This is an independent guide, not an official government website. Visa rules change often; always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before you apply or book.
France visa for Indian passport holders
Visa required
- Stay allowed
- 90 days
- Fee
- ₹10,500EUR 90 · Children 6–11: EUR 45. Children under 6: free. VFS service charge is extra and paid separately. Fee is not refunded if the visa is refused.
- Processing
- 4–8 weeks
- Validity
- 120 Days
Travel insurance is mandatory: Minimum cover EUR 30,000, valid in all Schengen countries, covering medical care and return to India for medical reasons.
Last verified .
Indians need a visa for France, applied for in advance through the embassy or its official visa centre; processing usually takes 4–8 weeks.
Something different about is that Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to call France as tourists. To break this down, the visa allows you to stay for Up To 90 Days over a 180-Day period and travel to other Schengen countries, as long as France is your main destination or your First entry point. When things get tricky, the visa fee is €90 for adults (About €8100), €45 for children aged 6 To 11 and free for children Under 6 Years. VFS Global commissions free are separate. One advantage of this is that travel policy with minimal €30,000 coverage is mandatory, without making it overly complicated. Simply put, the handling usually lives About 15 Days, but can last Up To 45 Days in busy seasons, so apply 4 To 8 Weeks before the trip.
The process clearly indicate that the easy if you follow the steps in order. Fill out the online form on the official France-Visas website, then book a biometric appointment on the VFS Global India website. Visit The VFS Centre with your original passport, photos, policy, flight and hotel engagements, bank statements and work or business documents. You’ll notice that pay the visa fee and give your fingerprints. What makes this valuable is that observe your covering online and collect your passport when it is ready, without making it overly complicated. Apply only for France-Visas and VFS Global, because agents often charge extra for the same service.
How to apply for a France visa from India
- Check that your passport is valid and has 2 blank pages
- Create an account and fill the online form on France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr)
- Print the form, sign it and keep the confirmation
- Book your insurance and flight and hotel reservations (use refundable bookings)
- Book a biometric appointment on the VFS Global India website
- Pay the VFS service charge when you book
- Go to the VFS centre with your original passport and documents on your appointment date
- Give your fingerprints and photo (not needed again for 59 months if you applied recently)
- Pay the EUR 90 visa fee at the centre
- Track your application with the VFS reference number
- Collect your passport and check the visa dates, entries and name
Entry requirements for France
- Passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
- Passport must have at least 2 blank pages
- Schengen visa valid for your whole stay
- Return flight ticket (reservation is accepted at the application stage)
- Hotel bookings or an invitation letter for the whole stay
- Travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000
- Proof you can pay for the trip
- Be ready to explain the purpose of your trip at the border
- France must be your main destination (where you spend the most nights) or your first entry point
France visa document checklist
Choose your profile to see exactly what to carry. Tick items as you collect them, then print or save as PDF.
Embassies can ask for more documents. Always match this list with the official checklist before you apply.
Before you fly
Travel insurance is mandatory for this visa. Minimum cover EUR 30,000, valid in all Schengen countries, covering medical care and return to India for medical reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for France?
Indians need a visa for France, applied for in advance through the embassy or its official visa centre; processing usually takes 4–8 weeks.
How much is the France visa fee for Indians?
The total cost is about ₹10,500 per person (official fee EUR 90). Children 6–11: EUR 45. Children under 6: free. VFS service charge is extra and paid separately. Fee is not refunded if the visa is refused..
How long does a France visa take for Indians?
Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks. Apply well before your travel date, especially in peak season.
How long can Indians stay in France?
Up to 90 days (120 Days).
Is travel insurance mandatory for France?
Yes. Minimum cover EUR 30,000, valid in all Schengen countries, covering medical care and return to India for medical reasons..
Where do Indians apply for a France visa?
Apply only on the official website (France-Visas (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs)). Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra fees.
Do Indians need a visa for France?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa for tourism.
Can I visit other European countries with a France visa?
Yes, all Schengen countries, but France must be your main destination or first entry point.
How early can I apply?
Up to 6 months before travel, and no later than 15 days before. Apply 4–8 weeks ahead to be safe.
Can I extend my stay in France?
No. A short-stay visa cannot be extended from inside France.
Is a flight and hotel booking needed before the visa?
You need reservations. Choose refundable bookings in case of refusal.
What if my visa is refused?
The fee is not refunded. You can fix the reason and apply again, or appeal in writing.
Do I need an airport transit visa for France?
No. France removed this requirement for Indians from 10 April 2026.
Which sites are safe to apply on?
Only France-Visas and VFS Global India. Agents may charge extra for the same service.
Recent changes
- Page drafted for Indian tourists. Fee EUR 90. Airport transit visa no longer required.