France Visa

Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site: http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html

• The Applicant's original passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• Photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas (only if the case implies)
• Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera should be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks that may disfigure the face or background of the photo. Moreover, the photo should be pasted in the specified space.
One duly filled in visa application form with all columns filled.

• Mobile number should be mentioned by Applicants on the visa application form. It should be noted that Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France should mention the applicant's mobile number on the visa application form and not their own mobile number or travel agency's number.
• Application should be enclosed with a covering letter IN ORIGINAL duly signed by the applicant. In case of self employed / businessman applicants who are going on tourist visa, the covering letter should preferably be given on company's letterhead.
• Application should be enclosed with copy of CONFIRMED prepaid hotel reservation OR sponsorship certificate (attestation d'accueil*) IN ORIGINAL.
• A covering letter signed by the Applicant. For self employed / businessman, traveling on tourist visa, a Covering Letter preferably on Company's Letterhead will be needed (in original).
• A photocopy of ITINERARY prepared by the travel agency (for travelers who are going on tour).
• A photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card should be enclosed with application form.
• Copy of income tax papers of last one year, along with last THREE month bank statement and last 3 months' salary slips.

Photocopy of overseas medical insurance policy + repatriation, evacuation cover (equivalent to 30,000 euros). Applicant need to carry your original insurance for verification at the time of submission of visa application form.
Some of the Approved Indian Travel Insurance Companies providing Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa:

• Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
• Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
• Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
• HDFC Ergo for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
• IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• National for the age group of 6 months to 80 years.
• Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• Royal Sundaram for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
• Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
• United India Insurance Company for the age group of 0 months to 65 years.

Other Requirements:

• Applicant need to attach a copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• All applicants [except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa need to fill visa insurance undertaking form] with the visa application form.
• For minor travelling alone, the visa application must include an authorization from both his / her parents to travel alone. The authorization has to be attested by an entitled Indian authority and enclose copy of the parents' identity. On the other hand, if the minor is travelling with an adult, other than his / her parents, this adult need to be legally authorized by the minor's parents to accompany him / her and take any measure that would be required in case of illness, accident, etc. If the minor is accompanied by only one of his / her parents, the other one need to give his / her legal authorization to let her / his child travelling with his / her spouse
• For any student under 18, applicants are requested by the French authorities to submit with either a photocopy of certificate from their school or university or any other document as an evidence of their enrollment as a student or apprentice with the application form.
• The photocopy of certificate from school or university or any other evidence of professional or educative occupation is also required whenever a young person over 18 is depending on his parents for his/her living expenses.
• Domestic help at the personal service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France. Submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP ( Direction du travail, de l'emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer's place of vacation is mandatory for application for a visa.
• Once issued, the visa is usually valid for 6 months with a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

It is to be noted that the French Consulate Kolkata reserves the right to ask the applicant to produce original air ticket and insurance (if required).
Employed applicants need to submit a letter from the employer with the details of employment and approved leave.
However, the self employed applicants need to submit the proof of business i.e. partnership deed or firm's registration.
Applicants without a job and students need to submit their spouse's / parent's financial papers AND a letter of employment or business.
All faxes must be photocopied and should be of A4 size (paper).
A copy of marriage certificate is needed to be attached with the application form e.g. if wife's passport is in maiden name.
Each application must be supported by a copy of all essential documents. If the applicant has received a fax, he or she must photocopy the same and attach it to the application form.
It should be noted that no visa will be issued on additional pages.
Children would need to travel on their respective passports.
Note: No visa fee is charged for children below 6 years of age and students traveling on study tours.
All fees are non-refundable.
The submission and collection of the visa application and passport from VFS office can be done either by the Applicant or any person with an authorization Letter and a photo-identity.
Note For Applicants applying in Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai: One must note that the visa fee for Applicants applying to the France Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai is to be paid by a Bank Draft, payable in the respective cities and favoring 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. A/C No. 24105037330'. Otherwise, Applicants have the option of purchasing the Banking Instrument at the France Visa Application Centre for a nominal fee of Rs. 60/- (inclusive of service tax) per Applicant. Only one Bank Draft will be accepted per Applicant. The courier facility is also available at Rs. 250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (it is an optional facility)

