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France visit visa: Schengen tourist, business, and family
A France visit visa is the Schengen short stay visa that lets Indian travellers enter France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It covers tourism, business, visiting family or friends, and medical treatment, and lets you travel across the Schengen area. It does not allow work without authorisation or long study. A border officer decides entry.
90 days in 180 stay
France-Visas online
Data current as of June 2026
What the France visit visa covers
A France visit visa, the Schengen short stay visa, lets Indian travellers come to France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. One visa type covers many purposes.
It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, business and trade fairs, and medical treatment. Because France is in the Schengen area, the same visa lets you travel across all the Schengen countries, so the key is showing your real purpose and that you will return to India.
The visit visa does not allow general paid employment without a separate work authorisation, or a long study program, which needs a national visa. Travel medical insurance of at least 30,000 EUR is mandatory. This page is a full guide: the options, the costs, the documents, the France-Visas and biometrics steps, what to do before you fly, and what to do once you arrive.
The 90 in 180 rule at a glance
The short stay visa works on a rolling rule: in any 180-day window you can spend up to 90 days across the whole Schengen area. The diagram shows how the window moves with you.
The visit visa purposes explained
The Schengen short stay visa serves several purposes. Here is what each one means and what the consulate expects to see.
Tourist visit
A tourist visit is for holidays, sightseeing, and short personal travel, such as visiting Paris, Nice, Lyon, and the French Riviera, with onward trips to other Schengen countries. Show funds for the trip, a day-by-day itinerary, accommodation, insurance, and strong ties to India so the officer is satisfied you will return.
Business visit
A business visit is for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and short business activities. You can travel for business but generally cannot take up paid employment in France without a separate work authorisation. A company invitation and a meeting schedule strengthen the file, along with proof of your ties to India.
Family and friends visit
This is a common reason. You visit relatives or friends who live in France, usually with an attestation d’accueil, the official accommodation certificate your host obtains from their town hall. You also show your ties to India and a plan to return. The attestation supports your file but does not by itself guarantee approval.
Medical treatment
A medical visit is for treatment at a French hospital or clinic. Show an appointment confirmation from the French facility, an estimate of the cost, proof you can pay, and your plan to return home. A doctor’s letter from India explaining the condition helps the officer understand the visit.
Child or dependant
A child or dependant applies for their own Schengen short stay visa, often with a parent. Include a birth certificate, an application signed by both parents, and a consent letter where a minor travels with one parent or alone. Children under 6 are free and children 6 to 11 pay a reduced fee.
Not sure which purpose fits your trip?
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France short-stay visa options compared
Most short visits use the same Schengen short stay visa for different purposes. This table compares the main options for Indian travellers.
| Option | Who it is for | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visit visa | Holidays, sightseeing, travel | 90 days in 180 |
| Business visit visa | Meetings, conferences, trade fairs | 90 days in 180 |
| Family or friends visit | Visiting relatives or friends | 90 days in 180 |
| Medical visit visa | Treatment at a French facility | As approved |
| Child or dependant | Children travelling with family | 90 days in 180 |
| Schengen travel | Onward to 29 Schengen countries | Within the 90 days |
Source: France-Visas and French consular guidance, current for 2026. The tourist, business, family, medical, and child or dependant routes all use the Schengen short stay visa, which also allows travel across the Schengen area. The 90 days in any 180-day period is shared across all Schengen countries. Rules can change.
For most travellers one Schengen visa serves several purposes and many countries, so the key is showing your genuine reason and your funds. We match you to the right option.
How much money you must show
France publishes daily reference amounts that change with your accommodation type. The card in the middle is the most common case for Indian visitors.
per day
Hosted, with attestation
If you stay with a host who has a validated attestation d’accueil.
per day
Hotel booking
If you have a confirmed hotel booking for your stay. The common case.
per day
No accommodation proof
If you cannot show pre-booked accommodation for your stay.
Source: France published daily subsistence reference amounts, current for 2026. These are reference figures, and consulates assess the overall coherence of your file, so show funds that comfortably exceed the minimum, with three to six months of bank statements and tax returns. Avoid large unexplained deposits just before applying. Amounts can change, so confirm before you apply.
