Do Indian passport holders need a visa for France?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa (Type C) to visit France. France is a member of the Schengen Area, a zone of 27 European countries that share a common visa policy. A France Schengen visa allows you to enter France as your primary destination and also travel freely to other Schengen countries during the same trip, a major advantage for those planning a European tour.
France is the world’s most visited country, drawing Indian travellers to Paris, the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, and beyond. Applications are processed through the French Embassy or Consulate in India, with VFS Global operating application centres across major Indian cities.
How to Apply
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Determine your primary destination: If France is your main destination or port of first entry in the Schengen Area, you apply for a France Schengen visa. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply through the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time.
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Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global France visa application centre in your city (available in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and others).
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Complete the application form: Fill in the official Schengen visa application form in English or French. Print and sign it before your appointment.
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Attend your appointment: Attend in person at the VAC to submit documents, have your biometrics recorded (fingerprints and photograph), and pay the application fee.
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Track and wait: Processing takes up to 15 working days for a standard application. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
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Collect your passport: Collect your passport from the VAC or opt for courier delivery.
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond return date; at least 2 blank pages)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm × 45mm, white background)
- Travel insurance: minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen countries for the full trip duration (mandatory)
- Round-trip flight bookings
- Hotel/accommodation bookings for all nights
- Bank statements (last 3 months showing minimum balance of approx. ₹50,000 per week of travel)
- Income tax returns (last 2 years)
- Employment proof: leave approval letter, salary slips, or business registration documents
- Ties to India: employment contract, property documents
Costs & Fees
- Schengen visa fee: €80 (~₹7,200) per adult
- Children aged 6–11: €40 (~₹3,600)
- Children under 6: Free
- VFS Global service fee: ~₹1,900
- Travel insurance: ~₹1,500–₹3,500 for a 10-day policy
Total estimated cost per adult: approximately ₹11,000–₹13,000.
Tips
- Travel insurance is mandatory: This is not optional for a Schengen visa. Ensure your policy explicitly states €30,000 coverage and includes emergency medical evacuation.
- Book refundable flights: Apply before booking non-refundable tickets, or book refundable/flexible fares until your visa is confirmed.
- Show day-by-day itinerary: A detailed travel plan with hotel bookings for each night demonstrates clear intent and helps the visa officer assess your application.
- Apply through the main destination: If you are spending 5 nights in France and 3 nights in Italy, apply through France. If it is equal, apply through the country of first entry.
- Schengen rule: 90/180: Remember that the 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Plan accordingly.