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.
Tourist visa (Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 6-12 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 99
- Validity
- 3 months to 1 year (renewable annually)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For non-EU nationals who wish to stay in France for more than 90 days without engaging in any professional activity. Popular for retirees and financially independent individuals. Holder must sign a statement confirming they will not work in France. Remote work for a non-French employer is NOT permitted. Must be validated online within 3 months of arrival. Renewable annually; after first renewal, a residence card is issued.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
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Financial
Must demonstrate stable recurring income of at least EUR 1,823/month (SMIC level) without employment in France
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Purpose of visit
Long-term private stay without any professional activity in France
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: EUR 21,600 annual equivalent; Months required: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Pension statements, investment income, savings, rental income, sponsor guarantee; Minimum amount: EUR 1,823 per month net (SMIC level, 2026)
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Property deed, rental agreement, attestation d'hebergement; Must cover full stay: Yes
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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
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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; Amount: EUR 99
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: France; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000 including emergency, ongoing treatment, and repatriation
How to apply
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Online application
Start visa application on France-Visas website.
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Document gathering
Prepare proof of stable income/resources, comprehensive health insurance, accommodation proof, and signed no-work statement.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at French consulate or visa center.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit complete application at the appointment.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 6-12 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with VLS-TS. Validate online within 3 months of arrival in France.
Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa-Free Access (Tourist/Business/Transit))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no visa required
- Validity
- 180 days (rolling)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Nationals of Annex II countries may enter France and the Schengen Area without a visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine require biometric passports. Taiwan passport must contain an identity card number. Hong Kong and Macao require SAR passports specifically. ETIAS electronic travel authorization will be required starting Q4 2026 for visa-exempt nationals.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Nationals of EU Regulation 2018/1806 Annex II countries holding valid ordinary passports (biometric passports required for Western Balkan and Eastern European countries)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit cards, bank statements, traveler's cheques; Minimum amount: EUR 120 per day (or EUR 65 per day with hotel booking)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Schengen Area; 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, host attestation (attestation d'accueil), rental agreement; Must cover full stay: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Ensure passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure date and has 2 blank pages. Prepare proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds.
Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Tourist Visa (Type C))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
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
-
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.