France Visa from Japan: Apply for a France Schengen Visa now

Are you a Japanese traveler dreaming of exploring the beautiful country of France? We have great news for you. Japanese citizens are exempt from having to get a Schengen visa to enter France and other countries within the Schengen Area, for stays up to 90 days.

However, Japanese citizens will be required to obtain the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to travel to France or any other country within the Schengen Area starting from 2024.

ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an electronic travel authorization that will be mandatory for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including Japan.

Find out more about the French visa requirements for Japanese passport holders below!

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for France?

Japanese citizens holding a valid ordinary passport are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit France or any other country within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

However, other nationalities residing in Japan may still need this visa to visit France. Find out if you’re eligible by using our Visa Checker Tool.

How long is the France Schengen Visa valid?

You can visit France and the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days Per Entry within a 180-day period. You can enter and travel between Schengen countries as often as you like as long as you don't exceed 90 days.

Please note: iVisa allows you to apply for a Multiple Entry document, but the French authorities determine whether you are granted a single, double, or multiple-entry visa. Visas with multiple entries can last 180 days to five years.

Can I extend my Schengen visa while in France?

In general, Schengen Visas can’t be extended. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa or seek other options such as a residency permit.

How to get a French Schengen Visa from Japan?

As mentioned, Japanese citizens are currently not required to obtain a visa to travel to France. However, we understand that Japan is a diverse country, with many non-Japanese citizens living there.

If you are a citizen of a country other than Japan and residing in Japan, you may need to obtain a Schengen visa to travel to France.

Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to find out if you are eligible for the France Schengen Visa.

Children and minors are also required to apply for a Schengen Visa to visit France, depending on their country of origin. For minors applying for a Schengen visa, their birth certificates and written consent from their parents are required.

Applying for the France Schengen Visa from Japan

Here is a step-by-step guide of what you need to do to apply for a France Schengen Visa from Japan.

Gather all the required documents for the Schengen Visa application:

• Valid passport from one of the eligible countries.

• Passport-sized photograph: If you don’t have one, use the digital iVisa passport photo service

• Travel itinerary.

• Proof of accommodation.

• Travel insurance, with a cover of at least €30,000 for medical assistance in the Schengen Area.

• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in France, such as bank statements showing your monthly income.

• Fill out the visa application form online.

How to apply for the France Schengen Visa online with iVisa

Apply for a France Schengen Visa quickly and easily with our help. Here are three simple steps to get started:

• Step 1: Provide your personal and travel details using iVisa's simple application form.

After you submit your information, you'll receive a PDF guide to help you prepare for your visa application. And if you have any questions, you can always reach out to an iVisa expert.

• Step 2: Double-check your information carefully and pay the iVisa service fee using a debit or credit card, or PayPal.

Note that the government visa fee must be paid separately at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre (VAC). You’ll get extensive info on how to make an appointment, what to bring, and more.

• Step 3: Make an appointment and attend your visa interview, bringing all the necessary documents with you. Don't worry, we’ll send you a document checklist and step-by-step instructions before your interview to help you prepare.

Get ready to travel to France!

Benefits of getting your France Schengen Visa with iVisa

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your information and ensure it is 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Unlimited access to your iVisa Expert: We assign you a personal iVisa Expert to guide you through the entire application process, from start to finish.

• Simplified application form: Fill out a clear and concise survey with 50% fewer questions instead of 60 confusing and tedious questions on the government website.

• Fill out at your own pace: Complete the application form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress.

• Step-by-step PDF guide: Receive a PDF guide with all the tips to answer difficult questions, a document checklist, and guidance to prepare for your interview.

Processing time and costs for the France Schengen Visa from Japan

The processing time for a France Schengen Visa from Japan can vary depending on several factors such as the season, the volume of applications, and the complexity of the application.

Visa processing times may be longer, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead and submit your application as early as possible.

For the France Schengen Visa, we currently offer one processing option:

• Standard processing: The iVisa process takes up to 30 days and costs USD $163.99, excluding government fees.

