Saudi Arabia to France visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to France for tourism. There is no visa-free, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival channel. ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals because it is only for visa-exempt travelers. France is a member of the Schengen Area, and Saudi Arabia is not on the EU visa-exemption list. Therefore Saudi ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) uniform visa to enter France for tourism or short visits, valid for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Applications are submitted in Saudi Arabia through VFS Global centres (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar) on behalf of the French Embassy/Consulate, with in-person biometrics (fingerprints + photo) required for first-time applicants and those whose prints are older than 59 months. The standard adult Schengen visa fee rose to EUR 90 from 11 June 2026 (children 6-11 pay EUR 45; under 6 are exempt). Because Saudi nationals are visa-required, the new ETIAS travel authorisation does NOT apply to them — ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. The EES biometric entry/exit system started 10 April 2026 and affects all non-EU travelers (including visa holders) at the external border. Be conservative and apply early: appointment slots in Riyadh can require booking 4-6 weeks ahead, and processing typically runs 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days.