How long can I stay in France on a tourist visa?

A France Tourist Visa generally allows for a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.

How early should I apply for my visa?

You can typically apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date, and no later than 15 working days before you plan to depart.

Can I work in France with a tourist visa?

No, a standard tourist visa is strictly for leisure, family visits, or short-term study. You must apply for a specific work permit to engage in employment.

Can I leave and re-enter France on this visa?

This depends on whether you were issued a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Check your visa sticker for the 'Number of Entries' section.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

While travel insurance is mandatory, it must specifically cover the entire Schengen Area with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.

Why is it so hard to get an appointment?

France is one of the world's most popular destinations, and appointment slots fill up quickly. We recommend booking your slot as soon as you have your flight itinerary.

What happens if my visa is rejected?

If your visa is refused, you will receive a notification letter outlining the reasons. You have the right to appeal or re-apply after addressing the concerns raised.

What is proof of private accommodation?

The 'Attestation d’accueil' is an official document required if you are staying with friends or family in France, which your host must obtain from their local town hall (Mairie).

visa type country

tourist visa

France Tourist Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

France remains the world's top travel destination, offering everything from the iconic landmarks of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux and the glamour of the French Riviera. For many international travellers, accessing these experiences requires a French Schengen Visa (Type C). This visa allows for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days for the purposes of tourism, holidays, or visiting family and friends. Applying for a French visa involves a structured process that starts with an online application and concludes with an in-person appointment for biometric data collection. Because France is part of the Schengen Agreement, a visa issued by French authorities generally permits free movement across all member states, provided France is either your primary destination or your first point of entry into Europe. Please note that visa policies are subject to change based on diplomatic updates and individual nationality requirements. It is essential to verify current regulations with the official French embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction before submitting your application.

Key highlights

Standard Schengen (Type C) visa for tourism and family visits
Allows travel across all 29 Schengen Area member countries
Valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Online application portal through the France-Visas platform
Requires biometric data collection at an authorized centre
Mandatory travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000
Processing typically occurs within 15 calendar days

Processing time

15 - 30 working days

Processing times may increase during peak summer (May-July) and winter holiday seasons. Certain nationalities may require additional security clearance.

Estimated cost

~$130 - $150

Schengen Visa Fee (Adults)€90 (approx. $98)
Schengen Visa Fee (Children 6-12)€45 (approx. $49)
VFS/TLS Service Provider Fee$30 - $50

Requirements

Applicant must be a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-waiver agreement.
Passport must have at least two blank pages and be less than 10 years old.
Primary purpose of travel must be tourism or private visit.
Demonstrated financial means to support the stay (approx. €65-€120 per day).
Proof of socio-economic ties to the home country (job, property, or family).
Clean criminal record and no prior Schengen overstays.
Detailed day-to-day travel itinerary within France.
Confirmed return travel arrangements (flight tickets or booking).
Confirmed accommodation for the entire duration of the trip.

Documents you'll need

Passport valid for 3 months beyond intended stay
Two recent passport-sized photographs (Schengen spec)
Fully completed and signed France-Visas application form
Round-trip flight reservations or detailed itinerary
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or 'Attestation d’accueil')
Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum)
Original bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months
Proof of employment (No Objection Certificate) or student status

How to apply, step by step

1
Complete the Online Application
Visit the official France-Visas website to create an account and complete the online application form. Save your registration receipt.
2
Schedule an Appointment
Identify the official service provider (such as VFS Global or TLScontact) in your region and book an appointment for biometrics.
3
Prepare Your Document Dossier
Gather all required documents, including your passport, financial statements, and insurance. Ensure everything is translated into English or French if required.
4
Attend the Biometric Enrolment
Attend your appointment to submit your documents, scan your fingerprints, and have your photo taken.
5
Pay the Application Fees
Pay the visa fee and the service provider’s processing fee during your appointment. Most centres accept card or cash.
6
Wait for Processing
Your application is sent to the French Consulate or Embassy. You can typically track the progress of your application online.
7
Passport Collection
Once a decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport or have it delivered via courier. Check the visa sticker for accuracy.

Tips to avoid refusal

Always provide bank statements that show a consistent history, not just a large recent deposit.
Ensure your travel insurance specifically mentions 'Schengen Area' coverage, not just 'France'.
Double-check that your flight itinerary matches the dates on your accommodation bookings.
If staying with family, obtain the 'Attestation d’accueil' well in advance as it can take weeks to issue.
Keep your covers and plastic sleeves off your passport; submit it clean to the consulate.
Be honest about your travel history; previous Schengen visas increase your chances of approval.

Frequently asked questions

Related visa guides

France Visa Guide — Every Visa Type Explained France Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time France Digital Nomad Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time France Embassy & Consulate Guide France Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time Visa Requirements for Nigerians Travelling to France France Work Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time France Student Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

Browse all visa guides

Get notified when these visa rules change

Free rule-change alerts for this route. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.

Check your eligibility Explore visa data