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Find the right France visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

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Our France visa application process

How to apply for your France visa with iVisa

1

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, and find out whether you need a French Schengen visa or another document to visit France. Then, upload your documents, and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear steps during the application process.

2

We review your application

The French visa system is known for being tricky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear. Don’t worry, we will review your application to see if anything could cause a delay.

3

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the France government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

4

Get your France visa

We’ll email your approved France visa and let you know how to use it for your trip.

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Visa types needed for France

  • France Schengen Visa (Type C)
  • ETIAS for France (coming soon)*

France Schengen Visa (Type C)

Purpose: The France Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa – Type C) is for travelers visiting France and other Schengen Area countries for tourism, sightseeing, holidays, visiting family or friends, short business trips, or attending events.

When to apply: It is recommended to apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel. Applications can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the planned trip (9 months for seafarers) and no later than 15 calendar days before departure.

Duration and extensions The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Extensions are granted only in exceptional cases (such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons).

Entries: The visa may be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, depending on the applicant’s travel needs shown during application.

Ports of entry: France Schengen Visa holders may enter through any official border crossing point in France or another Schengen member state, including international airports (such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Nice, Lyon, Marseille), seaports, and land borders within the Schengen Area.

Delivery format: The approved visa is issued as a visa sticker affixed to the applicant’s passport. Travelers must carry the passport containing the valid visa sticker must carry the passport containing the valid visa sticker when entering the Schengen Area.

ETIAS for France (coming soon)*

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-travel authorization that will soon be required for all visa-exempt travelers entering France and the Schengen Area. Like the Schengen visa, it will allow stays of up to 90 days.

*ETIAS is not yet implemented. Once implemented, it will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen area.

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France visa policy

Many foreign nationals must obtain a Schengen Visa before traveling to France. A France Schengen visa (short-stay, type C) allows holders to travel to France and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

France also allows citizens of many countries - including the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others - to enter visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

General France visa requirements are:

  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years
  • Completed and signed visa application form
  • Recent passport-size photo
  • Travel details (such as flight reservation and accommodation address)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay
  • Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 within the Schengen Area
  • Proof of purpose of travel

France visa prices

France Schengen Visa (Type C)

Prices starting from $399.99

Valid for 3 months after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 90 days per entry

Fast facts

Interview needed?

Not required

Main reason for denials?

Missing documents

Average time to process?

2-4 weeks

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind.

Applying by yourself
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Simple, easy forms
24x7 support from visa experts
Error detection to prevent rejections
World's easiest passport scan
Multiple payment methods

1.4M happy customers

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67,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98%  visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to France rated this product a 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews.
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Kevin R.
January 22, 2025
"I was kept updated throughout the process, and my visa arrived on time. A great experience!!!"

FAQs

The Schengen Visa is usually valid for stays of up to 90 days. If you're unsure, feel free to contact our team through WhatsApp or iVisa chat during support hours.

France offers several visa types depending on the length and purpose of stay. These include the Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays, national visas for longer stays, residence permits for long-term living, airport transit visas, and the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers.

ETIAS is an upcoming electronic travel authorization that will be required for travelers from visa-free countries entering France and the Schengen Area. It is not a visa and will allow short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period once implemented.

It is currently planned for late 2026.

Working in France generally requires a national visa or a residence permit. A Schengen Visa or ETIAS does not allow employment.

Yes. A valid Schengen Visa issued by France allows travel to all Schengen countries, provided the stay does not exceed the 90/180-day limit.

Our team works with a legal partner specializing in Schengen visas. They will review your application to ensure it is accurate and complete. Once the authorities approve it, you’ll receive an email with the next steps.

The “90/180-rule” means you can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days total within any continuous 180-day window. The 180-day period is not fixed; it is counted backward from each day you are in the Schengen Area.

Example:

  • You enter the Schengen Area on January 1
  • You stay for 30 days and leave on January 30
  • In the last 180 days, you’ve used 30 days
  • You still have 60 days left to use

If you later return:

  • You stay 40 more days
  • Now you’ve used 70 days total
  • You only have 20 days left until older days “drop off” the 180-day window
  • Leaving the Schengen Area “resets” nothing - only time does

A France Schengen Visa (Type C) is a visa required for travelers from visa-required countries. It must be obtained through a French embassy or consulate before travel.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is not a visa, but an online travel authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Once implemented, it will be applied for online before departure and will allow short stays in France and the Schengen Area. ETIAS is faster and simpler to obtain than a visa, but does not permit long-term stays or employment, and does not replace a Schengen Visa for travelers who are required to have one.

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