France Tourist Visa
from India
Your complete guide to Schengen Type C Visa — requirements, fees, processing time & expert assistance for a seamless application.
Updated for 2026 Applications
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The France Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C) is a sticker visa physically affixed inside your passport by the French Consulate after approval. Indian citizens require this visa to enter France and the Schengen Area for tourism, family visits, or short-term travel.
This visa permits a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. With a single France Schengen visa, you can explore Paris, the French Riviera, the Loire Valley châteaux, and also travel freely to Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and 21 other Schengen nations.
| VFS Centre | Jurisdiction Consulate | Typical Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | French Embassy, New Delhi | 5–10 working days | Regular Centre |
| Mumbai | Consulate General, Mumbai | 5–10 working days | Regular Centre |
| Bangalore | Consulate General, Bengaluru | 5–10 working days | Regular Centre |
| Chennai | Consulate General, Puducherry | 7–15 working days | Regular Centre |
| Kolkata | Consulate General, Kolkata | 5–10 working days | Regular Centre |
| Pune | Consulate General, Mumbai | 7–12 working days | Regular Centre |
| Ahmedabad | Consulate General, Mumbai | 7–12 working days | Regular Centre |
| Hyderabad | Consulate General, Bengaluru | 7–12 working days | Regular Centre |
| Cochin (Kochi) | Consulate General, Bengaluru | 7–15 working days | Regular Centre |
| Chandigarh | French Embassy, New Delhi | 7–12 working days | Regular Centre |
| Jaipur | French Embassy, New Delhi | 7–12 working days | Regular Centre |
| Jalandhar | French Embassy, New Delhi | 7–12 working days | Regular Centre |
| Goa | Consulate General, Mumbai | 7–15 working days | Regular Centre |
| Puducherry | Consulate General, Puducherry | 7–15 working days | Regular Centre |
| Coimbatore | Consulate General, Puducherry | 10–15 working days | Temporary Service Point |
| Guwahati | Consulate General, Kolkata | 10–15 working days | Temporary Service Point |
Processing times are estimates only. Temporary Service Points (TSP) operate on scheduled dates — verify availability before visiting.
This is when France visa demand is highest — summer travel (May–July) and festive travel (Oct–Dec). Appointment slots at major centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore fill up within 3 to 10 days of release. During these months, apply early and keep checking the VFS portal daily for cancellations. Morning slots (9 AM – 11 AM) disappear fastest.
Travel demand dips during January, February, and August. Appointment availability is noticeably better — slots in smaller cities like Jaipur, Jalandhar, and Cochin are often available within 2–4 days. If your travel dates are flexible, planning during these months can significantly reduce your waiting time and processing stress.
You are free to book an appointment at any VFS centre across India regardless of your home city. If Delhi slots are full, try Jaipur or Chandigarh. The final decision on your application is made by the French Consulate with jurisdiction over your state of residence — not by the VFS centre where you apply.
Print your VFS appointment confirmation email. The letter contains a QR code / barcode that is scanned at entry. Without this, you will not be allowed inside.
Carry your current valid passport. If you have previous passports with old Schengen or foreign visas, bring those along — they demonstrate your travel history to the officer.
The application form downloaded from the France-Visas portal must be printed and signed by hand. Do not submit a digital copy — a physical printout with the barcode is mandatory.
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photographs (35×45mm, white background, matte finish). If you are unsure of compliance, VFS offers a photograph service at ₹200 for 4 photos.
Arrange your documents in a clear plastic file or folder in submission order. Bring originals plus one photocopy set of each document. Do not carry documents in a bag or loose.
Carry your debit card, credit card, or sufficient cash (INR) to pay the visa processing fee at the counter. UPI is also accepted at most centres. The exact INR amount depends on the day's exchange rate.
💡 The VFS centre does not have a cloakroom or storage facility for prohibited items. Plan accordingly — leave them in your vehicle or with a companion waiting outside.
Visit the official france-visas.gouv.fr portal and register with a valid email address. Create your applicant profile with personal details including full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. You will receive a confirmation email to activate your account.
Complete the Schengen visa application form online with accurate details — travel dates, purpose of visit, accommodation details, and financial information. Double-check all entries as corrections after submission are difficult. Once completed, download and print the form with the generated barcode.
Schedule your visa appointment through the VFS Global website at any centre of your choice across India. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season (March–July, September–December). Select your preferred date, time slot, and optional services. Pay the VFS service fee online at this stage.
Collect all required documents as per the checklist above. Arrange in this order: Application form → Cover letter → Passport → Photos → Flight tickets → Hotel booking → Travel insurance → Bank statement → ITR → Salary slips → NOC. Carry original + 1 photocopy set. Ensure all documents are in English or French.
Arrive at the VFS Global centre 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Carry your appointment confirmation, original passport, and all documents. Biometric enrollment (fingerprints + photograph) is mandatory for applicants aged 12 and above. Pay the visa fee at the centre in INR via debit card, credit card, UPI, or cash.
Use the reference number from your acknowledgement receipt to track your application status on the VFS Global website. You will receive SMS and email notifications at each stage — submission, processing, decision, and passport dispatch. Standard processing takes 3–15 working days.
