Eritrea passport → France

France visa for citizens of Eritrea

Embassy / VFSLong-stay visa / Short-stay Schengen visa

Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Long-stay visa / Short-stay Schengen visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90 + €30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months, minimum €65 per day of stay

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per the checklist above.
2
Fill online application on France-Visas
Complete the form online, print, and sign it.
3
Book appointment at visa application centre
Schedule at VFS Global / TLScontact or embassy in your jurisdiction.
4
Attend appointment and submit documents
Bring all documents, pay fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints + photo).
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 to 30 days; may be longer in peak seasons.
6
Collect passport with visa decision
If approved, visa vignette will be affixed to your passport.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area
Completed Schengen visa application form
Online via France-Visas portal, then printed and signed
Passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)
Must meet ICAO standards

Travel

Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid for entire Schengen stay
Round-trip flight itinerary or booking
Reservation, not necessarily paid ticket
Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
Covering entire stay

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
To prove sufficient funds for stay

Employment

Proof of employment / leave letter
Stating position, salary, and approved leave

Supporting

Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate if applicable)
Optional
Required for family visits or dependents
Visa fee payment receipt
Pay at visa application centre
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
Optional but helpful
Invitation letter from host in France (if applicable)
Optional
Must be certified by local French authorities if inviting
Proof of residence / visa status in country of application
For applicants applying outside home country
Previous passports (if any)
Optional
To show travel history

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €65 per day of stay

Bank statements
Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statements

Bank statements must be in original language and stamped by the bank.

Good to know

Incomplete or incorrect applications cause delays or rejection.
Biometrics are required for every Schengen visa application; previous biometrics may be reused within 59 months.
Applying too early (more than 3 months before travel) will not be accepted.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide bank statements showing consistent balance meeting daily minimum.

Lack of travel insurance

Purchase policy meeting Schengen requirements before appointment.

Passport not valid long enough

Ensure passport validity extends at least 6 months beyond departure.

Unconvincing purpose of visit

Write a clear cover letter and provide all supporting documents.

FAQ

Do citizens of Eritrea need a visa for France?

Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Long-stay visa / Short-stay Schengen visa.

How long can citizens of Eritrea stay in France?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the France visa cost for citizens of Eritrea?

Government fee: €90 + €30 service fee.

How long does France visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Eritrea need for France?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed Schengen visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or booking; Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for France?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/

Sources

france-visas.gouv.fr

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