For a clear example, a 10-day hotel stay at the 65 EUR reference works out to about 650 EUR plus your travel costs. We help you present funds that match your itinerary and accommodation.
Not sure how much to show?
Get a free assessment and we will calculate the funds for your trip type and prepare your statements.
Documents you need for a France visit visa
A complete, consistent file is the single biggest factor you control. This table shows the core documents and the extras for each purpose.
| Document | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport and photos | All applicants | Two blank pages, two biometric photos |
| France-Visas form | All applicants | Completed online, printed and signed |
| Travel insurance | All applicants | Min 30,000 EUR, all Schengen, whole trip |
| Funds and itinerary | All applicants | Per the daily reference, round-trip and stay |
| Attestation or invitation | Family and business visits | Attestation d’accueil, or company letter |
| Birth certificate, consent | Child or dependant | Both parents sign; consent where needed |
Source: France-Visas and visa centre checklist guidance, current for 2026. Bring originals plus a photocopy of each, and a certified translation for anything not in English or French. Hotel bookings or an attestation d’accueil must cover your stay. Requirements vary by case. Confirm the current checklist before you apply.
Strong, consistent documents that match your itinerary are what officers reward. We build and review your full file so it tells a clear, genuine story of your visit.
Want your documents checked before you apply?
Get a free assessment and we will review your file and France-Visas form for gaps that lead to refusals.
France visit visa fees
Government fees for a France visit visa are set under Schengen rules and paid at the visa centre. The table shows the main charges to plan for.
| Charge | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa fee, adult | EUR 90 | Non-refundable, even if refused |
| Child 6 to 11 | EUR 45 | Reduced fee; under 6 are free |
| Travel insurance | From about EUR 30 | Min 30,000 EUR cover, mandatory |
| Service charge | Varies | VFS, TLScontact, or Capago service fee |
| Other costs | Varies | Photos, courier, translations |
Source: France-Visas and visa centre fee guidance, current for 2026. The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children 6 to 11, with under 6 free, all non-refundable. Travel insurance, the service charge, courier, and translations are extra and vary. Charges can change, so confirm current amounts before you apply.
Budget for the visa fee, the service charge, and mandatory Schengen insurance for your trip. We give you a clear, current cost picture before you apply.
What to do before you travel to France
A smooth trip starts before you fly. Get your documents, money, and plans in order so the border officer sees a genuine, well-prepared visitor.
Check passport and visa
Make sure your passport is valid for your trip and your visa sticker is correct, and carry both when you fly.
Confirm Schengen insurance
Check your travel medical insurance covers at least 30,000 EUR across all Schengen countries for your whole trip.
Prepare a document folder
Carry your itinerary, funds proof, accommodation, attestation or invitation, and return ticket for the officer.
Track your Schengen days
Plan your trips so all your time in the Schengen area stays within 90 days in any 180-day period.
Know customs rules
Declare cash over the limit and restricted goods at the border, and do not carry anything that breaks the rules.
Carry printed copies
Keep printed copies of your visa, bookings, and insurance, since the officer may ask to see them at entry.
Want a pre-travel checklist for France?
Get a free assessment and we will prepare your documents and a clear plan before you fly.
The France visit visa application process
You apply online on France-Visas, then submit your passport and biometrics at a visa centre. This table explains the key steps so nothing is missed.
| Step | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check on France-Visas | Use the official wizard | Confirms your visa type and documents |
| Complete the application | Form on France-Visas | Print the receipt with the barcode |
| Buy Schengen insurance | Min 30,000 EUR cover | Mandatory before you submit |
| Book an appointment | VFS, TLScontact, or Capago | Slots fill in peak season |
| Submit and give biometrics | Fingerprints, photo, fee | In person; processing starts after this |
| Collect your passport | Visa sticker if approved | Track online, collect or courier |
Source: France-Visas and consular guidance, current for 2026. Steps and fees are set under Schengen rules and can change, and processing usually takes about 15 calendar days, longer in busy periods. A visa does not guarantee entry, since a border officer decides at arrival. Confirm current details before you apply.
Good preparation is everything here. We help you complete France-Visas, prepare your insurance, funds, and itinerary, and guide the visa centre step so each part lines up before you travel.
Worried about France-Visas or the documents?
