Tourist visa to France
1. How to book an appointment?
In order to book an appointment for a French tourist visa, the process is simple and hassle-free. You can book online through the internet, via a toll-free number or by visiting the embassy or visa application center in your city. In short, the process is smooth and transparent and takes few minutes to complete.
2. What is the fee for France’s tourist visa? (French tourist visa cost)
Fees for the France tourist visa vary for different categories and if a person were staying for a shorter period then the visa fees would be 60 Euros or Rs 4500 per person. If it were a long-stay visa then the fees would be 100 Euros or Rs 7600 per person. Fees for French overseas departments and territories also vary from the above.
3. How should I pay the visa fee?
You can pay the visa fee prior to your interview on the day of your appointment, at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center. The embassy or visa application center accepts fees in euros or the local currency, after applying the necessary exchange rate.
4. Where can I submit the application?
You can submit the application in person at the embassy, consulate or the visa application center after booking the time slot for the same.
5. What documents should I carry on the day of the appointment?
You are should carry the following documents with you on the day of the appointment:
French tourist visa Application Form duly filled and signed – It is necessary that you fill-up the right form, and the information provided therein is accurate and correct.
Two passport size photographs – Take with you two photos of yours no older than three months.
Your valid and Existing passport – This is the most important document you should carry with you on the day of the appointment. It should not be older than 10 years and must be valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your stay in France. Keep two blank pages reserved for visa and visa sticker always.
Older passport with visa stamp – You should also carry with you, your older passport bearing the visa stamp of either France or any other country in order to submit it with the application form to make your case stronger.
Police Certificate – Get a certificate issued by police commissioner office of your home country certifying that you do not have any criminal record currently or had previously and you are a law-abiding citizen.
Proof of paid visa fee – Carry the visa fee receipt with you to show proof of payment
Your travel schedule in France – Submit this piece of information along with your form to show that you are genuinely traveling to France. This document should show your arrival date and time in France and your schedule within France and your date and time of departure from France.
Proof of accommodation in France – Submit the hotel booking document or a letter of support from your friend or relative with the address and phone number of the dwelling unit where you will be staying.
Proof of living costs – Proof of cash on hand at the time of your stay in France. This can be your bank statement not older than 3 months or a letter of sponsorship from your family members.
6. What are the important things to follow when going on the day of the appointment?
On the day of the appointment, you should reach the embassy, consulate or visa application center in time and well in advance. Any delay in getting there would result in cancellation of your appointment or rescheduling of your appointment to some other date, which could increase your waiting time depending upon the traffic they receive.
Make sure you dress in comfortable clothes preferably formals. Keep all the documents in order and submit them in a file. The interview lasts for a few minutes and you are likely to be asked questions related to your trip to France and your itinerary.
7. How to cancel a French tourist visa appointment?
A French tourist visa appointment can be canceled either online, via a toll-free number, by visiting the visa office or application center in person. Make sure you cancel your appointment in advance in order to avoid cancellation fees for your visa.
8. How long does France tourist visa take?
A France tourist visa takes approximately two weeks to process. Under exceptional circumstances, they make take a bit longer due to consular delays beyond their control.
9. How long is my France tourist visa valid?
A French tourist visa is valid for 3 months or in some cases, they may issue it for 6 months also depending upon circumstances. It primarily depends upon the particular French embassy or consulate who issues this visa because they may issue a tourist visa for even a few days or few weeks or you may even get a multiple entry visa for a certain period.
10. What if I have to travel to other countries besides France?
In such a case, you will have to apply for a Schengen visa for that particular country you want to visit if that country is in the Schengen area. If that country is in Europe then a Schengen visa applies or else you can obtain the visa of that particular country you want to visit by approaching the embassy or consulate of that particular country.
11. Is French tourist visa valid for Spain?
It is valid only when you apply for a Schengen visa. Your visa should mention the acronym ‘Es’ in order to enable you to visit Spain.
12. Can I visit other European countries with the same visa?
In that case, your Schengen visa should mention the Schengen States with the acronym of the country you want to visit. This means that you can visit other European countries with the same visa if that particular European country is in the Schengen area.
13. What things should you keep in mind for traveling with a France Tourist Visa for a pleasant tour?
Take the necessary clothing with you depending on the weather pattern in France.
Keep a reasonable amount of cash with you for emergencies.
Take a tour map of places you want to visit so that you save time and energy in searching while you are in France.
Hire a bicycle to travel around cities and historic places so that you can see them in detail and spend a longer time at each site.
Try to savor local French delicacies and avoid eating too much of junk food to prevent health hazards.
14. How to renew the France tourist visa?
A French tourist visa can be renewed by booking an appointment for the same with the embassy, consulate or a visa application center in advance. If you are in France or any other European country at the time of your visa renewal try to get in touch with the visa office in that particular country where you are currently stationed.