Collect your passport from the VFS centre or receive it via courier (based on your selection). Verify the visa sticker carefully: check your name, passport number, validity dates, number of entries, and territory. Report any discrepancies to the embassy immediately. If approved, you're ready to travel!
On arrival, all applicants pass through a mandatory security screening. Only visa applicants are allowed inside — companions, friends, and relatives must wait outside unless you are a minor (under 18) requiring a parent/guardian, or a differently-abled applicant requiring assistance. Keep electronic devices and prohibited items outside.
After security, you receive a token number corresponding to your appointment slot. You will be called by your token number to proceed to the submission counter. Keep your appointment confirmation letter and complete document set ready at this point.
The VFS staff will review your complete document set — application form, passport, photographs, supporting documents, and financial proofs. They check for completeness, not accuracy (that is the Consulate's role). If documents are missing, you may reschedule without fee loss, or submit an incomplete set by signing an acknowledgement form.
All applicants aged 12 and above must provide biometric data — all ten fingerprints and a live photograph taken in the biometric booth. This process takes approximately 5–10 minutes. If you had biometrics collected within the last 59 months for a Schengen visa, you may be exempt — check with the counter staff. Biometrics cannot be submitted on behalf of another person.
Visa processing fees are collected at the centre in Indian Rupees (INR) at the exchange rate set by the French authorities. Accepted payment methods include debit card, credit card, UPI, and cash. The VFS service fee must be paid online when booking your appointment. Fees are non-refundable even in case of visa refusal.
After successful submission, you receive a reference number / acknowledgement slip. You will be asked to choose how you want your passport returned — in-person collection from the VFS centre, or via courier to your registered address. Courier is the more convenient option for most applicants outside the centre's city.
Most applicants complete the entire process in 60 to 120 minutes. Morning slots (9 AM – 11 AM) tend to be busier with longer wait times. Afternoon slots (2 PM onwards) are generally quicker. If you have opted for the Premium Lounge, you will be attended to in a private setting with reduced wait time.
In addition to the visa fee, a non-refundable VFS service fee of €22 per applicant applies. This amount is payable in local currency (INR) at the conversion rate set by the French authorities and therefore varies to take account of exchange rate fluctuations. The VFS service fee must be paid online at the time of booking your appointment — it cannot be paid at the centre on the day of your visit.
| Service | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Premium Lounge
40 EUR — Select VFS Locations Only Upgrade your France visa submission to a private, comfortable lounge experience. Includes dedicated privacy seating, internet access via digital tablet, free photocopies & compliant ID photographs, hot & cold snacks and beverages, newspapers, and document scanning support when required. ⚠️ Does not guarantee visa approval or faster Consulate processing. Available centres are shown during appointment booking. |
Private, comfortable submission experience at select VFS centres | €40 |
|
Courier Service
₹550 per Applicant Receive your passport and all supporting documents delivered directly to your home or office address after the visa decision — saving you a second visit to the VFS centre. Fast, safe, and available across most cities where VFS operates in India. |
Passport & documents delivered directly to your home or office | ₹550 |
|
Assured Courier
₹770 per Applicant An enhanced add-on to the standard courier service, providing greater protection for your passport during transit. In the unlikely event of loss, temporary misplacement, or damage during delivery, you are eligible for compensation of up to USD 500 — a pre-agreed estimate of potential damages. ⚠️ Does not influence processing time, visa outcome, or delivery standards. |
Enhanced protection — up to USD 500 compensation if passport is lost or damaged in transit | ₹770 |
|
Form Filling Service
₹1,300 per Applicant VFS-trained staff assist you in completing your France-Visas online application form step by step, in person at the VFS centre. Support is available in local languages for greater clarity. ⚠️ In-person only service. VFS agents guide and record your responses but cannot answer questions on your behalf or fill answers based on assumptions. |
In-person step-by-step help completing your France-Visas application form correctly | ₹1,300 |
|
Visa Preparation Assistance (VPA)
₹3,000 per Applicant End-to-end personalised assistance for preparing your complete France-Visas application — officially approved by the French Authorities and the French Embassy in India. Available by phone, online, or at the VFS centre. ⚠️ Does not include appointment booking. Does not guarantee faster processing or a positive visa decision. |
End-to-end France-Visas application guidance — officially approved by French Authorities | ₹3,000 |
|
Saturday Passport Collection
₹550 per Person — Select VFS Locations Only Collect your passport at the VFS centre on a Saturday — ideal for applicants unable to visit Monday to Friday during business hours. Available only at select VFS locations in India. |
Collect your France visa passport on Saturday at select VFS centres | ₹550 |
|
Collection from Home (CFH)
₹3,000 per Applicant VFS collects your complete France visa application from your home or preferred address — available exclusively for applicants exempt from biometric enrollment: Schengen visa holders who registered biometrics within the last 59 months, and children under 12 years old. Includes: application collection, processing at the VFS centre, and secured courier return of your passport and documents. |
VFS collects your France visa application from home — for biometric-exempt applicants only | ₹3,000 |
|
Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD)
Contact VFS for Pricing Submit your complete France visa application — including biometric enrollment — from your home, office, or any preferred location. A trained VFS representative visits you to collect your documents and record biometrics in person. Contact VFS Global India or visit the official VFS France India website for full eligibility details and current pricing. |
Submit your full France visa application including biometrics from your preferred location | Contact VFS |
|
Travel Medical Insurance
Get Quotes via VFS Travel Medical Insurance is compulsory for all Schengen visa applications. Your policy must provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid across the entire Schengen Area for the complete duration of your stay. |
Mandatory Schengen travel insurance — minimum €30,000 required for France visa approval | — |
|
Photograph Service
₹200 for 4 Photographs VFS staff photograph you at the centre, producing compliant passport photos that meet all France Schengen visa requirements — correct 35×45mm size, plain white background, and required print quality. |
4 compliant passport photos taken at the VFS centre — meets France Schengen visa standards | ₹200 |
|
Printing Service
₹25 per Page High-quality document printing available at the VFS centre — ideal for printing your France-Visas application form, supporting documents, hotel booking confirmations, flight reservations, travel insurance, or any other required paperwork. |
High-quality document and form printing at the VFS centre — per page | ₹25/page |
Morning slots fill first — book as early as possible if you prefer a morning appointment. Late afternoon slots (2:30 PM onwards) tend to have the most availability.
