When it comes to visiting France, Paris is at the top of every traveller’s list. Paris is full of historical sights, architecture, art (lots of it!), and, of course, some exceptional cuisine. Whether you have a day, a week, or a month to explore, Paris is a beautiful experience on its own.

Indian passport holders must acquire a France visa from India to wander in and out of museums, cafes, and farmers' markets and soak in everything the charming little cities of France have to offer.

You need to apply for a visa at least 60 days prior to your journey time, as the processing verification can take up a lot of time. Therefore, plan ahead and secure both a visa and good travel insurance that will make for a strong base for your journey ahead.

Yes, Indians do need a Schengen visa to visit France.

No, there is no provision of visa on arrival in France for Indian citizens.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for France if you're applying for a Schengen visa. Your insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and hospitalization throughout your stay in France and other Schengen countries. This ensures you are financially protected in case of unforeseen medical issues during your trip.

The French Embassy in India accepts visa applications via VFS Global, its service partner. You'll need a Schengen visa for France.

Choose the Right Visa Type for the France Visa for Indians

First, decide which visa you need. Are you visiting France for a short-term holiday, a long-term stay, or a specific purpose like studying or work? Pick the visa type that matches your trip.

Visit the Website to Apply for a Tourist Visa for Paris from India

Head to the VFS Global website or the visa application centre for France in your country. This website is your go-to for checking visa requirements, fees, and procedures.

Fill Out the France Visa Application Form

Complete the Schengen visa application form online. Be ready to provide details like your travel dates, itinerary, reason for visiting France, and personal information. Double-check everything for accuracy!

Schedule an Appointment for Document Submission & Visa Interview

Book an appointment through VFS Global to submit your documents, complete biometric registration (fingerprints and a photograph) and Schengen visa interview. This step is crucial for processing your France visa.

Submit Your Documents and Pay the Visa Fee for France Visa from India

On the day of your appointment, visit the visa application centre with all required documents. These include your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Pay the visa fee at the centre.

Track Your Application for France Tourist Visa from India

After submitting your application, you can track its status online. Visa processing usually takes about 15 days, but it may take longer during busy periods, so plan accordingly.

Visa applications submitted in India are examined by the French consulates in Mumbai, Chennai / Puducherry, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and the visa section of the Embassy of France in Delhi. Only these Consulates and the Embassy are authorised to take decisions about visas.

Note: The Schengen visa application process, especially for visiting France, requires a comprehensive list of documents. For a detailed and thorough guide on the application process and the necessary paperwork, you can check our article on the Schengen Visa Application Process.

Your visa application would be processed in 15 calendar days but might extend to 30 days in some cases. In case additional documents are required, your visa application will be decided on in a maximum of 60 days.

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your stay and includes a valid visa if required.
• Familiarize yourself with French cultural norms, such as dining customs and greetings, to enhance your travel experience.
• France uses the Euro (€). Carry a mix of cash and cards, but check if your card is widely accepted.
• Dial 112 for emergencies across the EU, including France.
• Travel Insurance: Confirm your insurance coverage meets French and Schengen visa requirements​.

If your visa application to France is refused, the decision must comply with French and European laws and include a valid justification.

Long-Stay Visa Refusals

Appeal to the Commission for Appeals against Visa Refusal Decisions (CRRV) at BP 83609, 44036 Nantes Cedex 1.

Short-Stay Visa Refusals

Appeal to the Deputy Director of Visas at the same address.

• Appeals must be written in French, signed, and justified.

• This step is mandatory before escalating to an administrative judge.

To avoid getting your France visa application rejected, ensure all required documents are complete, accurate, and consistent. Your passport must meet validity requirements, and your travel insurance should provide the necessary coverage. 

Double-check for errors or mismatched information across your documents, and write a concise cover letter explaining your trip’s purpose, funding, and return plans. Additionally, adhere to application deadlines and ensure biometrics and other formalities are completed on time.

Yes, Indian citizens can extend their France tourist visa. 

If you're in France and need to extend or renew your visa, you should contact the prefecture in the region where you're staying. They will guide you through the process and requirements for extending your stay.

If you're outside France, you’ll need to reach out to the French consular services or the authorized visa application centre in your country of residence for assistance.

Yes, It is mandatory to have travel insurance to enter France. Travel insurance has been made mandatory for visa applications for Schengen countries since June 2004 as per European law. Therefore, you should have a valid travel insurance policy at the time of your visa application.

It will secure you against the risk of any unexpected medical expenses and other travel-related emergencies like luggage security, delayed or cancelled flights, thefts and other situations when you are bound to feel especially vulnerable due to the fact that you are in an unknown land, far away from home. 

France Travel Insurance will protect you in situations such as:

• Medical emergencies and illnesses

• Personal accidents

• Loss or delay of checked-in baggage or passport

• If you need any medical assistance, it will not dig into your pocket

• Delayed flights or cancelled flights due to any reason will be taken care of

• Adventure sports you plan to try out during your trip there

• Personal liability bonds, such as in case your rental car gets into an accident, leading to car damage

Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance to France:

Adventure Activities Covered

Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, etc. (provided the duration is one day).

Smartphone-enabled claims process

It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.

Missed Call Facility

Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges!

Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays

If your flight is delayed, we give you monetary compensation to ease your inconvenience.

Worldwide Support

We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*