France Tourist Visa
from India
Your complete guide to the Schengen Type C Visa — requirements, fees, processing time & expert assistance for a seamless application experience.
Your complete guide to the Schengen Type C Visa — requirements, fees, processing time & expert assistance for a seamless application experience.
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The Schengen Type C visa is a short-stay visa that allows Indian residents to travel across 26 European countries in the Schengen Area for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. France is one of the most popular Schengen destinations for Indian travellers.
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.
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 for your respective jurisdiction centre (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, or Kolkata). Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season (April–July). Select your preferred date, time slot, and optional services.
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 and service charges at the centre.
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!
The visa fees mentioned above are approximate and may change without prior notice based on Embassy regulations and currency exchange rate fluctuations. It is strongly advised to verify the current fees with the respective Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global before submitting your application. Visa fees and service charges are non-refundable in case of visa refusal.
VFS Global periodically updates its centre locations and operating hours. Please verify the current address and appointment availability on the official VFS Global website visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra before visiting.
Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh
Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu
Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep
Works in conjunction with Bangalore jurisdiction — applicants may be directed to either centre
West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Sikkim, and all Northeastern states
Planning a trip to the beautiful country of France? Whether you want to explore the romantic streets of Paris, visit the stunning French Riviera, or discover the historic châteaux of the Loire Valley, you'll need a France Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C Visa) if you're an Indian citizen.
The Schengen Type C visa is a short-stay visa that allows travelers to visit any of the 26 Schengen Area countries for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa is valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. With a France Schengen visa, you can travel to popular destinations like Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, and also visit other Schengen countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland.
The standard processing time for a France tourist visa from India is typically 3 to 15 working days from the date of application submission. However, during peak travel seasons or in cases requiring additional verification, processing may take longer. We recommend applying at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid any last-minute complications.
The France visa fees are set by the French Embassy and are subject to change based on exchange rates. As of 2026, the visa fee for adults is approximately ₹11,650, while children pay around ₹6,890. Additionally, there are service charges levied by the Visa Application Center (VAC) which include VAC service charge, courier charges, and optional services like premium lounge access.
Understanding common refusal reasons can help you prepare a stronger application:
After submitting your application, you can track its status using the reference number provided at the Visa Application Center. You'll receive SMS and email notifications at each stage of processing. Once decided, your passport will be returned via courier or can be collected in person based on your selection during application.
First-time applicants are usually granted single-entry visas valid for the exact dates of travel. Frequent travelers with good travel history may receive multiple-entry visas valid for 1 year, 3 years, or even 5 years, allowing multiple visits within the 90/180 days rule.
Our expert visa consultants can help you with document verification, application form filling, appointment scheduling, and interview preparation. We ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements, increasing your chances of visa approval. Contact us today to start your France visa application journey!
Fill out the enquiry form below to start your France visa application from Mumbai. Our experts will guide you through the process, documentation, and appointment booking.
Get assistance for Schengen Type C visa processing, flight reservations, hotel bookings, tour package and travel insurance tailored to your itinerary.
