🇫🇷 France Schengen Visa Guide 2026

· 15 min read

France is THE most popular tourist destination in the world - over 89 million people visit every year. Paris, the Eiffel Tower, French Riviera, amazing food... we get why you want to go! This guide will help you get that visa sorted.

Table of Contents

The Basics

A France Schengen visa lets you visit France (and other Schengen countries) for up to 90 days. Perfect for vacation, visiting family, or business trips.

Key Statistics (2026)

Metric Value
Visa Fee €90 (adults), €45 (children 6-12)
Processing Time 7-15 working days (can be up to 30-45 days)
Approval Rate ~85% (varies by nationality)
Daily Financial Requirement €65 per day minimum
Maximum Stay 90 days in any 180-day period
Validity Usually 90 days (can be multi-entry for 1-5 years)

France Visa Requirements

Financial Requirements

France requires proof of €65 per day for your entire stay. This is one of the highest daily requirements in Schengen.

Trip Duration Minimum Amount Required Recommended Amount
7 days €455 €700-€900
10 days €650 €1,000-€1,300
15 days €975 €1,500-€1,950
30 days €1,950 €3,000-€4,000
💡 Pro Tip: Show 1.5-2x the minimum amount. French consulates are strict about financial proof. If visiting expensive cities like Paris, show even more to strengthen your case.

Bank Statement Requirements

  • ✅ Last 6 months (not 3 - France requires 6!)
  • ✅ All pages, stamped by bank
  • ✅ Should show regular income (salary deposits)
  • ✅ No large last-minute deposits
  • ✅ Consistent balance matching your income

Complete Document Checklist for France Visa

Universal Documents (All Applicants)

  1. Visa Application Form
    • France-Visas official form
    • Completed online or by hand
    • Signed and dated
  2. Passport
    • Valid for 3+ months after trip
    • Issued within last 10 years
    • At least 2 blank pages
  3. Old Passports (all expired passports showing travel history)
  4. Passport Photos
    • 2 recent photos (within 6 months)
    • 35x45mm, white background
    • ICAO compliant
  5. Travel Insurance
    • €50,000+ coverage
    • Valid for entire Schengen Area
    • Covers medical emergency, repatriation
  6. Flight Reservations (round-trip, NOT tickets)
  7. Accommodation Proof
    • Hotel bookings for all nights OR
    • "Attestation d'accueil" if staying with host (mandatory for France!)
  8. Cover Letter explaining purpose of visit (highly recommended)
  9. Travel Itinerary (day-by-day plan)
  10. Bank Statements (last 6 months, stamped)

Employment Documents

  • Employment letter on company letterhead
  • Leave approval letter
  • Last 6 months' salary slips
  • Employment contract (if available)

Additional Documents for Specific Cases

For Students:

  • University enrollment certificate
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Student ID
  • Parents' sponsorship + bank statements

For Self-Employed:

  • Business registration certificate
  • Tax returns (last 2 years)
  • Company bank statements
  • Business license

For Family Visits:

  • "Attestation d'accueil" (mandatory from town hall/mairie)
  • Host's French ID/residence permit
  • Host's bank statements
  • Host's employment proof
  • Proof of relationship (birth certificates, etc.)

France Visa Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

  • Short-stay (Type C): Tourism, business, family visit - up to 90 days
  • Long-stay (Type D): Work, study, family reunification - over 90 days

This guide focuses on short-stay Schengen visas.

Step 2: Book VFS Global Appointment

France uses VFS Global for visa applications in most countries.

  1. Visit France-Visas.gouv.fr
  2. Create account and start application
  3. Book appointment at nearest VFS Global center
  4. Pay visa fee online (or at VFS)
📝 Note: Book appointment 2-3 weeks in advance. Peak season (June-August) appointments fill up quickly.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents (see checklist above). France is strict - missing documents will delay or reject your application.

Step 4: Attend Appointment

  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • Bring original documents + 1 set of copies
  • Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) will be taken
  • Submit documents for verification
  • Collect acknowledgment receipt

Step 5: Track Application

Use your reference number to track status on VFS Global website or France-Visas portal.

Step 6: Collect Passport

  • Notification via email/SMS when ready
  • Collect from VFS center OR
  • Pay for courier delivery

France Visa Fees (2026)

Category Visa Fee VFS Service Fee Total
Adults (12+) €90 ~€25-35 €115-125
Children (6-11) €45 ~€25-35 €70-80
Children (0-5) FREE ~€25-35 €25-35

Additional Optional Services

  • Courier return: €20-30
  • SMS updates: €5
  • Premium lounge: €30-50
  • Photo service: €10
⚠️ Important: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Pay only at official VFS Global centers or through official website.

