How to get a Schengen visa for France? FAQ and Tips

PRO-TIP: Travel Insurance is mandatory to obtain your French Schengen visa.

 

NAME: Kurt Hambadda
DATE: 10/10/25

 

Going to France? You might need a French visa!

 

France has consistently ranked as the most visited country on the planet for decades. And it’s not just the iconic capital of lights and love (aka Paris) that’s drawing the crowds. There's the vibrant Old Port of Marseille, Lyon's unparalleled cuisine, and the pink-hued old squares and aerospace hub of Toulouse. The Belle Époque charm and breathtaking beaches of Nice.

The grand boulevards and world-renowned wines of Bordeaux. And plenty, plenty more. In fact, with an increasing average of over a record-breaking 100 million international visitors annually since 2024, France’s spot as the world’s number one travel destination seems secure for years to come too!

Curious to see what this world-renowned juggernaut of art, fashion, history, cuisine, and culture has to offer you too? S'il vous plaît! However, you might need a Schengen visa first. And if that’s the case, AXA has all you need to know below.

 

 

 

Do I need a visa to go to France?

 

Let’s start with whether you need a visa for France at all. Home to both Europe’s tallest mountain (Mt. Blanc) and the world’s largest art museum (the Louvre), France is also both one of the original, border-breaking founders and current members of what’s known as the Schengen Zone. And while it therefore allows visa-free travel for all of its Schengen neighbors, it does require a big chunk of its hundreds of millions of international visitors to have a Schengen visa to visit it.

Whether or not this applies to you will ultimately depend on where exactly you’re starting your voyage. Or, more specifically, what passport you hold.

PRO-TIP: AXA can fortunately help you answer one of the most common European travel questions in the world in no time:

Do I need a Schengen visa?

 

But just in case, here’s a quick breakdown to know where you stand.

 

 

Who needs a Schengen visa for France?

 

If you’re a passport-holder from a country that has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU (i.e., a “third country” national), then you will need a Schengen visa to get to France. This generally includes citizens of China, India, Russia, any African nation, and most Asian and Middle Eastern states.

PRO-TIP: The European Commission graciously provides full lists of the nations exempt and not exempt from the Schengen visa, as well as other helpful info regarding its visa requirements - including for France.

 

 

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa for France (for stays of 90 days or less)?

 

On the other hand, you’re good to go to France visa-free* if you are:

IMPORTANT: And visa or no visa, that’s only for stays in France of up to 90 days (in any 180-day period).

To stay longer, you’ll need a National, aka Type D visa - but more on that in a sec!

PRO-TIPS: In the meantime, AXA can also break down the somewhat confusing 90/180-day Schengen visa rule. It will help ensure you don’t overstay your welcome in France (and/or the rest of the Schengen)!

 

 

What type of Schengen visa for France is best for me?

 

FUN FACT: The French Schengen visa is actually both the most commonly requested and most commonly granted Schengen visa in the world! And if you too need a Schengen visa for France, you can generally choose from the following basic types:

 

 

Short-stay visa for France (for less than 90 days)

 

The Type C or “tourist” visa for France is the aforementioned most common visa in the world. It allows travel to France and throughout all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. And it can be used for:

  • tourism
  • professional obligations
  • family visits
  • short-term trainings or internships
  • conferences, seminars, business meetings
  • paid work (with a temporary work permit not exceeding 90 days).

PRO-TIP: The “short-stay” can also be issued as a single-entry or a multiple-entry Schengen visa.

IMPORTANT:

  • You’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa even if you’re only transiting through France but need to leave the airport zone (change airports, transfer to a bus/train, etc.)
  • In certain cases, the Schengen visa can be of Limited Territorial Validity (LTV), which allows travelers to stay in only one country (or in certain countries) of the Schengen Area.

