How to Apply for a France Visa?

You have to pay a visa fee in order for your application to be processed.

You typically pay the fee during your appointment, or slightly before (make sure to check the payment requirements with the embassy or visa center, since they change depending on what country you are applying from.) After you complete this payment, you will receive a payment slip which you have to attach to the other documents of the application file.

The fee is €90 for most applicants, but children and certain nationalisies pay a reduced fee.

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you can stay in France and the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

After 90 days, you must leave the Schengen Area or apply for a long-stay visa if you wish to remain longer.

For most French visas, you must submit your application in person at a French embassy, consulate, or visa center. However, many countries allow you to:

• Complete the visa application form online.
• Book an appointment online.

Some long-term visas also require additional online registrations through platforms like France-Visas.

You can apply for a French visa as early as:

• 6 months before your intended travel date for short-stay visas.
• 3 months before departure for long-stay visas.

The recommended minimum application window is 15 working days before your trip for a short-stay visa, but earlier submissions are advisable during peak travel periods.

You can track your visa application status through:

• The visa center’s tracking system (e.g., TLScontact, VFS Global).
• The France-Visas portal if available in your region.

You’ll need your application reference number and date of birth to check the status.

Emergency visa applications may be accepted for urgent travel purposes such as:

• Medical emergencies.
• Funerals or other humanitarian reasons.
• Business travel requiring last-minute attendance.

In such cases, you should contact the nearest French consulate to inquire about expedited processing.

You typically need to apply for a French visa in your country of residence. However, if you are temporarily living in another country (e.g., for work or study), you may be eligible to apply at the local French consulate, provided you can show proof of legal residence.

There is no strict dress code, but you should wear:

• Smart casual or business attire to make a positive impression.
• Avoid overly casual clothing such as flip-flops or graphic t-shirts.

Present yourself confidently, and ensure you can answer questions clearly about your trip.

If your visa application is refused, you can appeal the decision within 2 months of receiving the refusal letter. You must submit your appeal in French to the French embassy or consulate that issued the decision.

If the appeal is denied, you can escalate your case to the Administrative Court of Nantes for judicial review. Reasons for refusals often include insufficient documentation or failure to justify the travel purpose, so ensure your application is thorough.

If you cannot attend your scheduled visa appointment:

• Reschedule the appointment as soon as possible through the consulate or visa center’s website.
• If rescheduling is not possible, you may need to cancel and reapply.

Failure to attend the appointment without notice may affect your future applications.