Not all slots are available daily — VFS releases slots based on centre capacity, and availability varies by city. Smaller cities like Jaipur or Jalandhar sometimes have last-minute openings even during peak season.
Total time at the centre: Plan for 60–120 minutes. You arrive within your 30-minute slot window — you do not need to be there at the exact start minute. Allow extra time for security queuing during busy morning hours.
There is no officially fixed minimum — but consistent income and organic savings carry more weight than a one-time inflated balance.
Every France visa officer evaluates your application through a single lens: "Is this person likely to return to India, or are they a risk of overstaying?"
Your application must proactively answer this question by demonstrating three things: financial stability (you can fund the trip without needing to work), employment or business ties (you have a reason to come back), and family or personal roots (property, dependents, long-term commitments in India).
A strong application does not just prove you want to visit France — it proves you have compelling reasons to return home. That is the mindset to keep while assembling every document in your file.
Having a criminal record or an ongoing legal case does not automatically disqualify you from applying for a France Schengen visa. Each application is assessed on its individual merits — the nature, severity, and recency of the case all play a role in the Consulate's evaluation.
→ Generally do not significantly impact visa approval
→ You may still apply — but may need court permission to travel abroad and supporting documentation. Handled case-by-case.
→ Significantly higher scrutiny, possible rejection, potential Schengen-wide entry ban
Transit rules vary country by country within the Schengen Area. France is generally considered more flexible compared to stricter countries like Germany or Switzerland, but you must never assume — always verify the current requirements with the French Embassy or on the official france-visas.gouv.fr portal before booking your tickets. Rules can change without advance public notice.
Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Ladakh
Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu
Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Lakshadweep
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry — applications processed via Consulate General of France in Puducherry
West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura
Planning a trip to France? Whether you want to wander through the romantic boulevards of Paris, relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera, or explore the grand châteaux of the Loire Valley, Indian citizens require a France Tourist Visa — officially known as a Schengen Type C Visa — before departure.
A Schengen Type C visa is a short-stay travel authorisation that allows you to visit any of the 26 Schengen Area member countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When your primary destination is France, you apply through the French Embassy or Consulate and their authorised visa application partner, VFS Global. With this single visa, you can also travel freely to other Schengen nations including Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, and more.
Processing typically takes 3 to 15 working days after submission. Major centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru tend to be faster (5–10 days), while smaller or Temporary Service Point locations may take closer to 15 days. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date, especially during peak travel seasons from March to July and September to December.
The official visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12 years. Children under 6 travel free of visa fee. An additional VFS service fee of €22 per applicant is charged separately and must be paid online. All EUR amounts are converted to INR at the exchange rate set daily by the French authorities — the exact INR figure varies. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome.
Being aware of common rejection reasons helps you build a stronger application:
First-time applicants are generally granted a single-entry visa matching their exact travel dates. Frequent travellers with a clean Schengen history may be eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for 1 year, 3 years, or even 5 years, permitting repeated visits within the 90/180-day rule. Building a positive travel history is the most reliable way to earn longer-validity multiple-entry Schengen visas.
Indian residents are free to submit their France visa application at any VFS centre in India, regardless of their home city. However, the final processing and decision on your application is made by the French Consulate with jurisdiction over your state of residence — not the VFS centre you visit. See Jurisdiction section above for state-wise allocation.
VFS Global periodically updates centre locations and operating hours. Temporary Service Points (TSP) in Coimbatore and Guwahati operate on specific scheduled dates — always check current dates before visiting. Please verify the current address and appointment availability on the official VFS Global website visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra before visiting.
The visa fees mentioned above are approximate and change based on the exchange rate set by the French authorities — the INR amount will differ on each appointment date. Always verify the exact fee with VFS Global before your appointment. Visa fees and service charges are non-refundable in case of visa refusal or cancellation.
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