 

 

Long-stay visa for France (for more than 90 days)

 

If you’re a third-country national hoping to rendez-vous with “L'Hexagone” (i.e., France) for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa for France. Also known as a “national” or Type D visa, this one can be issued for:

  • tourism
  • personal reasons (such as medical care)
  • professional activity
  • to study, complete a training program, or do an internship
  • family reunification (relatives or a spouse)

NOTE: For each of the above, you’ll need to provide the respective supporting documents with your application.

 

 

How long is a long-stay visa for France valid?

 

The Type D is limited to between 3 months and a year. If you wish to extend your stay in France beyond the validity date of your Type D, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit with the prefecture of the district where you are staying (see below).

 

 

The different types of long-stay visas for France

 

  • A long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS)
    IMPORTANT PRO-TIP (!): In the 3 months following your arrival in France, you absolutely must validate your VLS-TS on the website of the Directorate General for Foreign Nationals in France (aka DGEF) ). If you don’t, you might be considered an illegal alien on French soil!

  • A long-stay visa with the mention “residence card to be requested within 2 months of arrival.” The name of this one is self-explanatory, meaning it requires that - in the given time its holders go to the prefecture (or “sous-prefecture”) of the department where they are staying to apply for a residence permit.

 

 

Airport Transit visa for France (for those just passing through)

 

If, on the other hand, you’re skipping the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and the rest of France’s glory altogether due to a brief layover, you might need to opt for an ”airport transit” (aka ATV or Type A) visa. Mandatory for many nationalities, the Type A visa allows citizens of non-Schengen states to wait for a connecting flight and/or transit through Schengen airports.

 

 

Other visa options for France

 

And, finally, traveling to France to make some money, attend a business lunch or networking event, and/or go to school? Then you can also choose between a work*, business, and/or student visa accordingly.

BONUS PRO-TIP: For example, AXA can help you out with a work visa for France no problem!

Still not sure which one to pick? No worries! AXA can also help you further understand: Which type of Schengen visa best suits your travel needs!

 

 

How do I apply for a Schengen visa for France?

 

Fortunately, the Schengen visa appçication process is fairly universal. For France, just follow our simple step-by-step instructions below:

  1. Visit the official France-visas website. It will tell you what you need depending on your nationality, your country of residence, and the type of visa you want.

  2. Create your personal account.

  3. You’ll then learn what specific supporting documents you must enclose with your application. Complete the form online.

  4. After completing your visa application request, print and sign it. It must be added to your application file (along with the application receipt).

  5. Depending on your country of residence, book an appointment with either the French consular services or a certified visa application center to hand in your application file in person.
    France currently works with three certified service providers to collect visa applications: VFS Global, TLS, and Capago.

  6. During your appointment, hand in your file with the supporting documents. If this is your first visa application, your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) will also be collected.
    Children under age 12 are not submitted to fingerprint collection.

  7. Pay the visa application fees (and possible service fees if your application is handled by a service provider).

  8. Hold on to the invoice/visa application receipt with your reference number - as it will allow you to track the progress of your file and collect your passport once a decision has been made by the consular authorities.

  9. Once the proper authorities have ruled, your passport will be ready to collect (or sent back to the service provider where you left it with your application). You will then be informed via email, text message, or phone call (depending on what you’ve chosen) and asked to come retrieve it.

 

 

What documents are required for a French visa?

 

Before you schedule any appointments though, make sure you have all your required Schengen visa documents ready to go. These will include (at the very least):

  • Your passport (issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area)

  • A Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed).

  • Two recent passport photos meeting the specific Schengen visa photo requirements)

  • Your itinerary

  • Travel insurance
    (NOTE: Travel insurance is not only mandatory but must meet several criteria in order to be accepted with your visa application – more on that below)

  • Proof of sufficient funds (if applicable)

  • Proof of the purpose of the trip – such as a Schengen letter of invitation (if applicable)

  • Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)

  • Proof of accommodation (if applicable)

  • Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable)

  • For minors – certified parental or guardian authorization

Going to France for business? Then you might also need:

  • a schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation* from a French company (if applicable)

  • documentation linked to your business operations (if applicable)

*OFFICIAL SOURCES: AXA provides up-to-date information on Schengen travel and visa requirements, but always verify details with the official government sources listed below:

 

 

How much money do I need for my trip to France?

