India passport → France

France visa for citizens of India

Embassy / VFSSchengen short-stay visa (up to 90 days)

Citizens of India 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 · Schengen short-stay visa (up to 90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the stay (roughly EUR 65-120 per day)

How to apply

1
Create account on France-Visas
Fill the online application form at france-visas.gouv.fr and answer the questionnaire.
2
Pay fees online and download the form
Print the application form, receipt, and required-document checklist (CSV).
3
Book an appointment at VFS Global
Choose the nearest VFS visa application centre in India.
4
Attend appointment in person
Submit documents and enrol biometrics (fingerprints and photo); mandatory for first-time applicants.
5
Track application
Monitor status via the VFS tracking service using your reference number.
6
Collect passport
Pick up passport at the VFS centre or by courier once decided.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages)
Original plus copies of all pages.
France-Visas application form (CERFA) with photo
Completed online on France-Visas, printed and signed.
Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, white background)
Must meet ICAO photo standards.

Travel

Travel medical insurance covering min EUR 30,000
Valid across all Schengen states for the entire stay.
Flight reservation (round-trip itinerary)
Confirmed reservation, not necessarily a paid ticket.
Hotel booking or proof of accommodation
Covering the entire duration of stay.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Stamped by the bank, showing sufficient funds.
Income tax returns (last 3 years / ITR acknowledgment)
Common requirement for Indian applicants.

Employment

Employment letter / no-objection certificate
Or payslips; self-employed provide business proof.

Supporting

Cover letter explaining purpose of trip
Include itinerary and travel plans.
Proof of civil status (marriage/birth certificate if applicable)
Optional
Required in some cases.
For minors: birth certificate and parental authorization
Optional
Notarized consent if travelling alone or with one parent.

Proof of funds

Bank statements (3-6 months)
Income tax returns
Payslips
Sponsor letter with sponsor's finances if applicable

Applicants must show funds of roughly EUR 65-120 per day of stay; no fixed balance is officially published.

Good to know

From 10 Apr 2026, travellers transiting to a non-EU third country who remain in the international zone of French airports do not need a French airport transit visa.
Leaving the international zone during transit requires a regular short-stay visa.
Apply up to 6 months before travel; processing can take up to 45 days, so do not book non-refundable travel too early.
Biometric data is valid for 59 months; repeat visits within that period may not require new fingerprints.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unexplained deposits

Provide 3-6 months of clean bank statements and ITRs; avoid last-minute large deposits.

Unclear purpose of travel or weak ties to India

Submit a clear cover letter, itinerary, and employment/NOA proof showing return obligation.

Invalid or missing travel medical insurance

Buy Schengen-compliant insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage valid for the whole stay.

Passport validity or blank-page issues

Ensure passport is issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months after return, with 2 blank pages.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for France?

Citizens of India need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen short-stay visa (up to 90 days).

How long can citizens of India stay in France?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90.

How long does France visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of India need for France?

Passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages); France-Visas application form (CERFA) with photo; Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, white background); Travel medical insurance covering min EUR 30,000; Flight reservation (round-trip itinerary); Hotel booking or proof of accommodation; and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for France?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?

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

Sources

Plan your trip to France

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