Traveling to French territory often requires more than a passport for many Americans. If you're planning a longer stay or visiting for study, work, or business, a visa application may be necessary. This guide outlines the types of France visas available, how to submit your application online, and what to expect at your local visa centre or VFS Global location. 

France remains the top tourism destination globally, offering everything from the elegance of Paris to the sun-soaked shores of the Côte d'Azur. With so much to explore, a long-stay visa or residence permit might be worth considering. Here, you'll find all the information you need, from entering details online and paying the relevant fee to how the French authorities handle processing applications, so you can prepare for your trip with confidence.  

Who Needs a Visa to Travel to France?

If you are an American citizen, you may need a visa to travel to France, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are the scenarios in which you would require a visa: 

• Long-Term Stays: What’s long-term? More than 90 days. Suppose you plan to stay in the French territory for over 90 days, whether for work, study, or joining your family. You will need a visa that becomes your residence permit. 

• Specific Activities: If you are traveling for certain activities, such as attending a sales conference, doing an internship, or engaging in other professional activities, you might need a visa, even for a short stay. Read on for more general information.
   

Who Doesn't Need a Visa to Travel to France?

If you’re hopping over for a quick getaway or vacation, you don’t need a visa. American citizens can visit France for short stays (up to 90 days) without a visa as long as they’re traveling for any of the following reasons:

• Tourism: Experiencing la vie en rose first hand.
• Business: Attending business meetings or conferences.
• Family Visits: Enjoying a rendezvous with your loved ones.
• Educational: Cooking course, anyone?

For these short stays, you can travel to France without a visa under the Schengen Agreement. Be sure your total stay in the Schengen Area does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. 
 

What Is Schengen?

The Schengen Area is a group of 29 countries that have agreed to abolish types of border control like showing your passport or going through customs when traveling through their mutual borders. The unrestricted movement of people is allowed, which makes travel a breeze. 

The Schengen region includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

The US has reciprocal agreements with Schengen countries that allow US citizens with valid passports to travel to the Schengen region without a visa - and vice versa. 

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay (up to 90 days) visa that allows visitors to travel freely within the Schengen Area. It is required by foreign nationals to enter France. If you are an American citizen with a valid passport traveling to the Schengen countries for tourism or business, you don’t need a Schengen Visa. 
 

What Are the Different Types of Visas for Travel to France?

France offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are the main categories. 

• Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa): This is valid for stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, family visits, or short courses. 

• Long-Stay Visa: These are required for stays longer than 90 days, including work, study, family reunification, or long-term tourism. 

• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through France en route to another destination. 

• Student Visa: For those enrolled in a French educational institution for a program lasting longer than 90 days. 

• Work Visa: For individuals who have a job offer in France. 

• Visitor Visa: For long-term stays without engaging in professional activities. 
   

How do I apply for a visa in France?

It’s not difficult to apply for a visa, but there are several steps. However, be cautious as there are fraudulent sites out there, so be sure to stay on the official websites of the French consulate, embassy, or the official website linked below. 

• Determine if you need a visa. Go to: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/ You’ll see a module called “Do you need a visa?” Follow its prompts to find out if you need a visa. If not, start packing! If so, follow the steps below: 

• Fill the Application Form: Fill out the online application form through the single portal on the official website here or at the French consulate or embassy in your area. 

• Schedule an Appointment: Visa applicants and the receipt of applications are handled by the 10 VFS Global centers in the United States. You’ll find one in just about every major city. Read more here. 

• Attend the Visa Interview: Go to your appointment with the all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your trip. 

• Pay the Visa Fee: The fee varies depending on the type of visa. 

• Wait for Processing: Processing applications can take time, so apply well in advance to avoid long waiting times. 
   

When Should I Apply for My Visa to France?

It's advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date. If you're looking for a France Schengen visa appointment NYC, check availability on the official VFS Global website and schedule as early as possible. As we all learned during the pandemic, time frames can change and departments can get backlogged. So be sure to check the current time recommendation at https://france-visas.gouv.fr/.
Currently, it is recommended to make your appointment at least:

• Short-stay visa: 15 days before your date of departure
• Long-stay visa: 1 month before your date of departure
   

Note: Applications cannot be submitted more than 6 months before the departure date for short-stay visa applications and more than 3 months before the departure date for long-stay visa applications. 
 

What Documents Must Be Submitted with My Visa Application?

The documents required for a French visa application can vary based on the type of visa you are applying for. However, here is a general list of documents you will likely need: 

• Completed Visa Application Form: Ensure the information is accurate. They’re sticklers for details! 

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and have at least two blank pages. 

• Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photos that meet the visa photo requirements. 

• Proof of Travel Itinerary: A copy of your round-trip flight booking or travel itinerary. 

• Travel Insurance Policy: Proof of travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the entire Schengen Area. 

• Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of where you will be staying, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host. 

• Proof of Monetary Resources: Bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer to show you can support yourself with adequate resources during your stay. 

• Purpose of Travel: Additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g., a letter from your employer, an acceptance letter from a university, etc.). 

If you face an error that displays, "Le serveur que vous essayez de joindre est indisponible" while filling out the form or paying the relevant fee, do not be worried as this technical error is common. You just need to refresh the page, but if the issue persists, try switching to a different device and network.  

How Much Does a Visa for France Cost?

The cost of a French visa varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. The fees are in Euros, and therefore, the dollar amounts below will fluctuate with the exchange rate. 

• Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa): Approximately $80.
• Long-Stay Visa: Approximately $120.
• Other Fees: There may be additional service fees. VFS's current fees are $34.29.

As you know, fees can change. So, it's important to check the latest fee structure on the official website of the French consulate or embassy. Getting a Schengen visa France might seem tricky, but if you visit a local visa centre or fill out the application online, you'll get a detailed breakdown of all the documents required by the French authorities.  
 

What Travel Insurance Must I Choose to Get a Visa to France?

A travel insurance Policy is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa to France. Your policy must meet the following criteria: 

• Coverage: It must cover medical expenses up to at least €30,000, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation 

• Validity: It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, and allow you to access services in this area 

• Schengen Area Coverage: It should cover every country within the Schengen Area 

We will gladly assist you with any of your travel insurance policy needs for the Schengen Area, and beyond. Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. Get a quote or give us a call now. 

Also Read: Schengen Travel, Schengen Guide, What is ETIAS, France, Travel Requirements: France, Is it Safe: France 
 

Conclusion

Whether you’re headed to France for a business opportunity, education, visiting family, or for an unbeatable vacation, it’s important to have your documents in order for a smooth enjoyable trip. 

We’re standing by to help you select the ideal travel insurance policy for your upcoming trip to France. Lean on our expertise. We’ll help take care of the details, leaving you relaxed to plan out the more exciting elements of your trip. Bon voyage! 

Related Articles 

Schengen 

Schengen Photo Requirements 

Schengen Visa Sticker Number

Schengen for Greencard Holders

Schengen Countries

Schengen Cover letter

Schengen Visa Requirements

How to Apply for Schengen Visa

Schengen Processing Time

Schengen Greece