 

And, of course, you (and the French authorities) want to be sure you can afford the trip too. So, according to official French government sources, you’ll need to show:

  • At least €120 per day if staying in a hotel (or similar paid accommodation).

  • At least €65 per day if presenting proof of alternative accommodation (e.g., rental, Airbnb, or similar).

  • At least €32.50 per day if staying with a private individual presenting a formal “attestation d'accueil”.

 

 

When should I apply for my French Schengen visa?

 

With all your paperwork and cash in tow, you should aim to submit your French Schengen visa application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before your trip. In other words, at least three weeks in advance is a safe bet.

PRO-REMINDER: And make sure to set aside time to come in for an in-person interview.

 

 

 

Where to apply for a French visa?

 

IMPORTANT PRO-REMINDER!: To apply for a Schengen visa for France, you’ll first need to create an account via the official France-visas website. Once you do, the website should point you further in the right direction. But, generally speaking, you have two options for where to go (after you’ve created your account above):

  • Traditional Method:
    Apply directly through your nearest French embassy or consulate.
    To help you find it, France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a full list of (and contact info for) France’s embassies and consulates worldwide.

  • Via an Authorized Visa Application Center:
    Many Schengen countries - including France - also outsource their visa applications through companies like VFS Global, TLScontact, and Capago (see links above), all of which have hundreds of locations around the globe.

But no matter which method you choose, give yourself plenty of time to ensure you have all the required documents above – and to book that appointment for your French visa.

 

 

How much does a Schengen visa for France cost?

 

The price for a Schengen visa is standard across the Schengen area, including France. That said, like many travel-related costs, it tends to increase every few years. The cost of a Schengen visa can also vary depending on the traveler’s age, and in some cases, their nationality or the purpose of the trip. This may result in either a reduced fee or even a waiver.

Luckily, AXA keeps this information up to date, so you can check the current Schengen visa fees that apply at the time of your trip. 

Important! And keep in mind that while the French Schengen visa usually remains a flat rate, your particular visa application center may charge some extra fees. Both are usually non-refundable.

 

 

How long does it take to process a French Schengen visa?

 

The wait times are also universal, generally speaking, and average around 15 days from the receipt of your application. Although in some cases, embassies, consulates, and/or application centers can take between a month and two to process a visa application — especially during peak seasons.

 

 

What to do if your French visa is refused?

 

If the French authorities decide against granting you your Schengen visa (for whatever reason), you can generally either simply apply again, or you can try to appeal the refusal. The outcome of that appeal, however, will ultimately depend on the French authorities. The EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement, meanwhile, can tell you more.

PRO-TIPS: - If your French visa is refused, your Schengen visa application will not be refunded.

The good news? AXA’s Schengen travel insurance plans, in this case, are indeed fully refundable (but more on those below)! - Moreover, to make sure it doesn’t come to that, AXA can also gladly tell you how to best avoid Schengen visa refusal in the first place.

 

 

What about ETIAS and EES for France?

 

New Schengen visa costs are not the only thing the European Union has introduced in recent years. They’ve also had a few key changes in terms of tightening (and hopefully speeding) up the way people travel to Europe too. One of these key changes has been the very gradual introduction of the EU’s “Entry/Exit System” (aka EES).

And the other? The EES’ new travel companion, known as the “European Information and Authorization System” (aka ETIAS). Initially designed and set to be introduced way back in 2016, both systems are expected to make European travel safer, faster, and easier for everyone. And as of late 2025, they are finally being implemented across the EU and the Schengen Zone, including France. Albeit, still very much gradually.

IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: But keep in mind that EES and ETIAS are wholly separate from the Schengen visa - and, therefore, do not replace it.
To further learn about each, check out the EU’s official ETIAS/EES website (as well as AXA’s comprehensive guides above).

 

 

How to apply for a French visa from my country of residence?

