Planning a brief getaway to France? In this guide you’ll find everything you need—from who must apply and required paperwork to pitfalls to avoid, appeal procedures and what happens if you overstay.
What Is a Short Stay (Schengen C) Visa?
A Schengen C visa lets you stay in France (and other Schengen countries) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as outlined on the European Commission’s official Schengen visa information page. Its main purposes are:
– Tourism
– Visiting family or friends
– Business meetings
You must hold one if you’re not from a visa-exempt country.
Who Needs a France Schengen C Visa?
Nationals of most non-EU countries (for example, India, China, Russia) must apply, while citizens of visa-exempt states (such as the US, Canada, Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, according to the comprehensive visa policy of the Schengen Area.
Required Documents
Before your appointment, prepare the following:
- A completed France Schengen visa application form (PDF)
- Two recent passport-size photos according to Schengen standards
- Passport valid for ≥ 3 months after your planned departure, issued within the last 10 years, with ≥ 2 blank pages
- Travel itinerary (round-trip flight reservation)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or formal invitation for private stays)
- Schengen travel insurance covering ≥ €30 000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, as recommended by SchengenVisaInfo’s guide on travel insurance
- Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship letter, traveller’s cheques)
- Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property deeds, family documents)
Special Rules for Minors
Children under 18 must submit:
1. Signed parental consent from both parents
2. Copies of parents’ passports/IDs
3. Child’s birth certificate
Minors (≥ 6 years old) will also give fingerprints; under-6s only provide a photo, according to the EU Regulation on visa procedures for minors.
Application Process & Where to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Fill out and print the online form via the France-Visas portal.
- Book your slot at the nearest French consulate or your local VFS Global application centre.
- Gather all documents.
- Attend your appointment, pay the fee, submit paperwork and give biometrics.
- Track your case online using the reference number.
You can apply as early as six months before travel and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. Processing normally takes 15 calendar days but may extend to 45 days in complex cases.
Fees, Processing Time & Visa Validity
- Adults (≥ 12 years): € 80
- Children (6–11 years): € 40
- Under 6 years: free
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. Once issued, a single-entry visa allows up to 90 days’ stay. Multiple-entry visas also permit travel in other Schengen states provided you meet entry conditions.
Future ETIAS Requirements
Starting in 2025, nationals of visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen zone. This does not replace visas.
Common Pitfalls, Appeals & Overstay Consequences
- Previous refusals are recorded in the Visa Information System; address any past reasons explicitly in your new application.
- Overstaying can trigger entry bans up to five years.
- A solid travel history (past Schengen or other visas returned on time) raises approval chances.
- You have two months from the refusal date to appeal. Submit the original refusal letter, your application copy and any new supporting documents to the diplomatic mission or prefecture that issued the refusal.
- Dual citizens: apply with your non-EU passport. If you hold an EU passport, you don’t need a visa.
- Strong proof of ties at home—stable job, property, enrolled studies—demonstrates intent to leave.
“A clear travel itinerary and proof of strong ties to your home country are the best predictors of visa approval.” – Frédéric Masquelier, EU visa policy coordinator
Ready for Your French Adventure?
You now know what documents to gather, where to apply and how to handle setbacks. With a thorough application and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to exploring France’s museums, cafés and countryside without a hitch.