France Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Visa Info
- Visa Type: Standard Visa
- Difficulty: 4 — Standard Visa
- Entry Type: Single Entry
- Maximum Stay: 90 days per 180-day period
- Visa Validity: 6 months from issue
- Visa Fee: ₹7200
- Processing Time: 15 working days
- Photo Spec: 35x45mm, White bg
Facts verified on schedule · 2026-07-10 · some sections pending citation
Document Checklist
Sample cover letter for France Standard Visa
To, The Visa Officer Embassy of France, New Delhi Subject: Application for Standard Visa — France Dear Visa Officer, I, [YOUR FULL NAME], a citizen of India (Passport No. [XXXXXXXX], valid until [DD/MM/YYYY]), respectfully submit my application for a Standard Visa to France. PURPOSE OF VISIT The purpose of my visit is [tourism / business / attending a conference / visiting family or friends]. I plan to travel from [DEPARTURE DATE] to [RETURN DATE], a total stay of approximately [XX] days. ACCOMMODATION I will be staying at [Hotel name and address / Name and address of host]. FINANCIAL CAPABILITY I have adequate financial resources to support my stay in France and my return to India. Supporting bank statements and financial documents are enclosed. I solemnly affirm that I will comply with all visa conditions and depart from France on or before the expiry of my visa. I have strong ties to India — [employment / business / property / family] — that ensure my timely return. All required supporting documents are enclosed as per the requirements of Embassy of France, New Delhi. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME] [Date] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
Where to Apply
Your application must be submitted to the consular office responsible for your Indian state of residence.
Embassy of France, New Delhi (via TLScontact)
Delhi · Haryana · Himachal Pradesh · Jammu & Kashmir · Ladakh · Punjab · Rajasthan · Uttar Pradesh · Uttarakhand
Consulate General of France, Mumbai (via TLScontact)
Goa · Gujarat · Maharashtra · Madhya Pradesh · Chhattisgarh
Consulate General of France, Bengaluru (via TLScontact)
Karnataka · Kerala · Tamil Nadu · Andhra Pradesh · Telangana · Puducherry
Consulate General of France, Kolkata (via TLScontact)
Assam · Bihar · Jharkhand · Odisha · West Bengal · Sikkim · Meghalaya · Manipur · Mizoram · Nagaland · Tripura · Arunachal Pradesh
Transit Rules
Transit visa required: Yes
Exceptions: - Airside Transit Visa (ATV) exemption if holding a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen member state, the US, Canada, or Japan (per EU Visa Code Art. 3(5)) - Transit without visa if connecting flight departs within 24 hours and passenger does not leave the international zone
Note: Paris CDG has an international transit zone. Passengers transiting to non-Schengen destinations may not need to clear immigration.
Visa Exemptions & Indian Privilege
Indian passport holders may qualify for simplified or waived visa requirements if they hold certain third-party visas or travel documents.
| If you hold | Valid Schengen Visa (any country) |
| You get | Can enter France without a separate French visa |
| Conditions | Schengen visa must be valid and issued by any Schengen member state |
| Source | Verify ↗ |
| If you hold | Valid US Visa + France transit |
| You get | Airside transit without visa for flights to/from the Americas |
| Conditions | Must hold a valid US visa and transit within 24 hours. Cannot leave the international zone. |
| Source | Verify ↗ |
| If you hold | French Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour) |
| You get | Re-entry without visa during permit validity |
| Conditions | Residence permit must be valid. Does not apply to récépissé (receipt). |
| Source | Verify ↗ |
ECR / Non-ECR Passport
ECR rules apply: Yes — read carefully
ECR passport holders travelling to France for employment must obtain Emigration Clearance from the Protector of Emigrants. Tourist and business visa applicants are not affected.
Public Health & Vaccinations
Recommended Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio). Hepatitis A for first-time travellers.
Health Insurance: Schengen travel insurance mandatory — minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage.
Advisory: Excellent healthcare. Pharmacies (green cross) widely available.
Biometrics
Biometrics required: Yes
Validity: 59 months — if previously captured within this period at any participating center, you may not need to appear in person.
Schengen VIS biometrics (10 fingerprints + photograph) valid for 59 months. If captured within the last 59 months at any Schengen consulate, you do not need to appear in person again.
Change Log
| Date | Type | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-01 | Fee | Schengen short-stay visa fee increased to €90 (~₹7,200) | ↗ |
| 2025-12-15 | Policy | Schengen visa validity extended to 5 years for frequent Indian travellers with clean record | ↗ |
| 2025-09-01 | Process | TLScontact online appointment system updated — new slot booking interface | ↗ |
Data is verified against official consular sources.