applicable visa type: Make sure the type C (visitor visa) corresponds to the purpose and duration of your trip.

Step 1: Apply Online Create an account on the France-Visas portal Apply through a service provider Prepare your documents together with a 9×12 Dm1 (4 5/8×3 5/8). White or light gray background studio photo with a forward-facing head and ears – must be 3 months old.

Make an appointment: Make an appointment at the local French consulate or accredited visa application center (for example, VFS Global).

Visit the appointment: Hand in your documents, give biometric information (photo and fingerprints) and pay the visa fee.

Allow for processing: Processing of the visa typically takes approximately 15 calendar days. Although it can be longer in the high season or in specific situations.

Receive your visa: Your passport with the visa will you be given back if the application is successful. If you are not accept, you’ll get a letter in the mail telling you why.

Tips for a Successful Visa Appication

Getting a France Visitor Visa is generally a simple process. Provided you submit all the require document and follow the guideline properly. Here are some tricks to help you get approved:

Start early: Begin the application at least 4–6 weeks before you plan to travel. To ensure there’s enough time for processing it.

Be truthful and wholly accurate: Lie or be inconsistent in your application or show up with fake documents and you can end up rejected and future visa banned.

Ties to home country: Proof like a job, family obligations or assets proves you have reasons to go back.

Detailed itinerary: Demonstrate that you have well-defined plans and know where you’re staying, what you’ll be doing.

Good financial records: Make sure you have bank statements showing enough funds for the period you intend to stay.

If You Are Denied

Getting denied a visa is disappointing, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your travel plans. In case your visa for France is denied, you have the following alternatives:

Read the denial letter: Know the reason of being reject from the trip. And whether it is for wanting of evidence, inadequate capital on dollars card or any other cause.

Appeal the decision: You may lodge an appeal within two weeks following the refusal. Instructions are normally in the refusal letter.

Reapply with better documentation: If that appeal fails. Or you decide not to appeal, you can reapply with an amended rework of the initial application.

How to Extend French Visitor Visa

In general short-stay Schengen visas such as the France Visitor Visa cannot be extende. But there are exceptions for force majeure (natural disasters, medical emergencies, etc.).

should you have to stay in Schengen for more than 90 days. You must leave the Schengen Area and get a long-stay visa (Type D) from your home country.

Overstaying can not only lead to fines or entry bans, but may also complicate the issue of obtaining future Schengen visas. So it would be wise to stick to the length of stay accorded by your visa.

(Trip Within the Schengen Zone)

When you get the France Visitor Visa, you are free to visit the other Schengen countries as well. That goes for nations including Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium. And the Netherlands, as long as your ultimate destination is still France.

You should take photocopie of your visa, travel insurance. And ID when you leave the country so if they have to re-impose border control for safety at some point, you won’t be completely lost.

Conclusion

There’s a lot more to planning a trip to France than booking a flight and tossing some clothes in a suitcase. If you are citizen of a non-exempt country, you need to obtain Visa for France for Visitors. Luckily, with preparation and by following the application tips, things can work out just fine.

Whether you’re seeing the Eiffel Tower, journeying through the vineyards of Bordeaux or savoring a freshly baked croissant in a Parisian café. A Visitor Visa for France can make your dream of seeing France a reality. Just remember to apply early, be well-prepare with all document in hand. And keep an eye out for any change in visa policy.

You will travel to the beauty, history and culture of France. Now that you know French love to visit, you can visit France yourself.