Updated on - 23 Oct 2025
Before the Eiffel Tower lights up your evening or a vineyard in Provence steals your breath, there’s an essential detail that needs your attention: the visa. For Indian travellers, France isn’t just a dream destination but also a gateway to education, work and family reunions. However, before you can book your flight or plan your wardrobe, you will need to understand the kind of visa you need and how long it might take to arrive.
This blog explains the different types of France visas for Indian citizens, how long the process usually takes and what can affect the processing time.
France visa types for Indian citizens
There are various types of visas, depending on why you are going and how long you plan to stay. The most common types are:
- Schengen visa (short-stay visa): This is for stays up to 90 days. It is used for short courses, family visits, tourism or business trips.
- Long-stay visa: If you plan on staying in France for more than 90 days for family reasons, study or work, you need this visa.
- Transit visa: This is for travellers who are passing through France to go to another nation.
How long does the France visa process take?
Here’s the breakdown of the France student visa processing time in India:
- Processing time: Most France visa applications from India take just 15 days to process. Tourist and business visas are typically finalised within 7 to 15 working days. Work and family reunion visas usually take longer, with a processing time of around 8 to 12 weeks.
- Special cases: Some situations require more time for a thorough review. In such cases, the processing can extend to 45 days. It's good to know this, especially if your circumstances require extra time.
- Passport delivery: Sometimes, they send your approved passport through postal services. This move speeds up the delivery and makes it super convenient for you. No need for an extra trip to the visa office and lining up in a queue!
To avoid delays, make sure all required documents are ready before your appointment. This usually includes your financial proof, hotel bookings, travel tickets, passport and a single trip insurance policy that covers your whole visit in the Schengen region.
Factors affecting processing time
Many things can affect how fast your visa is processed. During holiday seasons like winter or summer, more people apply for visas. This can cause delays.
Long-stay visas often take more time because they require more checks and paperwork. Also, if you forget to include any documents or fill out the form incorrectly, your visa may take longer or even get rejected.
If you have travelled before, or if you have all the proper documents and a clear reason for your trip, it can be faster. Some cities may process visas quickly than others, depending on the number of applications they receive.
Conclusion
Getting a France visa in India is usually a smooth process if you plan ahead. On average, it takes roughly 15 days for a short-stay visa and up to 8-12 weeks for a long-stay one. Always apply early and make sure your documents are complete and correct.
Travel insurance is also an important part of your visa application. If you are not sure what kind of cover you need, we are here to help. Get travel insurance online advice that fits your trip by filling out the form on this page.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.