We’ve prepared easy, country-specific guides to help you request your visa for France.

 

 

Do I need a specific visa to visit the French overseas territories?

 

Yes. Visa rules for the French overseas territories (i.e., French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, St Pierre and Miquelon, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and Wallis and Futuna Islands) are different from those for mainland France.

Each territory has its own bilateral visa agreements with other countries. This means that a Schengen visa does not allow entry into these regions. If you’re planning to travel to one of these destinations, check the specific visa requirements for each overseas French territory before you go.

 

 

How can AXA help with my French visa application?

 

And while AXA can not guarantee your French Schengen visa itself, we can definitely bring you one big step closer to getting it. And that’s by hooking you and your loved ones up with some budget-friendly, top-quality, world-renowned Schengen Travel insurance.

Because not only is Schengen travel insurance a mandatory requirement to be granted your French Schengen visa, but you also need a plan that meets some very specific criteria.

 

 

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa?

 

For your French Schengen visa application to even be considered, you must first have a travel insurance plan that:

  • is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries (not just France)

  • has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation – including in case of death);

  • covers you in both France and all the other Schengen member states

  • is valid for the entire duration of your stay in France (and/or the rest of the Schengen).

PRO-TIPS: AXA can tell you more about the specific travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa if you like (such as the numbers and reasons behind them). But, either way, you can rest assured knowing that all of AXA’s plans meet those requirements (and then some)!

And, again, if for some reason your French Schengen visa is denied, AXA travel insurance is refundable in most cases.

You’ll only be asked to provide an official explanation as to why your visa was refused (from the relevant French embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

 

 

Other reasons to choose AXA for France

 

And even if you don’t need a visa, travel insurance for the most visited country on the planet is probably a good call. Because, along with fulfilling any and all EU Schengen visa requirements, we also provide round-the-clock coverage, medical assistance and expertise, and countless other benefits. Here are just a few of those:

  • Our plans have no age restrictions, require no medical exams, and have zero deductibles.

  • Any AXA travel insurance plan can easily be purchased online in a matter of minutes.

  • Our travel insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly (and is then accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide)

  • And our plans cover you in France, all other Schengen territories, and beyond!

We also offer perks like:

  • Coverage of all the way up to €2 Million;

  • Civil and personal liability insurance;

  • Baggage insurance;

  • Flexible and upgradable options;

  • Plans from as little as one day to up to a full year…

And much, much more! So before you book that Schengen visa appointment (and/or plane ticket) for France, take a couple of minutes to

 

compare all of AXA’s options

and

get a free, zero-obligation AXA quote!

 

That way, out of the 100+ million visitors to France this year, you and your loved ones are guaranteed to be among the best taken care of — day and night, 24/7, and every step of the way!

 

Bon voyage !

 

 

RELATED ARTICLES:

 

How to get the right Schengen travel insurance for a French visa?

Going to France: travel and safety tips

Paris: secret spots and tips for a unique visit

Hidden Dream Destinations in France

 

 

FAQ

 

Can I study or work in France with a short-stay (aka Type C/”tourist”) visa?

No. A Type C Schengen visa allows you to enter France on holiday, to visit family members, and/or for a short business trip. But it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there.

Can I enter France with a Schengen Visa from another country?

Yes. Any Schengen Visa allows you to travel to and throughout all countries in the Schengen Zone. However, the Schengen country in which you plan to spend the most time should be the one you apply to!

PRO-TIP: And AXA can help you understand what are known as the Schengen visa First Port of Entry rules in no time too!

What happens if I overstay my visa in France?

The consequences of overstaying your visa vary — but can range from paying a fine to jail time, deportation, and/or even being banned from France.

FINAL PRO-TIP: Fortunately, AXA can tell you all about Schengen visa validity to help avoid those consequences!

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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Basic

AXA Schengen Basic is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Essential

AXA Essential is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Basic.

AXA Schengen Annual

AXA Annual is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Annual for different countries during 90 days.