Processing Time

Standard Processing: 7-15 working days (from date of biometrics)

Processing Time Breakdown

Scenario Expected Time
Straightforward applications 7-10 days
Applications needing review 15-20 days
Complex cases 30-45 days (or longer)
Peak season (summer) Add 5-10 days to above
💡 Timing Tip: Apply 3-4 weeks before travel. You can apply up to 6 months in advance but no later than 15 days before departure.

Common Interview Questions

While not all applicants are interviewed, be prepared to answer these questions:

About Your Trip

  • "Why do you want to visit France?"
  • "Which cities will you visit?"
  • "How long will you stay?"
  • "Where will you stay? Show hotel bookings."
  • "Who is paying for this trip?"
  • "Have you been to France/Europe before?"

About Your Financial Situation

  • "What is your occupation?"
  • "How much do you earn monthly?"
  • "How much money will you bring to France?"
  • "Who sponsored this trip if not you?"

About Returning Home

  • "Do you have family in your home country?"
  • "Do you own property?"
  • "When do you need to return to work/school?"
  • "Why will you return home after your trip?"
💡 Interview Tips:
  • Answer confidently and honestly
  • Be consistent with your documents
  • Don't volunteer extra information
  • Have documents ready to show if asked

France Visa Approval Tips

✅ Do's

  1. Show Strong Financial Proof - France requires 6 months bank statements with €65/day minimum
  2. Get "Attestation d'accueil" for Family Visits - Mandatory if staying with someone in France
  3. Book Flexible Accommodations - Use Booking.com with free cancellation
  4. Write a Detailed Cover Letter - Explain your ties to home country
  5. Prove Return Intent - Job letter, property ownership, family ties
  6. Apply Early - 3-4 weeks before travel, especially in summer
  7. Be Honest - Any lie can lead to permanent ban

❌ Don'ts

  1. Don't Show Low Balance - €200 for a 10-day Paris trip won't work
  2. Don't Make Last-Minute Deposits - French consulates check for "show money"
  3. Don't Book Non-Refundable Flights - Use reservations until visa approved
  4. Don't Lie About Purpose - Tourist visa to look for work = rejection + ban
  5. Don't Skip Cover Letter - It helps explain your case

Common Reasons for Rejection

  1. Insufficient Financial Proof - Not meeting €65/day or only 3 months statements
  2. Weak Ties to Home Country - Unemployed, no property, no family
  3. Unclear Purpose of Visit - Vague itinerary or contradicting documents
  4. Previous Overstays - Schengen/other visa violations
  5. Fake Documents - Forged bank statements, employment letters
  6. Missing Documents - Incomplete application
  7. Travel History Issues - First-time traveler with no passport stamps

What to Do If Rejected

  • Read rejection letter carefully (reason given)
  • You can appeal within 2 months
  • Or reapply with stronger evidence
  • Consider consulting immigration lawyer

France Visa FAQ

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a France visa?

Yes! A France Schengen visa allows you to visit all 27 Schengen countries. However, France must be your main destination (where you spend most days). If visiting multiple countries, apply to the country where you'll stay longest.

What is "Attestation d'accueil" and how do I get it?

"Attestation d'accueil" is a mandatory document for France if you're staying with family/friends. Your host in France must:

  1. Go to their local town hall (mairie)
  2. Fill out application form
  3. Pay fee (€30-50)
  4. Provide proof of accommodation and income
  5. Receive stamped, certified attestation
  6. Send original to you for visa application
Processing takes 2-4 weeks, so plan ahead!

Do I need to show hotel bookings for my entire stay?

Yes. You must show accommodation proof for EVERY night of your stay. Use Booking.com hotels with FREE CANCELLATION so you can cancel if visa is rejected. Don't pay non-refundable bookings before approval.

How much does a 10-day France trip cost realistically?

Budget estimate for 10 days in France:

  • Accommodation: €600-€1,200 (€60-120/night)
  • Food: €300-€500 (€30-50/day)
  • Transportation: €150-€300
  • Attractions/Museums: €150-€300
  • Total: €1,200-€2,300
Show at least €1,500 in bank for a 10-day trip to be safe.

Can I extend my France Schengen visa after arrival?

Generally, NO. Short-stay Schengen visas cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances (serious illness, force majeure). Plan your trip to fit within your visa validity. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.