• The French embassy in Japan typically processes visa applications within 15 calendar days. The government fee of about US$84.85 must be paid during your visa appointment (half-price for minors between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for minors under 6 years old).

It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time and to avoid any potential delays or complications.

Tips for a smooth France Schengen Visa application process from Japan

• Check your eligibility: Before applying for a France Schengen Visa, check if you are eligible. As mentioned, Japanese citizens are visa-exempt, but other nationalities may still need a visa, even if they reside in Japan.

We recommend you use our Visa Checker Tool for a quick check and to apply online instantly.

• Ensure you have all the necessary documents prior to submitting your visa application.

• Check the visa processing time to ensure you have enough time to apply for and receive the visa before your trip starts.

• Book an appointment well in advance as there may be a waiting period for visa appointments, depending on how busy it is.

• Prepare for your interview by checking the most common visa questions, answering any questions the visa officer may have about your travel plans honestly, and providing supporting documents to back your answers up.

• Wait for the visa decision. Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport and visa from the French embassy in Japan.

What should I do if my France Schengen visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation, depending on the reason for rejection.

You can always reach out to our customer service team or your personal iVisa Expert for assistance!

What to expect at the France Visa interview in Japan

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to attend an interview at the French embassy or consulate in Japan.

Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:

• Purpose of the trip: The visa officer will ask you about the purpose of your trip to France, whether for tourism, business, study, or visiting family or friends. Be prepared to provide details and supporting documents, such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, or invitation letters.

• Financial means: The visa officer may ask about your funds to cover the trip, including your income, savings, and any financial support from sponsors. You may be required to show bank statements, tax returns, or employment letters.

• Ties to Japan: The visa officer wants to ensure you will return to Japan and will likely ask about your job, family, or property ownership. This validates that you have genuine reasons to return to Japan after your trip to France.

• Language skills: The visa officer may ask you about your proficiency in French or English, as these are the main used languages of France. This is to ensure that you can communicate effectively during your trip.

• Security and health concerns: The visa officer may ask you about your travel history, criminal record, or health conditions that may pose a risk to public health or security in France.

Don’t worry! Be honest, polite, and respectful during the interview. Prepare all the required documents and answer the questions clearly and confidently.

We have no doubt that if the visa officer establishes that all is ok, you will be issued a France Schengen Visa soon!

Types of France visas available from Japan

If you are in Japan, you may apply for different types of France visas and travel documents, depending on the nature of your travel purpose.

Here are the main types of France visas available from Japan:

• Schengen Visa: This is the most common type of visa for short-term stays in France and other Schengen member countries. It allows you to stay for up to 90 days Per Entry within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.

Apply now with us for the France Schengen Visa if you’re from an eligible country.

• ETIAS: While Japanese citizens do not need to apply for a Schengen Visa to visit France, they must get the ETIAS authorization from 2024. This is similar to the United States ESTA form.

It’s for travelers who are currently visa-exempt for the European Union, and it’s a simple online process.

Read more about ETIAS here.

• Business Visa: This type of visa is intended for business-related travel to France, such as attending conferences, meetings, or trade fairs. It may also be required for short-term work assignments.

• Student Visa: If you plan to study in France for more than 90 days, you must apply for a student visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in France for the duration of your studies.

• Transit Visa: If you will be transiting through France on your way to another country, you may need to apply for a transit visa. This allows you to stay in the international zone of the airport for a limited period of time.

Transit Schengen visas are granted to eligible nationals who only intend to change transportation means within the Schengen area.

There are two transit visa categories:

• Airport Transit Schengen Visa.

• Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers.

Check with your nearest French embassy if you need a transit visa.

• Long-term Visa: If you want to work, live, or study long-term in France, you need to apply for a long-stay visa. Find out more on the France government website.

More questions about the France Schengen Visa?

For any questions about the France Schengen Visa, ETIAS, or other travel documents for Japanese citizens, contact our 24/7 customer service team via online chat or email at [email protected]. We're here to make your travel experience easy and stress-free.