The Complete Overview of France Visas

If you're planning a trip to France, there are several things you need to do. Whether you're going to be strolling through the streets of Paris on vacation or visiting to study, work, or do something else, understanding the visa process is important.

Not everyone who travels to France needs a visa. In fact, it depends on a few different factors that we are going to dive into in this guide.

This overview of France visas (which is a Schengen visa; we will talk about that too) will help you:

• Understand whether or not you need a visa
• Help you easily navigate the process

Allez-y !

Do I need a visa to go to France?

Millions of people travel to France every single year. In most cases, these travelers need a visa. Whether or not you need one, though, depends on your country of nationality and purpose or length of stay.

If you’re from India, China, or another country without a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen area, you need a visa to enter France.

On the other hand, if you’re from a country that has a visa waiver agreement, you do not need a visa to visit France as long as your trip is for leisure/tourism and does not exceed 90 days in length (except in specific cases).

Do US citizens need a visa for France?

Typically, no. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in France – up to 90 days within a 180-day period – for tourism, business, or family visits. If your stay exceeds this, or if you plan to work or study, you’ll need a visa for France.

Who else doesn’t need a visa to visit France?

In addition to the US, other countries with visa-waiver agreements, such as Canada, Australia, and the UK can enjoy trips to France, but the same rule applies. They can only stay in France without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Citizens of EU, EEA, and Schengen zone countries do not require a visa for France.

How do I apply for a visa for France?

The visa application process for France depends on the length and purpose of your visit but begins online through an official site called France-visas. Once you’ve identified the specific visa you need (in most cases, it's a Type C Schengen visa), you can gather the required documents and submit your application to a French embassy, mainly through the help of a visa processor (such as TLScontact).

Can I apply for a France visa online?

Not entirely, but the process does begin online. You’ll need to start the process through the online site France-visas. For some visas, you may be able to submit some of your documents through this platform as well. With that being said, every applicant will still need to schedule and attend an in-person appointment.

In the coming years, travelers will be able to apply for a France visa online through a robust new European platform called EU VAP. Even so, part of the process will still require an in-person appointment.

Is it difficult to get a visa for France?

The process, while it may seem complex, has a fairly straightforward application. It’s recommended that travelers begin the visa application process months before their intended trip date, as processing times can vary greatly.

What is the rejection rate for France visas?

In 2023, 16.64% of French visa applications were denied. In general, visa applications are more likely to be rejected if they are incomplete or lack proof of financial stability. Additionally, rejection rates can also change depending on the specific type of visa you’re applying for, and more.

It is important to understand that rejection rates like this are global. This means that 16.64% of French visas were denied worldwide. A lesser known fact, different countries often have different rejection rates, meaning applications from one country may have lower acceptance rates than ones from another country.

This is why it's important to take this metric with a grain of salt as it doesn't accurately reflect each country.

How long does it take to process a visa application for France?

Schengen visas for France are typically processed within 15 days, but the process can take significantly longer, so always plan accordingly. Long stay visas may take longer.

France visa application requirements

What documents you will need to present depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. Whether you're visiting for vacation, business, or studies, ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork in advance will help you during the process. If you don’t have all of the required documents, your application will likely be denied.

So, which ones are required? In general, there are some basic documents that nearly all French visa applications require.

Here are the typical documents you’ll need to apply for a visa for France:

• A completed visa application form.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A valid passport (with at least 3 months of validity beyond your intended departure from the Schengen zone).
• Proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance.

• Proof of accommodation (such as an invitation from a resident or a hotel reservation).
• Evidence of financial means to support your stay.
• A Schengen flight itinerary (proof of an ongoing flight).

What are the specific visa requirements?

France visa requirements, short stay

If you require a visa for short stays in France (under 90 days), you’ll need to supply the standard documents listed above. In addition to those, you may need to submit additional documentation depending on the purpose of your trip (to study, work, etc.).

France business travel requirements (short-stay)

In addition to the standard documents, you’ll need to prove your relationship between your trip and professional activity. This is typically a request letter (an invitation from a French correspondent) that details the purpose of the trip, as well as the duration of the meeting, seminar, or conference you’ll be attending. Learn more here.

France study visa requirements

If you’re coming to France to study abroad, you’ll need the documents required above, as well as the following criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You already need to have chosen your area of study
• You need to have been accepted by a French educational institution

You may be required to submit additional documents, which you can learn about through France-visas.

Is there an interview when applying for a French visa?

Yes – the appointment for your application is your interview. At your in-person appointment, the visa officer will go over your application with you, making sure you have all of the necessary documents.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS to visit France?

Starting in 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to visit France. If you have a valid Schengen visa, you do not need to apply for ETIAS (it’s an either/or situation).

Who needs ETIAS to enter France?

Travelers from countries like the US, Canada, UK, and Australia will need to apply for ETIAS before visiting France for short stays from 2026 on. This is a simple, online process.

If you hold a Schengen/French visa or are a citizen an EU/Schengen country, you do not need ETIAS.

Is France part of the Schengen zone?

Yes, France is a member of the Schengen zone. A Schengen/French visa allows you to explore other Schengen countries, such as Italy, Spain, and Germany, for short stays.

Can I travel within the EU with a French visa?

No. A Schengen visa (which includes short-stay French visas) allows you to travel through any country in the Schengen area. Most of the countries in the EU are also members of the Schengen area, but not all of them.

FAQs: Visas for France