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France Visa: Entry requirements and travel information for France

France

Welcome to France

Ah, France—the land of romance, croissants, and haute couture. Your gateway to all things magnifique begins with getting a France visa.

At iVisa, we've taken the intricate tapestry of French bureaucracy and simplified it into a seamless, stress-free experience. With our user-friendly platform and mobile app, you're a few clicks away from turning your French dreams into your next itinerary.

From the café-lined streets of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, your French escapade is closer than ever. We are your trusted companion as you embark on this journey of je ne sais quoi!

France places des terraux

À la carte: France Visa options

New to the world of travel? Just as a sommelier requires the perfect glass to appreciate a Bordeaux wine fully, you'll need the right visa to experience France's myriad offerings.

Before you pack your bags and polish up your basic French phrases, let's explore the visa options that will make your journey possible.

France Schengen Visa: Beyond Paris

Who is it for? The France Schengen Visa allows eligible travelers to travel across 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area for a short stay.

It’s offered to over 100 nationalities, including:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma/Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte D’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, and many others.

Who cannot apply:

Most European citizens, as well as citizens from the Schengen Area, don’t need this visa.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Jan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and everyone whose country has a visa-free agreement with France.

Purpose?

Tourism activities like sightseeing, holidays, and visiting family.
Business activities, including attending conferences, networking events, or client meetings (but not paid work).
Do temporary volunteer work or a language course.

Duration of stay? This single- or multiple-entry visa is valid for at least six months and allows you to stay up to 90 days per entry. Learn more about the France Schengen Visa.

GET YOUR SCHENGEN VISA NOW

France Airport Transit Visa: On your way

Who's it for? The Airport Transit Visa is available for travelers from:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of Guinea, Russia (if you are traveling from an airport located in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey or Egypt), Somalia, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, or Turkey.

Purpose? This visa allows eligible travelers to fly from a non-Schengen country and wait at a French airport's international zone before jetting to another non-Schengen country.

Duration of stay? There are three kinds of airport transit visas (ATVs):

One-way ATV: Lets you pass through a Schengen country once.
Return ATV: Good for a return airport transit through one or two Schengen countries.
Multiple ATV: For multiple layovers in one or more Schengen countries.

France Long-Stay Visitor Visa: Immerse yourself in French culture

Who is this for? If you must stay in France longer than 90 days, you must get a long-stay visa, including those from visa-exempt countries, except:

Citizens of the European Union, Monaco, and Andorra.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, except French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF).

Purpose? The long-stay visitor visa can be used for: Tourism, medical care, family visits, volunteering, working holidays, business and providing services, searching for a job, studying, working as an au pair, traineeships, attending a school in France as a minor, and in adoption proceedings.

For each specific purpose, the requirements are slightly different.

Duration of stay? The long-stay visa is valid for stays between three months and one year.

France Residence Permit: Settle in France

Who's it for? For those wanting to reside in France for over one year, except:

Citizens of the European Union, Monaco, and Andorra.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, except French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF).

Purpose? This permit is meant for people who want to settle in France (temporarily) to start or run a company in France, work there on behalf of a non-French company, or people hired by a French company.

Duration of stay? This permit gives people the green light to call France home for an initial period based on their circumstances.

Paris eiffel sunset

France Visa application process: Say oui to adventure

We know that navigating the France Visa application process can be a complex maze that takes up a lot of valuable time. That's where iVisa steps in. Our online platform and app are engineered to streamline the process, accelerating your application while boosting your approval odds!

How to apply for the France Schengen Visa

Getting your France Schengen Visa is pretty straightforward when applying through us:

Step 1: Complete the online form on our website or app with your details exactly as they appear on your passport.

Step 2: Double-check your info and pay the processing and visa fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

You’ll be sent complete info for the next steps by email, from how to fill out the application form to attend the visa interview!

Step 3: Attend the visa appointment and pick up your visa when approved!

Apply for your Schengen Visa today!

How to apply for the France Airport Transit Visa

Apply for the transit visa by reaching out to your nearest French embassy or Consulate. The application process typically follows these steps.

Step 1: Fill out the application form with your personal and trip itinerary. Gather all required documents, such as your booked flight confirmation to your final destination through a French airport.

Step 2: Review your info and pay the visa fees.

Step 3: Pick up your passport as per the instructions by the embassy or consulate.

Once approved, you'll find the validity on your visa sticker or confirmation.

Please note: We currently do not offer the France Airport Transit Visa. To apply, please contact the nearest French Embassy or Consulate.

