---
title: France visa for citizens of Eritrea
description: "Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90 + €30 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/france/eritrea
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# France visa for citizens of Eritrea

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.*

Official application site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/

## 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

- **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area
- **Completed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Online via France-Visas portal, then printed and signed
- **Passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet ICAO standards
- **Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)** (Travel): Valid for entire Schengen stay
- **Round-trip flight itinerary or booking** (Travel): Reservation, not necessarily paid ticket
- **Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter)** (Travel): Covering entire stay
- **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): To prove sufficient funds for stay
- **Proof of employment / leave letter** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave
- **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Required for family visits or dependents
- **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Pay at visa application centre
- **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): Optional but helpful
- **Invitation letter from host in France (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Must be certified by local French authorities if inviting
- **Proof of residence / visa status in country of application** (Supporting): For applicants applying outside home country
- **Previous passports (if any)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/)

## More

- [France visa for every passport](/visa/france)
- [Every destination for Eritrea passport holders](/visa/passport/eritrea)