Guide to France Visa Information, E-Visa Requirements, Application and Fees
Paris remains the most popular tourist destination in the world. However, if you want to travel and experience this fascinating city it is advisable to apply for a visa in advance for a stress-free travel experience.
Many people are not familiar with the visa application process and therefore find it difficult to obtain. Fortunately, France has recently come up with an E-Visa system that has helped make Paris easily accessible. Thus, applying for a visa has become a very simple process; all you need to do is fill out an online application form and submit it, and then, if qualified, you do not have to visit the embassy or consulate.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to France?
France belongs to the Schengen area of the EU where states have agreed on their requirements for visas towards nationals from third countries. Each state can impose its own regulations regarding the documents required by citizens from different countries. French territory is divided legally into French European Territory and French Overseas Departments/Regions.
French Overseas Territories are those where visas apply outside the Schengen zone. French Guiana is divided into French Guiana Departments, Guadeloupe Region, Mayotte, and Reunion. French Overseas Territories include French Polynesia and New Caledonia. The European part of France is the only part which belongs to Schengen.
Types of Visa in France
Visas are required for travel to France depending on the nationality of the applicant. Before departing, all visas must first be obtained at the French Embassy or Consulate nearest to the applicant’s home country. You will need a visa depending on your purpose and duration of stay in France.
- Stays of 90 days or less
You'll need to apply for a short-stay visa.
The regulations and types of visas differ depending on the French territory that you intend to visit.
The Schengen Area is the only area where France issues a Uniform Schengen Visa.
France issues a national short-stay visa for non-European territories (French overseas territories).
You may need to apply for the Schengen Visa "A" for airport transit if you plan to travel through a French airport, but not leave the "international zone".
- Stays longer than 90 Days
You'll need to apply for a national long-stay visa.
The regulations and types of visas differ depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in France or its non-European territories.
Code governing entry and stay for foreign nationals, and the right to asylum can be consulted in French to check the regulations applicable to long-stay Visas.
Who Needs a France E-Visa?
The Paris E-Visa is aimed at people from certain countries who would like to enter France for tourism, business or to visit relatives for up to 90 days. Knowing what is acceptable is one half of the battle towards an easygoing voyage to Paris.
1. Eligible Nationalities
The Paris E-Visa is open for citizens from countries that France has dealt with in terms of e-visas. These typically include:
- Non-European Union Countries: Some of the countries that are otherwise not eligible for visa-free travel to France.
- Schengen Zone Agreements: The countries that are allowed short-term entry and have signed the Schengen regulations.
In order to be sure that your country is qualified for the electronic visa, please, visit the official website of the French government’s E-Visa or you can also ask the nearest embassy.
2. Purpose of Travel
Travelers intending to apply for a Paris E-Visa must fall into one of the following categories:
- Tourists: Popular attractions in Paris: learning about the landmarks and main attractions of the capital of France.
- Business Travelers: Communicating with other professionals in a conference, business meeting, or any professional gathering.
- Family Visitors: Going to visit a relative of a friend who lives in France.
- Students: Temporary courses or programs that can be studied alongside other regular programs.
3. Duration of Stay
The E-Visa permits a stay of up to 90 days during any 180-day period. You need to check the allowed time period while applying since exceeding the limits may cause penalties or even a ban.
4. Visa Exemptions
People who are from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter this country. Some nationalities may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within 6 months, according to Schengen agreements.
E-Visa Requirements for Paris
If you want to be approved to get a Paris E-Visa, you have to collect all the needed papers. Completing and submitting documents required in your case will simplify the procedure and increase the likelihood that it will be completed without problems.
1. Passport
- A passport is an invalid condition and should stay valid for at least six months from the date of entry into France.
- At least two more empty pages for visas to be stamped on.
- A clear scan or photocopy of the bio-data page of the current international passport with the traveller’s name, photo, and passport number.
2. Recent Photograph
- 2 Passport sized photos preferably 35mm x 45mm.
- Taken against a white background without any shadows.
- The facial features of the applicant have to be easily identified, and no headgear is allowed (unless for religious purposes).
3. Proof of Accommodation
- A confirmed booking in a hotel in Paris or a letter of invitation from a host in that city.
- If you will be accommodated with friends or relatives, you must present a photocopy of your identity card or valid residence permit in France.
4. Travel Itinerary
- The travel plan with your travel dates of arrival and also the dates of your departure.
- Proof of onward journey; a valid returning ticket or ticket to another country to which the traveler will proceed.
5. Financial Proof
- Original Current/ valid Bank statements for the last three months to evidence adequate funds to support your intended stay.
- Details of credit card or traveler’s checks may also be taken.
6. Travel Insurance
- A travel insurance policy medical emergency, and evacuation with a minimum cover of €30,000.
- Make sure the insurance is for all Schengen Zone countries not only for France.
7. Other Papers (can be requested)
For business travelers:
- French company letter of invitation.
- Copy of a business registration document, an employment letter, etc.
For students:
The student documents that must be submitted include: Proof of enrollment in a course or program in France.
Paris E-Visa Application Step-by-Step
Getting a Paris E-Visa is a simple procedure when you follow the instructions highlighted below. Here's how you can complete your application from start to finish:
Step 1: Make an Online Application
1. Visit the Online E-Visa Portal
2. Create an Account
3. Fill Out the Application Form
4. Upload Required Documents
5. Pay the Visa Fee
Step 2: Book an Appointment Date
You can make an appointment at the Visa Application Centre
You should schedule your appointment at least two weeks before you depart.
You can submit your application up to six months or two weeks before your departure date if you're applying for a visa for a long-term stay, and three months to two weeks prior for a visa for a short-term stay.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Ensure that all the details on the submitted documents are correct.
Fill out the application and keep the reference number for future use.
Step 4: Track Your Application
Use a portal to see the status of your application after applying.
The time of processing will take from 7 to 15 working days depending on the application and nationality.
Step 5: Receive Your E-Visa
Upon confirmation of your application, the E-Visa will be sent to the email address you provided at the time of application.
Bring a hard copy of your E-Visa and ensure that you have it with you all the time you are on the move. There are airlines that might ask you to present a printed copy at the moment of check-in.
Visa Processing Time & Fees for a Paris E-Visa
Knowing when one can get a Paris E-Visa and the time it will take together with the cost makes it easier to plan your trip. Here is an idea of what to expect.
- Standard Processing: Over 90% of the applications take between seven and fifteen working days to be processed from the time they are submitted.
- Expedited Processing: Some travelers may be able to pay an extra amount to request for a shorter time of processing which may take 3-5 working days.
- Peak Seasons: This is especially true during holidays or any high travel seasons, so it is well advised to apply at least thirty days before your intended travel date.
Paris, France Visa Fees
The cost of a Paris E-Visa depends on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Below is a general breakdown:
Short-Stay Visa (Tourism, Business, Family Visits):Differs from one country to another but it does not exceed €40
Lower price for kids up to 12 years old.
Additional Costs:
Fees are charged for the services of the application for online portals or centers for visas if any.
Express processing fees (depends on the service’s provider).
Refund Policy
Application fees for a visa are not refundable and you are subjected to pay it regardless of whether your visa application is declined.
Be careful not to make mistakes that many students make while completing their papers, this will cause rejection of the paper.
Tips to Avoid Delays
It is preferred to apply early so that you can give enough time to consider your application.
Make sure to check all needed documents are legible, expressive, and comprehensive; and have the right format.
Provide quick response to any other information that might be required by the visa authorities.