Visa requirements

France

General visa requirements for travelling to France. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Journalist visa (Journalist / Foreign Correspondent Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
4-8 weeks
Fee
EUR 99
Validity
Up to 1 year (renewable)
Entry
Multiple entry

For foreign journalists, correspondents, and media professionals assigned to work in France for more than 90 days. Short-stay assignments (under 90 days) may use a standard Schengen business visa. For long stays, a VLS-TS is issued with the mention 'profession liberale / non-salariee' or specific journalist status. Foreign press correspondents must register with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs press service. Freelance journalists may need to apply under the Talent - Artist/Creative Professional category.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals working as journalists or media professionals

  • Employment

    Must be employed or contracted by a media organization and assigned to work in France

    Required status: Employed by media organization

  • Purpose of visit

    Journalism, media correspondence, or press activities in France exceeding 90 days

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15

  • Photo

    Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Employment contract, bank statements, media organization sponsorship; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover living expenses

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Long-stay visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 99

  • Private health insurance

    Coverage territory: France; Minimum coverage: Full medical coverage

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

    Accreditation type: Press card, media accreditation, assignment letter from media organization; Media organization: Home country press authority or employing media organization

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain press credentials and assignment letter from media organization. Gather proof of professional journalism experience.

  2. Online application

    Start visa application on France-Visas.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book consulate appointment.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay EUR 99 visa fee.

  5. Document submission

    Submit application with press credentials, assignment letter, and financial proof.

  6. Processing wait

    Processing takes 4-8 weeks.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect VLS-TS visa. Register with French MFA press service upon arrival.

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Short-Stay Journalist Visa (Schengen Type C - Press Assignment))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
15 calendar days
Fee
EUR 90
Validity
Up to 5 years for frequent press travelers
Entry
Multiple entry

For journalists and media professionals from Annex I countries on short-term press assignments in France (up to 90 days). Uses the standard Schengen visa application but with press-specific supporting documentation. Visa-exempt nationals (Annex II) do not need this visa for short press assignments.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Nationals of Annex I countries working as journalists or media professionals

  • Purpose of visit

    Short-term press assignment, media coverage, or journalistic reporting in France (up to 90 days)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Schengen Area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Cerfa no. 14076*02; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 90

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

    Accreditation type: International press card, national press card, or media organization letter; Media organization: National press council or employing media organization

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete Schengen visa application on France-Visas.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather press credentials, assignment letter, travel insurance, and standard visa documents.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book visa center appointment.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay EUR 90 visa fee.

  5. Document submission

    Submit application at visa center.

  6. Biometrics

    Provide biometrics if not on file.

  7. Processing wait

    Standard 15 calendar day processing.

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.