Why apply for a France Tourist visa?

• Iconic Landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Mont-Saint-Michel, and French Riviera.
• Gastronomy & Art: Recognized by UNESCO as the birthplace of fine dining and art excellence.
• Multicultural Environment: Diverse and inclusive atmosphere for travellers and families.
• Ease of Schengen Mobility: Travel across Europe under a single visa.
• Global Quality of Life: France ranks among the world’s most livable and well-connected countries.

About France

France, officially the French Republic (République Française), is one of the world’s leading global powers—renowned for its rich history, culture, fashion, cuisine, and innovation.
It is a founding member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, offering seamless travel access across Europe.

As of 2025, France’s population is approximately 67.9 million, with a GDP of USD 3.4 trillion, ranking among the top 7 global economies.

Major sectors include tourism, fashion, aerospace, manufacturing, education, and technology.

France is the world’s most visited country, welcoming over 90 million international tourists annually, known for destinations such as Paris, the French Riviera, Lyon, Bordeaux, and the Alps.

Types of France Tourist Visa

France offers short-stay visas or a Uniform Schengen visa for foreign nationals who want to visit the country for leisure, tourism, or short family visits. The visa is valid for single or multiple entries. With the France short-stay or Schengen Type C visa, a visitor can visit up to 29 Schengen areas for a maximum of 90 days.
 

This France Short-Stay visa includes:

• France Tourist Visa: This visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to travel to France and the Schengen area for tourism purpose. This visa can also be issued to visitors who want to see their family members or friends in France or the Schengen area. This visa is valid up to 90 days within 180 days.
   
• France Airport Transit visa: This visa is for certain nationals who can get a transit visa to stop in France to connect flights.
   
• France Cultural visa: This visa is issued to visitors who want to visit France to attend a cultural, sporting, or religious festival.
   

*Want to visit overseas? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Market Background & Trends with Statistical Data

• Tourism Leadership: France remains the world’s most visited country, attracting over 93 million tourists in 2024 and generating EUR 67 billion in travel revenue.
• Strong Recovery: Inbound arrivals in 2025 are projected to exceed 95 million, supported by Schengen mobility and expanded air connectivity.
• India Among Top 10 Markets: Over 410,000 Indian visitors travelled to France in 2024 (↑15% YoY), with an average spend of EUR 2,300 per trip. Most visits were for tourism and family reunions.
• Growing Diaspora Travel: France’s Indian community (~120,000 residents) drives repeat Visiting Friends & Relatives (VFR) travel and family visits.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Direct flights by Air India, Vistara, and Air France from major Indian cities to Paris and Nice have boosted short-term travel.
• Event & Cultural Appeal: Global events such as the Paris Olympics 2024, Cannes Film Festival, and Fashion Week continue to attract international travellers. 

Benefits of a France Tourist visa

• One Visa, 29 Countries: Explore all Schengen member states, including France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, under a single visa.
• Cultural & Lifestyle Experience: Immerse yourself in France’s art, cuisine, and architecture — from Paris to Provence.
• Flexible Travel Options: Choose between single or multiple entries, ideal for business or frequent travellers.
• Simple and Transparent Process: Online application with Y-Axis guidance ensures a clear, error-free submission process.
• High Acceptance Confidence: Proper documentation and Y-Axis expertise help improve approval rates.
• Strong Travel Record Building: A valid Schengen visa enhances your global travel credibility for future destinations.

Eligibility criteria to apply for the French Tourist visa

• Citizen of a non-Schengen country (e.g., India).
• Visiting France for tourism, family & friend visit, or short events.
• Valid passport, sufficient funds, travel insurance (min. €30,000), a clear purpose for the visit.
• Proof of accommodation and return travel.

Requirements to apply for a French Tourist visa

• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
• Passport: Valid at least three months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area; issued within the last 10 years; at least two blank pages.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (official specifications).
• Proof of Purpose: Hotel reservations, invitation letter from host, or detailed itinerary.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or attestation d’accueil (if staying with a host).
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, IT returns, etc.
• Travel Insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across Schengen.
• Round-Trip Flight Reservation: Proof of return or onward travel.

Steps to apply for France Tourist visa

• Step 1: Payment & Sign-Up: The process begins with payment approval by Y-Axis Accounts. Once payment is confirmed, the client signs up for the selected France Visit Visa service.
• Step 2: Agreement & Consultant Assignment: A service agreement is reviewed and signed to confirm deliverables. A dedicated Process Consultant (PC) is then assigned to guide the client through the entire visa process.
• Step 3: Document Checklist & Collection: The PC provides a personalized document checklist based on the applicant’s travel purpose and profile. The client submits all required documents as per France-Visas and VFS Global standards.
• Step 4: Application Form & File Preparation: The PC assists in completing the France-Visas online form, preparing supporting documents (such as itinerary, financials, and insurance), and ensuring alignment with French Consulate guidelines.
• Step 5: Appointment Scheduling (VFS Global): Once the application is ready, the client is guided to book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global France centre for biometric data collection and document submission.
• Step 6: Biometrics & File Submission: The applicant attends the VFS appointment to submit documents, provide fingerprints and a photograph, and pay applicable visa fees.
• Step 7: Application Processing by the Consulate: The French Consulate or Embassy processes the application, typically within 15–30 working days, depending on the applicant’s profile and travel history.
• Step 8: Passport Collection or Delivery: Once a decision is made, the passport can be collected from VFS Global or delivered via courier, containing the Schengen Visa sticker (or a refusal letter if denied).
• Step 9: Travel to France: With the visa granted, travellers can visit France and other Schengen countries as permitted under their visa validity and entry conditions.

Official Costs – France Visitor Visa (Schengen Type C) Schengen

• Visa Fee: EUR 90 (approx. INR 8,000) per applicant.
• Children (6–12 years): EUR 45 (approx. INR 4,000).
• Children under 6 years: No fee.
• VFS Global Service Charge: Approx. INR 1,800–2,000 per application (varies by location).
• Payments are made at VFS Global or through France-Visas online payment system (credit/debit cards accepted).
• Visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of application outcome.

Official Processing Time – France Visitor Visa (Schengen Type C)

• Standard Processing: 15–30 working days after biometrics submission.
• Peak Season (May–August): Processing may extend up to 45 days.
• Early Submission Recommended: Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel, but not earlier than 6 months prior to the intended trip.
• Processing times may vary based on nationality, travel history, and documentation quality.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis immigration consultancy helps clients to find solutions for their visa applications. Y-Axis provides services such as:

• Check the requirements and apply for a visa
• Gather and manage all the documentation
• Guidance in filling out the online application form
• Reviewing the papers before final submission
• Applying for the visa

If you are looking for France Visit Visa, contact Y-Axis, the world’s most trusted Immigration & Visa Consultant.