Schengen Short-Stay Tourist Visa (Type C)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (up to 45 days in exceptional cases)
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- Up to 5 years for multiple-entry visas
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Nationals of Annex I countries (visa-required) must apply for a Schengen Type C visa. Applications should be submitted 6 months to 15 days before departure. Reduced fee of EUR 35 applies for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and certain other countries with EU visa facilitation agreements. VFS Global and TLS Contact serve as external service providers in most countries. The visa may be issued for single or multiple entries.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 who do not hold EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, living expenses, and return travel for the duration of stay
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Purpose of visit
Tourism, visiting family/friends, cultural events, or other non-professional short-stay purposes
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, recent (less than 6 months), ICAO compliant
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover stay at EUR 120/day; Months required: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements (3 months), payslips, tax returns, sponsor's bank statements; Minimum amount: EUR 120 per day (EUR 65 per day with confirmed hotel)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: All Schengen member states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking, attestation d'accueil from host, rental agreement; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Cerfa no. 14076*02 - Schengen visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card (varies by consulate/service provider); Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form online via France-Visas website and receive a receipt.
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, flight reservation, financial proof, and cover letter.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment with the French consulate or authorized visa application center (VFS Global or TLS Contact) in your country of residence.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa fee of EUR 90 (adults) at the visa application center. Additional service fees may apply for external providers (up to EUR 45).
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Document submission
Submit your complete application file at the appointment. Ensure all documents are originals with copies.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) at the visa application center. Biometrics are valid for 59 months and may be reused for subsequent applications.
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Processing wait
Wait for the application to be processed. Standard processing is 15 calendar days; it may extend to 45 days in exceptional cases.
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application center, or receive it by post if the option was chosen.