Indian passport holders need a visa to visit France. For tourism, business or a family visit you apply for a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period; for study, work or long stays you need a long-stay (VLS-TS) visa. In India, applications are handled by VFS Global for the French consulates, and valid Schengen-wide travel insurance of at least €30,000 is compulsory for short stays. Because France is one of the busiest Schengen destinations for Indians, booking your appointment early is the single most important step.
Which France visa do you need?
| Purpose | Visa type | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, family/friends, business | Schengen short-stay (Type C) | Up to 90 days / 180 days |
| Airport transit only | Airport transit (Type A) | Transit zone |
| Study, work, long residence | Long-stay (VLS-TS / Type D) | More than 90 days |
The short-stay visa is what most Indian tourists and business travellers need. If your plan involves studying, working or staying beyond three months, you need a long-stay visa, which carries its own conditions and a validation step after arrival.
Documents for a France Schengen visa
A short-stay application from India typically requires:
- Completed and signed France-Visas application form.
- Passport valid at least three months beyond departure, with two blank pages, issued within the last ten years.
- Two recent biometric photos to French specification.
- Confirmed round-trip flight reservation and a detailed itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation for the whole stay (hotel bookings or a signed attestation d’accueil from a host).
- Proof of sufficient funds \u2014 recent bank statements, ITRs and, often, salary slips.
- Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen Area, minimum €30,000 including emergency care and repatriation.
- Cover letter setting out your travel dates and purpose.
- Employment proof (leave letter or business documents).
The France-Visas portal and photo requirements
France uses the central France-Visas website to start every application. You create an account, complete the online form, and generate a receipt to bring to your VFS appointment. Two details trip up many Indian applicants:
- Photo size and format. France follows the ISO/Schengen photo standard \u2014 35 × 45 mm, recent, neutral expression, plain light background. A non-compliant photo can hold up your file, so use a photographer familiar with Schengen specs.
- Consistency. The name and passport details on the form must exactly match your passport.
Start on the official France-Visas portal, which also has a wizard that confirms exactly which visa and documents apply to you.
How to apply through VFS Global in India
- Complete the France-Visas form online and print the receipt.
- Book a VFS appointment at the centre serving your consular jurisdiction (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Puducherry and others).
- Assemble documents in the required order, with photocopies.
- Attend in person to submit and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Pay the visa fee plus the VFS service charge in rupees.
- Track online and collect your passport once processed.
If you are unsure which visa fits your trip, read our guide on choosing the right Schengen visa.
France visa fees and processing time
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay, adult | €90 |
| Schengen short-stay, child 6–12 | €45 |
| Child under 6 | Usually free |
A VFS service fee applies on top, payable in Indian rupees, and optional services such as premium lounge or courier return cost extra. Long-stay (VLS-TS) fees are set separately and are higher.
Processing: short-stay decisions are usually made within about 15 calendar days, but the summer travel peak can push this longer. You may apply up to six months before travel and should aim for at least three weeks’ lead time. Long-stay applications take longer because of extra checks.
Consular jurisdictions in India
France processes Indian applications by region, so you must apply at the VFS centre linked to the consulate covering your state of residence. Applying in the wrong jurisdiction is a common reason appointments are cancelled. As a broad guide, the Embassy in New Delhi covers the north, the Consulate in Mumbai the west, Bengaluru and Chennai the south, and Kolkata the east and north-east, with additional VFS collection points in several other cities. Confirm your correct centre on the France-Visas portal before booking, and remember that you generally must apply from the country where you are a citizen or legal resident.
The 90/180-day rule for France
A Schengen short-stay visa allows a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area — time spent in France counts together with days in Italy, Spain, Germany and every other member state. The 180-day window moves forward each day, so if you travel to Europe frequently, count your days carefully before booking. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans. If you need to stay longer, study or work, a long-stay visa and, where relevant, a residence permit are required. Read more on Schengen visa validity and entries.
Tracking your France visa application
After submission you receive a reference number. You can follow your file’s progress on the VFS Global tracking page and, in many cases, on France-Visas itself. Avoid making non-refundable bookings until your visa is issued, as processing times vary with demand.
