Overview
France runs its Schengen visa process through a single official portal, France-Visas, which starts with a tool telling you whether you need a visa at all based on your nationality and travel plans. If you do, you create an account, complete the application online, then print, sign and take the finished form to an appointment — either directly at a French consulate, or at an authorized Visa Application Centre such as VFS Global, TLScontact or Capago, depending on your country of residence. You do everything yourself; using a VAC is standard procedure, not evidence you need a paid visa agent.
Visa categories
| Type C — short stay | Tourism, business or family visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| Type A — airport transit | Passing through a French airport's international zone only. |
| Type D — long stay (national visa) | Work, study or family reunification exceeding 90 days — a separate process. |
Documents checklist
- Travel document (passport), original and copy, issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond your departure from Schengen, with 2 blank pages
- Completed and signed online application printout
- Recent passport-style photo meeting biometric standards
- Travel/health insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000 coverage
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation for the full stay
- Bank statements from the last 3 months
- Attestation d'accueil (accommodation certificate from your French host's town hall), if staying with family or friends
- Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, approved leave dates)
Step-by-step application process
1. Check whether you need a visa
Use the "Do you need a visa?" tool at france-visas.gouv.fr for your nationality and trip type.
2. Create your France-Visas account and complete the form
Fill in your details online, then print and sign the generated application.
3. Gather supporting documents
Assemble everything from the checklist above, including the attestation d'accueil if applicable.
4. Book and attend your appointment
Book at the French consulate or an authorized VAC serving your place of residence, and attend in person to submit documents and biometrics.
5. Pay the visa fee
Paid at the time of your appointment; fees vary by visa type.
6. Track your application
Track status online; standard Schengen processing is around 15 calendar days, longer in peak season.
Fees & processing time
| Application window | Up to 6 months ahead, no later than 15 calendar days before travel |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Typically around 15 calendar days, longer during peak season (recommend booking your appointment 2–3 weeks ahead) |
Sources reviewed: france-visas.gouv.fr (official Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs portal), VFS Global one-pager guidance. Fees, appointment lead times and required documents vary by country of application — always confirm on the France-Visas site for your specific location.