Business Visa
Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site: http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html

• The Applicant should possess an original passport which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages opposite to each other for visa stamp.
• Application should be attached with photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas (only if the case implies)
• Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera should be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks that may disfigure the face or background of the photo. Moreover, the photo should be pasted in the specified space.
• One duly filled in visa application form with all columns filled.
• Applicants need to mention their mobile number on the visa application form. It should be noted that Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France should give / mention the applicant's mobile number on the visa application form and not their own mobile number or travel agency's number.
• A copy of the Invitation Letter sent by the French Company (to be visited).
• Application should be enclosed with copy of income tax papers of past one year, last THREE month bank statements and last 3 months salary slips.
• Application should be enclosed with Xerox copy of Applicant's PAN Card.

Photocopy of overseas medical insurance policy + repatriation, evacuation cover (equivalent to 30,000 euros). Applicant need to carry your original insurance for verification at the time of submission of visa application form.
Some of the Approved Indian Travel Insurance Companies providing Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa:

• Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
• Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
• Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
• HDFC Ergo for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
• IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• National for the age group of 6 months to 80 years.
• Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• Royal Sundaram for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
• Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
• Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
• United India Insurance Company for the age group of 0 months to 65 years.

Other Requirements:

• Application should also be enclosed with confirmed onward / return air ticket (with their photocopy).
• A copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout) should be attached with the application form.
• Application should be enclosed with documentary proof of confirmed prepaid hotel reservation.
• All applicants [except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa need to fill visa insurance undertaking form] with the visa application form.
• Domestic help at the personal service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France. Submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP ( Direction du travail, de l'emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer's place of vacation is mandatory for application for a visa.
• The documents need to be arranged in the order to given above.
• Once issued the visa remains valid for 6 months with a stay of 90 days.
• The visa processing time can take up to 7 to 10 working days.

The French Consulate, Kolkata reserves the right to ask the applicant to bring original air ticket and insurance (if needed).
In case of frequent flyers, one can apply for a one-year visa (longer validity) with an overseas medical insurance policy of one year. However, one must also that the passport should be valid consequently.
For applicants who are going on training, the host organization need to get a clearance from the DDTEFP department of the French ministry in France and Xerox of the DDTEFP need to be enclosed with the covering letter from the host.
All faxes should be photocopied and in A4 size paper.
Every application should be supported by a copy of the required documents. If the applicant has received a then he / she must obtain a photocopy of the same and enclose it to with their application.
Applicants must note that no visa will be issued on additional pages.
** It should be noted that original insurance will be seen by the submission officer at the time of submission of visa application form. Online insurance need to be certified by the insurance company. Also from 01st November 2007 onwards, insurance should cover a minimum of 30 days even if the applicant's duration of stay in France is less than 30 days.
There is a service charge of Rs. 935/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) and cash handling charges of Rs. 60/- levied per application over and above the visa fees. In addition, the courier facility is also available at Rs. 250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (it is optional).

Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site: http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html

• The Applicant should possess an original passport which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages opposite to each other for visa stamp.
• Application should be attached with photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas (only if the case implies.
• Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera should be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks that may disfigure the face or background of the photo. Moreover, the photo should be pasted in the specified space.
• One duly filled in visa application form with all columns filled.
• Applicants need to mention their mobile number on the visa application form. It should be noted that Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France should give / mention the applicant's mobile number on the visa application form and not their own mobile number or travel agency's number.

Application should be enclosed with a covering letter signed by the applicant (in original).

• The application should be enclosed with copy of CONTRACT with Shipping Company.
• Original INVITATION LETTER from agent in France. Original plus Copy of CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
• A copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• A photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• All applicants [except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa need to fill visa insurance undertaking form] in addition to the visa application form.
• Domestic help at the personal service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France. The submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP (Direction du travail, de l'emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer's place of vacation is mandatory for application for a visa.
• The Transit Visa is valid only for a maximum stay of 5 days.
• The Visa application processing time can take up to 7 to 10 working days.