Passport, biometrics and the EES
Your passport must be issued within the last ten years, valid for at least three months beyond your planned Schengen departure, and hold at least two blank pages. Biometrics (ten fingerprints and a photo) are captured at your VFS appointment and reused for later Schengen visas for a few years.
With the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) being introduced, first entries are logged digitally rather than stamped. The ETIAS travel authorisation applies only to visa-exempt nationalities, so it does not affect Indian citizens, who continue to travel on their visa. Check the European Commission’s EES page for the latest rollout details.
Travel insurance for your France visa
Insurance is mandatory and checked at submission. Your policy must cover the entire Schengen Area for the full trip, with at least €30,000 in medical cover including emergencies and repatriation. Compare options in our guide to the cheapest Schengen travel insurance, and note that cover matters even across multiple Schengen countries on a multi-stop trip.
Working in France as an Indian professional
France offers several routes for skilled Indian workers, most under the long-stay visa system. The best known is the Passeport Talent, a multi-year permit for qualified professionals, researchers, employees of innovative companies and certain entrepreneurs, which also allows family members to join. A standard employee route requires a French work contract and, usually, prior authorisation from the French labour authorities. In every case the process starts with a long-stay visa applied for through VFS in India, followed by validation or a residence permit after arrival. Keep your employment contract, qualifications and proof of salary ready, as these are examined closely. Because work-visa rules and salary thresholds change, confirm the current criteria on the official France-Visas portal before you apply.
Studying in France as an Indian student
France is a growing study destination for Indians. If your course lasts more than 90 days you apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), usually via the Campus France procedure, and validate it online within three months of arrival. Typical requirements include an admission letter, proof of funds for living costs, accommodation proof and student health cover. See our page on universities in Schengen countries for Indian students and insurance tips for students.
Practical tips for a smoother application
- Book your VFS slot early \u2014 French appointments in India fill fast in spring and summer.
- Get the photo right the first time to avoid resubmission.
- Match every date across flights, hotels, insurance and leave letter.
- Show home ties \u2014 job, property or family in India strengthen your case.
- Buy compliant insurance before your appointment \u2014 see our destination insurance tips.
Booking a VFS appointment in peak season
France is consistently one of the hardest Schengen visas to get an appointment for during the Indian summer travel rush. To improve your chances:
- Check for new slots often. Appointments are released in batches throughout the day.
- Apply up to six months ahead. Schengen rules let you submit early — don’t wait until the last minute.
- Use only the official VFS portal. Avoid third parties promising guaranteed slots for a fee.
- Consider premium or prime-time appointment options offered officially by VFS if your dates are tight.
If you have an urgent, unavoidable trip and cannot find any slot, contact the consulate directly with evidence of the emergency.
Common reasons France visas are refused
- Insufficient or inconsistent proof of funds.
- Itinerary that doesn’t match bookings, or unclear purpose.
- Insurance below the €30,000 / full-Schengen requirement.
- Doubts about intention to return to India.
- Incomplete file or a weak cover letter.
A refusal comes with written reasons; you can appeal or reapply with a stronger file. Our guides on a rejected Schengen visa and how to prepare for the interview can help.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for France?
Yes. You need a Schengen short-stay visa for tourism or business, or a long-stay visa for study, work or stays over 90 days.
Where do I apply for a France visa in India?
Through VFS Global centres acting for the French consulates, after completing the France-Visas online form. Centres operate in cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.
How much does a France visa cost from India?
The Schengen short-stay fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children 6–12, plus a VFS service charge. Long-stay visa fees are higher and set separately.
What photo size does France require?
France uses the Schengen standard: 35 × 45 mm, recent, neutral expression, plain light background. A non-compliant photo can delay your application.
How long does a France visa take to process?
Short-stay decisions usually take about 15 calendar days but can be longer in peak season. Apply at least three weeks ahead, up to six months before travel.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a France visa?
Yes. Short-stay applicants must show Schengen-wide insurance with at least €30,000 in medical cover for the full trip.
