France is a member of the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, enabling free movement of people. A valid French visa allows you to travel to other Schengen Area countries without the need for additional visas.
If you’re planning to visit, work, study, or settle in France, you need to understand whether you need a visa, and the process of obtaining one. Whether you need a visa to travel to France depends on:
- Your nationality: Some countries have agreements with France and all Schengen countries that allow visa-free entry. You can check if your country is eligible for visa-free travel here.
- Your destination in France: Mainland France, French overseas territories, and collectivities may have different entry requirements.
Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering France or any other Schengen country.
France Visa Types
The type of visa you need depends on the length and purpose of your stay. Short-stay visas cover visits under 90 days, while long-stay visas are necessary for extended stays related to work, family, or education.
Here are the most popular types of French visas:
- Airport Transit Visa: If you need to pass through a French airport without entering the Schengen Area.
- Business Visa: To attend meetings, professional events, or conferences.
- Visitor Visa: To visit family or friends living in France.
- Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, vacations, or leisure travel.
- Family Reunification Visa. To join family members residing in France.
- Student Visa: To enroll in university or pursue long-term educational programs.
- Work Visa: To work in France under a formal job contract.
- Working Holiday Visa: For working holidays or other cultural exchange programs.
- Talent Passport: For professionals working in specialized roles such as research, technology, or arts.
Also read: Visa options for those who want to retire in France.
Difference Between a Schengen Visa and a French Long-Stay Visa
| Visa Type | Period of Stay | Purpose of Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Type C) | Up to 90 days | Tourism, business trips, short courses |
| French Long-Stay Visa (Type D) | More than 90 days | Work, study, family reunification |
Getting a France Visa
The application process
Applying for a French visa involves several steps, including choosing the right visa type, completing the application form, gathering required documents, and attending a consulate interview.
Learn more about the step-by-step France visa application process
The required documents
To apply for a French visa, you must provide specific documents such as a valid passport, proof of travel purpose, accommodation details, and travel insurance. Requirements vary based on the type of visa and the length of your stay.
Check the full list of France visa requirements
Visa Fees
Visa fees for France depend on the type of visa, your age, and your travel purpose. Short-stay Schengen visas cost €80 for adults, while long-stay visas typically cost €99. Some categories, like students or family members of EU citizens, may receive fee waivers.
See the detailed breakdown of France visa fees
Entry Requirements for France
Even with visa-free access, travelers must:
- Leave before the 90-day limit to avoid overstaying penalties.
- Not engage in prohibited activities, such as paid work without a work visa.
- Be prepared to show supporting documents at the border, such as:
- A return flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel reservation or host’s address).
- Proof of travel insurance.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the entire trip.
Failure to follow the rules can lead to fines, deportation, and future travel bans.
Visa Policy for French Overseas Territories and Departments
Traveling to France’s overseas territories involves different visa requirements depending on your nationality and destination. You may need a specific visa for French Overseas Departments and Territories (DROM/COM). Schengen visas are usually not valid unless explicitly mentioned.
However, some travelers, such as EU/EEA nationals, may not need a visa for short visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Get a French Visa?
Your French visa application will be processed within five to 20 working days.
Whereas, if you have applied for a France long-stay visa, you will get a reply for 15 to 20 days, or up to 2 months in some specific cases.
If you apply for a short-stay visa to visit the French Overseas territories and collectivities, then the processing time is 5 working days to 3 weeks. On the other hand, long-stay visas to these places could get up to 2 months to be processed.
Do I Need a Separate Visa to Travel to Monaco?
No, Monaco is part of the Schengen Area, so a valid French Schengen visa allows entry into Monaco. However, you must follow the same rules as for France regarding the duration of stay and permitted activities.
What Happens If I Overstay My French Visa?
Overstaying your French visa can result in:
- Fines or bans from re-entering the Schengen Area for several years.
- Immediate deportation and administrative penalties.
- Difficulty obtaining future visas due to a negative travel history.
If you anticipate needing to stay longer, apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires or consider applying for a long-stay visa from the outset.
Can I Apply for a French Visa If I Have Overstayed a Schengen Visa Before?
If you have overstayed a Schengen visa in the past, your application may be flagged. To increase your chances of approval:
- Provide a clear explanation of the overstay (e.g., medical emergency) with supporting documentation.
- Show proof that you complied with any fines or penalties related to the overstay.
- Repeated overstays may result in longer travel bans or future visa denials.
Can I Switch My Visa Type While in France?
Switching from a short-stay Schengen visa to a long-stay visa is generally not allowed. You must return to your home country and apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate there.
Exceptions may be made in rare cases, such as marriage to a French national or receiving a work contract while legally residing in France on a valid visa.
Does Having a French Visa Guarantee Entry Into France?
No, a French visa allows you to travel to a French border or port of entry but does not guarantee entry. Border officers have the right to:
- Verify your purpose of travel.
- Request supporting documents (e.g., accommodation details, proof of financial means).
- Refuse entry if they suspect you will violate visa conditions.
What Happens If I Lose My Passport With a French Visa?
If you lose your passport while holding a valid French visa:
- Report the loss to your local police station and obtain a police report.
- Contact your country’s embassy or consulate to obtain a replacement passport.
- Inform the French consulate if you need a new visa issued.
Be aware that visa reissuance may not always be possible without restarting the application process.
Is There a Limit to How Many Times I Can Apply for a French Visa?
There is no limit to how many times you can apply for a French visa. However, repeated applications for short-stay Schengen visas without clear travel purposes may raise red flags and lead to refusals.
What Is the Difference Between a Visa and a Residence Permit in France?
- A visa is an authorization to enter France for a specific duration and purpose (e.g., tourism, work, study).
- A residence permit (Carte de Séjour) allows you to legally reside in France for an extended period (typically issued after your arrival if you hold a long-stay visa).
If you intend to stay for more than 12 months, you will likely need to apply for a residence permit once you are in France.
How Much Does a French Visa Cost?
French visa fees vary by visa type and applicant category:
- Short-Stay Schengen Visa: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-11, and free for children under 6.
- Long-Stay Visa: €99 for most applicants.
- Special Categories: Reduced or waived fees for certain travelers (e.g., students, researchers, or family members of EU/EEA nationals).
Additional service fees may apply if you submit your application through a visa processing center (e.g., VFS Global).
Can I Work on a French Visa?
Naturally, French short-stay visas are not meant for getting a paid job. Foreigners wishing to get a long-term visa for getting a paid job in the French territory, they need to first find a sponsoring employer who will provide for them an approved (stamped) work contract by the DIRECCTE, as this document is required for visa application.
Foreigners wishing to get a long-term visa to get a paid job as either artist or a sportsperson in championships, they must have a work permit taken by an employer/hosting institution stamped by the necessary French authority, as this document is required for visa application.
Can I Bring My Pet With Me to France?
Yes, you can bring pets to France, but they must meet certain entry requirements:
- Pets must have a microchip or readable tattoo.
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.
- You must present a European Pet Passport or equivalent veterinary certificate for pets from non-EU countries.
Certain breeds of dogs may be restricted or banned in France, so check regulations in advance.
Can I Enter France After My Visa Expiration Date If I’m Already Inside the Schengen Area?
No, even if you are already inside the Schengen Area, you must leave France and the Schengen Zone before your visa expires. Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, and restrictions on future visas.
Can I Apply for a Multi-Year French Visa?
Yes, if you frequently travel to France or the Schengen Area, you may be eligible for a multi-year multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.
Eligibility depends on your travel history, compliance with previous visa conditions, and the discretion of the consulate.