The Embassy of France, New Delhi reserves the right to ask the applicant to bring original air ticket and insurance (if in case required).
All photocopies of documents must be in A4 size of paper.
There is a service charge of Rs. 935/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) and cash handling charges of Rs. 60/- levied per application over and above the visa fees. The courier facility is available at Rs. 250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (it is an optional facility).

Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site:http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html

• The Applicant should possess an original passport which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages opposite to each other for visa stamp.
• Application should be attached with photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas (only if the case implies)
• Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera should be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks that may disfigure the face or background of the photo. Moreover, the photo should be pasted in the specified space.
• One duly filled in visa application form with all columns filled.
• Applicants need to mention their mobile number on the visa application form. It should be noted that Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France should give / mention the applicant's mobile number on the visa application form and not their own mobile number or travel agency's number.

Application should be enclosed with a covering letter signed by the applicant (in original).

• A photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card should be enclosed with the application form.
• A copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• A copy of visa of FINAL destination and photocopy of documents, which were submitted to get the visa of the final destination.
• A copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• All of the requisite documents should be arranged in the order given above.
• The application processing time can take up to 7 to 10 working days.

Important Information

• The Embassy of France, New Delhi reserves the right to ask the Applicant to obtain the original air ticket and insurance documents (if in case required).
• From year 2002 onwards, Indian nationals going to UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and USA are exempted from an airport transit visa only in case they have a confirmed return ticket.
• However, passengers holding a buddy pass or an open ticket need to get an ordinary transit visa. Some countries have visa upon arrival, therefore the same MUST be mentioned in the covering letter while submitting the visa application form.
• All photocopies of requisite documents must be submitted in A4 size paper.
• It should be noted that this is for only for less than 5 hours of stay at the airport.
• No visa will be issued on additional pages on passport.
• Children need to travel on their respective passports.
• As some countries provide visa upon arrival, the same must be mentioned in the covering letter while submitting the visa application form.
• Each application should be supported by a copy of all required documents. A fax also should suitably be photocopied and attached to the application.

There is a service charge of Rs. 935/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) and cash handling charges of Rs. 60/- charged per application over and above the visa fees. The courier facility is available at Rs.250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (it is an optional facility).

Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site:http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html

• The Applicant should have an original passport which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages opposite to each other for visa stamp.
• The photocopy of Passport photo page and address page of the applicant should be attached along with visa application.
• Application should be attached with photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas (if in case implies)
• Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera should be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks that may disfigure the face or background of the photo. Moreover, the photo should be pasted in the specified space.
• One duly filled in visa application form with all columns filled.
• Applicants need to mention their mobile number on the visa application form. One should note that Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France should give / mention the applicant's mobile number on the visa application form and not their own mobile number or travel agency's number.

Application should be enclosed with a covering letter signed by the applicant (in original).

• Applicant should attach the copy of CONTRACT with Shipping Company along with the application form.
• Application form should be enclosed with INVITATION LETTER from the relevant agent in France.
• The Original and copy of CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) should be submitted.
• The photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Application should be enclosed with copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• All applicants [except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa need to fill visa insurance undertaking form] in addition to the visa application form.
• Domestic help at the personal service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France. The submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP (Direction du travail, de l'emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer's place of vacation is mandatory for application for a visa.
• The Transit Visa is valid only for a maximum stay of 5 days.
• The Visa application processing time can take up to 7 to 10 working days.

The Embassy of France, New Delhi reserves the right to ask the applicant to bring original air ticket and insurance (if in case required).
All photocopies of documents must be in A4 size of paper.
There is a service charge of Rs. 935/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) and cash handling charges of Rs. 60/- levied per application over and above the visa fees. The courier facility is available at Rs. 250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (it is an optional facility).

Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site:http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html
Applicant need to make an application for an Employment Contract by the Employer in France at the Office Des Migrations Internationals (Omi - Office of Population Migration). This organization is represented in each French Department. It will examine the Application and get in touch directly with the French Embassy / Consulate under which, the Applicant is covered. The Embassy / Consulate in turn will summon the Applicant for issuing the Visa.

• In addition, the Applicant should have an original passport which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages opposite to each other for visa stamp.
• One duly filled in visa application form with all columns filled (photocopy is allowed).
• Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera should be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks that may disfigure the face or background of the photo. Moreover, the photo should be pasted in the specified space.
• Applicants need to mention their mobile number on the visa application form. One should note that Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France should give / mention the applicant's mobile number on the visa application form and not their own mobile number or travel agency's number.
• The covering Letter from the Applicant should be written on the Company's Letterhead mentioning his name, designation, duration and purpose of visit.
• Original Employment Contract to be arranged by the concerned French Company.
• Application should be enclosed with photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• The profile of the hiring Company should be attached with the application form.
• The bank statements for the last 3 months of the applicant should be attached with the application form.

There is a service charge of Rs. 935/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) and cash handling charges of Rs. 60/- will be charged per application over and above the visa fees. The courier facility is available at Rs.250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (it is an optional facility).

Note: For the visa submission, an Applicant / Agent is required to take prior appointment through VFS site:http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html
Student visa is needed for students going to France to study on a Full time course, Student Exchange programme, Erasmus -Mundus course, French Language course (summer courses etc) or for a Short-term Internship programme. The Student Visa includes a three-step process.
The First Step
The first step of application is to make an online Campus France registration file on http://www.india.campusfrance.org. The help of a CampusFrance counsellor, on the phone, e-mail or with an appointment can be sought from the nearest CampusFrance office for the same purpose.
The Second Step
The second step is to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the visa interview by the designated official:
In Delhi: The Attache for Scientific & University Cooperation.
In Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune: The Director of the respective Alliance Française or Language attaches in some cities.
Documents required to obtain the NOC are listed below:
The third step
includes the submission of the passport at the main Embassy for stamping.
Students who obtain the NOC at Delhi, Calcutta and Chandigarh need to submit their passports at the French Embassy at New Delhi.
Students who get the NOC at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai need to proceed to the French Consulate in Mumbai.
Students who obtain the NOC from Chennai need to proceed to the French Consulate in Pondicherry.
Documents required for NOC Interview.
The below mentioned documents are required in originals with 2 sets of photocopy for verification:
The Applicant should possess an original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport along with photocopies of valid visas are required to be attached. Passports valid for more than 10 years won't be accepted as the main requisite travel document. The passport should mandatorily have two blank pages, opposite to each other.
Two latest passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs clicked by a digital camera in high quality colour, and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks which may disfigure the face or background of the photo. The photograph should be pasted on the specified space on the visa application form.
A Letter of registration / admission issued by a French Academic Institution.
Documentary evidence of resources for tuition fees and 500 Euros a month for living expenses for the period of stay (1 year) for food, housing, transport, medical expenses etc.,) or;
A sponsorship Letter for accommodation from the city of stay and related documents providing availability of a minimum of 250 Euros per month for living expenses.
Documentary proof of residence in France for the period of stay.
A brief bio-data of the applicant.
Passport size photographs against a light background.
Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card (if available).
Photocopies of degrees / diplomas and certificates (+2/ BA/ B Sc/ BE / MA / M Sc).
Photocopies of first 2 pages of valid passport for the entire period of stay in France.
Printout of confirmed air ticket (if booked online) or confirmed air ticket
Comprehensive "Overseas Medical Policy and Repatriation Policy" for 3 months need to be obtained (photocopy of the same should be enclosed with application form).
A demand draft (DD) of INR 4000, drawn in favor of "CEDUST", payable at New Delhi. It is Campus France registration fee which should be submitted on the day of the Visa interview or on a prior given date.
There is a service charge of Rs. 935/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) and cash handling charges of Rs. 60/- levied per application over and above the visa fees. The courier facility is available at Rs.250/- (inclusive of service tax 12.36%) per application (optional).