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🇮🇳INDIA
🇫🇷FRANCE (SCHENGEN)IN-FR

Do India passport holders need a visa to visit France (Schengen)?

Schengen short-stay visa required, EUR 90. 5-year multi-entry visas for eligible Indians. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to enter France. France is part of the Schengen Area, so the same visa allows travel across 29 countries. The visa allows up to 90 days of stay within any 180-day rolling period. The standard fee is EUR 90 (about INR 8,000). Indians apply via VFS Global France centers in 15+ Indian cities. France has been particularly welcoming to Indian travellers — since 2024 the French embassy issues long-validity multi-entry Schengen visas (1-5 years) more readily to Indians with prior Schengen travel history, encouraging repeat tourism. France also has separate paths for work (Talent Passport, Tech Visa), study (Etudes en France process), and family reunification. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) launched 12 October 2025; ETIAS is expected late 2026 but does NOT apply to Indians.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within 180 days
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple (up to 5 years)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (~INR 8,000)
consular fee only
Processing time
15-30 calendar days
standard track
Validity
Stable; longer validity for repeat travellers
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Indian passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure date, with at least 2 blank pages.
· 3 months validity
/02
Apply via France-Visas portal
Start application at france-visas.gouv.fr/en, then book a VFS appointment.
· France-Visas + VFS
/03
Prepare documents
Application form, passport, photos, itinerary, hotel bookings, return tickets, travel insurance (EUR 30,000+), bank statements, employment letter.
· full documentation
/04
Submit at VFS
Submit biometrics in person at VFS. Pay visa fee (EUR 90) plus VFS service charge.
· biometrics + fees
/05
Receive decision
Decision in 15-30 calendar days. Repeat travellers may receive 1-5 year multi-entry visas.
· 15-30 days
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Indian passport
Valid 3+ months beyond return date, 2 blank pages
France-Visas application form
Online at france-visas.gouv.fr/en
Two recent biometric photos
35x45mm, ICAO format, white background
Travel insurance EUR 30,000+
Schengen-wide, covers full trip
Confirmed itinerary
Flights into and out of Schengen Area, all hotels booked
Bank statements
Last 3-6 months, balance INR 80,000+ recommended
Employment letter
Salary, leave approval; or business registration if self-employed
Income tax returns
Last 2-3 years ITR helps demonstrate ties to India
Property documents (if applicable)
Strengthens application
Cover letter
Explains purpose, itinerary, financial sponsor (if any)
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa (adult)EUR 90About INR 8,000 - single, double, or multi-entry
Schengen visa (child 6-12)EUR 45About INR 4,000
Schengen visa (under 6)FreeChildren under 6 are exempt from the fee
VFS service chargeINR 1,900+Per applicant, in addition to visa fee
Long-stay visa (D type)EUR 99+Work, study, family reunification
Overstay penaltiesEUR 500+Plus Schengen-wide ban for prolonged overstays
Total estimateEUR 90 + VFS fees — EUR 90 + VFS feesincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard Schengen visa
15-30 calendar days
Submit at VFS, decision typically in 2-4 weeks.
Priority/express
5-15 days
Some VFS centers offer prime time appointments.
Long-stay (D) visa
1-3 months
Work, study, family reunification; processed at the embassy or consulates.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient ties to India
France is cautious about visa overstays. Weak employment, no property, or vague return plans can prompt refusal.
Medium
/02
Inadequate financial documentation
Bank balance too low, irregular income, or missing ITR can lead to refusals.
Medium
/03
Vague or inconsistent itinerary
Unclear plans or missing hotel bookings can prompt refusal.
Medium
/04
Insufficient travel insurance
Schengen requires EUR 30,000+ coverage covering the entire stay.
Low
/05
Past Schengen overstays
Any prior overstay heavily affects future applications across all member states.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
India to France route verified
Confirmed Schengen Type C visa requirement EUR 90; multi-year visas common for repeat travellers.
2025-10-12 · major
EES launched
Entry/Exit System records fingerprints and facial image at Schengen external borders.
2024-04-15
5-year multi-entry visas for repeat Indian travellers
France started issuing 5-year multi-entry Schengen visas more readily to Indians with prior Schengen history.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Indians need a visa for France?—
Yes — a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa is required for any visit. The fee is EUR 90 and processing takes 15-30 days.
Can I get a 5-year multi-entry visa?+
Will ETIAS exempt Indians from the visa?+
Can I visit other Schengen countries on the same visa?+
What is EES?+
Can I work or study in France on a Schengen visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

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