We prepare your application, insurance, and file, then guide the visa centre submission so nothing slips.
France visit visa dos and donts
Small mistakes cause many refusals. These dos and donts keep your application honest and strong.
Do the right things
- Show genuine funds for your accommodation type.
- Buy Schengen insurance of at least 30,000 EUR.
- Prove strong ties to India, such as a job, family, or property.
- Give a clear day-by-day itinerary that matches bookings.
- Complete the France-Visas form honestly and apply early.
- Respect the 90 days in any 180-day period rule.
Do not do these
- Do not work in France without authorisation.
- Do not overstay the 90 in 180 limit.
- Do not give false information or fake bookings.
- Do not hide a past visa refusal from any country.
- Do not make large unexplained deposits before applying.
- Do not travel without valid Schengen insurance.
Source: France-Visas and Schengen guidance, current for 2026. False information or overstaying can lead to refusal and a ban across all Schengen countries. Rules can change, so confirm current details. Following them protects your record.
What to do once you are in France
A visit visa lets you do more than sightsee, within clear limits. Here is what you can and cannot do as a visitor.
You can
- Travel, sightsee, and visit family and friends.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and trade fairs.
- Take a short training of up to 90 days.
- Get medical treatment you have arranged.
- Travel onward to other Schengen countries.
- Stay within 90 days in any 180-day period.
You cannot
- Take up paid employment without authorisation.
- Study a long or degree program.
- Stay beyond your 90 in 180 limit.
- Use the visa as a residence permit.
- Treat the visa as permission to settle.
At the border, an officer asks about your visit and checks your documents, so keep them ready. Track your time so your total stay across all Schengen countries stays within the 90 in 180 rule.
Source: France-Visas and Schengen guidance, current for 2026. The 90 days in any 180-day period applies across the whole Schengen area. Activities must match your visa, and some events and short assignments have specific exemptions. Rules can change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
Plans changing while in France?
Get a free assessment and we will explain your options and the right national visa for a longer stay.
How long you can stay and entry types
A Schengen short stay is limited and shared across the whole area. This table explains the stay, entry types, and multiple-entry options for frequent travellers.
| Item | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 90 days in 180 | Shared across all Schengen countries |
| Entry type | Single or multiple | All trips combined stay within 90 days |
| Validity | Set by the consulate | Often the trip dates plus a buffer |
| Frequent travellers | Longer multiple entry | Sometimes 1 to 5 years for clean history |
| Extension | Rare cases only | Serious illness or force majeure |
Source: France-Visas and Schengen guidance, current for 2026. The 90 days in any 180-day period is calculated across the whole Schengen area, not just France. Applicants with clean recent travel may receive a longer multiple-entry visa, assessed by the consulate and not guaranteed. Extensions are rare. Rules can change.
The short stay visa is for short visits, not for settling. If you want to work, study long term, or stay longer, a national visa is needed. We explain the entry options and the right path for your plans.
What officers look for, and refusal reasons
A France visit visa is approved when you show a genuine short visit, enough funds, valid insurance, and strong ties to India. Knowing what the consulate checks helps you prepare.
Common refusal reasons include weak or inconsistent proof of funds, missing or short insurance, an unclear purpose or itinerary, gaps in accommodation, unclear ties to India, false documents, or already having used 90 days in the current 180-day period. Concerns that you may not leave on time also matter. Many cases can be reapplied with a stronger file.
A France visit visa is the Schengen short stay visa, applied for on France-Visas with biometrics at a visa centre, costing EUR 90 for adults. It needs travel insurance of at least 30,000 EUR and funds per France’s daily reference, covers tourism, business, family, medical, and child or dependant travel, and allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. It does not allow work without authorisation or long study.
Factual overview, verified against France-Visas and French consular guidance, current for 2026. Fees, stay periods, and rules are set under Schengen rules and can change at any time. A visa does not guarantee entry.
Meeting the criteria improves your chances, but the final decision rests with the consulate and the border officer. We give you a realistic view and help you build the strongest possible application.
Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about your France visit visa
Our immigration experts guide Indian applicants through every France visit visa, from tourist, business, and family visits to medical, child, and dependant applications, including the France-Visas form, fees, Schengen insurance, and documents. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free assessment today.