How to apply for a France Long-Stay Visa

The application process for a long-stay visa can take some time, but once you’ve gathered the specific documentation, it should be fairly simple:

Step 1: Make sure to gather the correct documents as given by the French authorities before you apply.

Step 2: Fill out the application form and pay the fees. You may have to attend an interview and provide your biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photo.

Step 3: Once your application's ready, you'll receive your long-stay visa as a sticker in your passport.

Please note: We currently do not offer France Long-Stay Visas. To apply, please contact the nearest French Embassy or Consulate.

How to apply for a France Residence Permit

A residence permit can be applied by gathering specific evidence of your employment in France or other purpose of residing in the country.

Step 1: Make sure to gather the correct documents as given by the French authorities before you apply.

Step 2: Fill out the application form and pay the fees. You may have to attend an interview and provide your biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photo.

Step 3: Once your application is ready, you may still have to pick up a residence card or permit when you’ve arrived within a certain period.

Please note: We currently do not offer France Residence Permits. To apply, please contact the nearest French Embassy or Consulate.

France entry requirements

Getting ready for your incredible adventure in France, we get it; those entry requirements can be a bit intimidating. But guess what? We've got your back every step of the way.

These guidelines are your ticket to a seamless and enjoyable arrival in French paradise. Let's dive in together to ensure you're all set for an unforgettable journey!

Requirements & Details	France Schengen Visa	France Airport Transit Visa	France Long-Stay Visa	France Residence Permit
Valid Passport	✓	✓	✓	✓
- Must be valid for at least six months from the departure date and have two blank pages.
- If your passport is expiring soon, check out our passport renewal service to see if we can help you get a new one before your trip.
Travel Itinerary	✓	✓	✓	✓
- Accommodation confirmation to prove where you’ll be staying.
- Return flight ticket.
Proof of Sufficient Funds or Employment	✓	✓	✓	✓
- Evidence like bank statements or a declaration from a sponsor showing adequate funds for the stay.
- For some visas, you must show you have regular income and must provide proof of employment.
Passport Photo	✓	✓	✓	✓
- A recent photo of yourself for your residence card or identification purposes.
- If you don’t have one, use our handy digital photo service to get one from the comfort of your own home!
Proof of Medical Insurance	✓	x	x	x
- You need health or travel insurance covering medical expenses in France, designed for your trip’s purpose and duration.
Criminal Background Check	✓	x	✓	✓
- Proof of a clean criminal record.
- You can usually get this at a police department in your country of residence.
Proof of Relationship	x	x	✓	✓
- If someone is coming with you as a dependent, submit proof of your relationship.
- This could be a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
- It could also involve children, parents, or siblings, proving family ties.
Letter of Acceptance or Approval	x	x	✓	✓
- From your educational institution or the responsible French authority.
- Secure this before submitting the visa application.

Health information for travelers to France

France is known for its high health standards and well-established medical infrastructure. However, travelers must be informed about health-related requirements before visiting the country:

Requirement	Explanation & Consideration for Travelers
Vaccinations	- Travel vaccinations are not mandatory to visit France. However, it’s recommended to keep up-to-date with the most common vaccines and boosters.
	- Check France's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the French government website.
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Medical Facilities	- The majority of French hospitals are staffed by highly trained and often. However, not all staff may speak English well. Pharmacies are easy to find in French cities and towns. Familiarizing yourself with the French terms for common medicine is recommended.
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Health Insurance	- Don't forget to look into travel health insurance. It's not a must-have for tourists, but it's a real stress-buster. Not to mention, it’s generally mandatory to have one to apply for a French visa. Get covered for those surprise expenses and enjoy your trip without worry.
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Local Hazards	While France is generally a safe country with high healthcare standards, there are some health risks you should be aware of when visiting:
	1. Foodborne illnesses: Undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products can carry risks like salmonella or E. coli.
	2. Air pollution: Large cities like Paris can have smog and poor air quality, which may exacerbate respiratory issues.
	3. Water quality in coastal areas: Algal blooms, mainly in the summer, can make swimming unsafe in certain areas. Pay attention to local advisories about water quality before swimming.
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Medication for personal use	Follow these tips to bring into France some over-the-counter medicines:
	- Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.
	- Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and in transparent bags in your hand luggage.
	- Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority in English and/or French.
	- Check for Restrictions: Research beforehand to ensure your medications are allowed in France, as some substances are restricted or prohibited. Check the following website for comprehensive information about which medicines you can and can’t take into the country.
	- Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with your stay duration to avoid complications.