--- title: France visa for citizens of India description: "Citizens of India need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/france/india lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # France visa for citizens of India 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.* Official application site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr ## 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 - **Passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Original plus copies of all pages. - **France-Visas application form (CERFA) with photo** (Identity): Completed online on France-Visas, printed and signed. - **Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet ICAO photo standards. - **Travel medical insurance covering min EUR 30,000** (Travel): Valid across all Schengen states for the entire stay. - **Flight reservation (round-trip itinerary)** (Travel): Confirmed reservation, not necessarily a paid ticket. - **Hotel booking or proof of accommodation** (Travel): Covering the entire duration of stay. - **Cover letter explaining purpose of trip** (Supporting): Include itinerary and travel plans. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Stamped by the bank, showing sufficient funds. - **Income tax returns (last 3 years / ITR acknowledgment)** (Financial): Common requirement for Indian applicants. - **Employment letter / no-objection certificate** (Employment): Or payslips; self-employed provide business proof. - **Proof of civil status (marriage/birth certificate if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Required in some cases. - **For minors: birth certificate and parental authorization** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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 - [Inde - France-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/inde) - [Apply for a visa | vfsglobal](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra/apply-visa) - [Welcome to VFS Global India to France| vfsglobal](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra/) - [france-visas.gouv.fr](https://france-visas.gouv.fr) ## More - [France visa for every passport](/visa/france) - [Every destination for India passport holders](/visa/passport/india)