--- title: France visa for citizens of Lesotho description: "Citizens of Lesotho need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90 + €35 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/france/lesotho lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # France visa for citizens of Lesotho Citizens of Lesotho 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/en/web/france-visas/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Tourist/Business/Family/Friend) - **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 + €35 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 3 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** 65 EUR per day of stay (or equivalent) ## How to apply 1. **Determine visa type and complete online application** — Visit France-Visas portal, fill in application form, and obtain a visa application number. 2. **Gather required documents** — Collect all documents listed above as per your travel purpose. 3. **Schedule appointment at visa application centre** — Book via VFS Global, TLScontact, or the French embassy in Lesotho. 4. **Attend appointment and submit biometrics** — Submit application in person, provide fingerprints and photo. 5. **Pay visa fee and service fee** — Pay the 80 EUR visa fee plus any service fee at the centre. 6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15 to 45 calendar days; may be longer in peak seasons. 7. **Collect passport** — Collect passport from the centre or opt for courier delivery (if available). 8. **Check visa vignette and travel** — Ensure visa details (validity, number of entries, duration) are correct before leaving. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport** (Travel): Valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen; at least 2 blank pages. - **Visa application form** (Supporting): Completed and signed online via France-Visas portal. - **Recent passport-sized photo** (Supporting): Biometric photo, 35x45mm, white background. - **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Return flight reservation or detailed travel plan. - **Hotel reservation / accommodation proof** (Travel): Confirmed booking for entire stay. - **Travel insurance** (Travel): Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation. - **Proof of sufficient funds** (Financial): Bank statements for the last 3 months or sponsorship letter. - **Proof of employment / student status / pension** (Employment): Letter from employer, school certificate, or pension document. - **Leave approval letter** (Employment): If employed. - **Round-trip flight reservation** (Travel): Not necessarily paid but confirmed itinerary. - **Passport copy (first page and previous Schengen visas)** (Travel): All pages with stamps and visas. - **Proof of civil status** (Supporting, optional): Marriage certificate, birth certificate if applicable. - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): Signed and attested by host in France. - **Proof of accommodation (if staying with host)** (Travel, optional): Attestation d'accueil or copy of host's residence permit. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** 65 EUR per day of stay - Personal bank statements (last 3 months) - Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statement - Cash traveller's cheques - Credit card statements If sponsored, provide sponsor's bank statements and a signed letter. ## Good to know - Biometrics (fingerprints) are required every 5 years for Schengen visas. - Visa processing may be delayed if documents are incomplete or during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas). - Applications must be submitted at the embassy/consulate of the country of main destination within the Schengen area. - Lesotho passport holders may need to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds even if exempt. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient or unclear proof of funds** — Provide clear bank statements and ensure balance meets the requirement (65 EUR/day). - **Unconvincing travel itinerary or purpose** — Submit detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to home country. - **Previous visa overstay or violation** — Always comply with visa conditions; if overstay occurred, provide explanation. - **Incomplete application form** — Double-check all fields in the France-Visas form before submission. - **Travel insurance not covering Schengen area or insufficient coverage** — Purchase insurance that covers 30,000 EUR for medical and repatriation, valid for all Schengen countries. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Lesotho need a visa for France? Citizens of Lesotho need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Tourist/Business/Family/Friend). ### How long can citizens of Lesotho stay in France? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the France visa cost for citizens of Lesotho? Government fee: €90 + €35 service fee. ### How long does France visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of Lesotho need for France? Valid passport; Visa application form; Recent passport-sized photo; Travel itinerary; Hotel reservation / accommodation proof; Travel insurance; and 8 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/en/web/france-visas/ ## Sources - [france-visas.gouv.fr](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/) ## More - [France visa for every passport](/visa/france) - [Every destination for Lesotho passport holders](/visa/passport/lesotho)