When planning a trip to France, one important thing that an Indian national needs to consider is a visa and its cost. Whether it's for leisure, business, or study, knowing the fees will assist Indians in budgeting their trips better without facing unpleasant surprises. The guide covers France visa fees for Indian nationals; who may enjoy an exemption; types of visas; and overstaying, among other details.
Do Indian Travellers Need a France Visa?
Yes, as an Indian citizen, you do require a visa to visit France. The French Republic comes under the Schengen Area, and French law primarily requires a visa upon your entry for a short-term stay in the country. The stay can be for a maximum of 90 days for tourist purposes, business, or transit. There are many types of visas, depending on the purpose of travel and a person's period of stay. However, if you get a Schengen visa, you will be able to tour France and all other countries included in the Schengen zone.
Does France offer visa-on-arrival for Indians?
Unfortunately, France does not provide visa-on-arrival to Indians. You must get your visa before you leave India. However, if you already have a valid Schengen visa issued by another country, you can use it for short-term entries into France.
France Visa Types and Fees
France offers different types of visas, depending on the purpose of travel. Each category has a different fee. The main types are listed below:
France Tourist Visa
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Fees: ₹7,199 (approx.)
- Extension: 80 Euros (around ₹7,126)
The France Tourist Visa is the category that an applicant should seek when travelling to France for sightseeing or leisure purposes. It provides a single entry and has a validity of no more than 90 days.
France Business Visa
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Fees: ₹7,199 (approx.)
- Extension: 80 Euros (around ₹7,126)
You will need a France Business Visa when travelling for meetings, conferences, and other business dealings in France. It is of the same fee structure as the tourist visa.
France Student Visa
- Validity: 4 months to 1 year
- Fees: 50 Euros (around ₹4,453)
- Extension: 80 Euros (around ₹7,126)
This is the kind of visa you would need if you were studying in France for a period less than a full course, such as an exchange programme or short course. If you're required to stay longer, additional extension fees apply.
France Long-Stay Visa
- Validity: More than 90 days
- Fees: 99 Euros (around ₹8,817)
Long-stay visas cover work, study, or family reunification and are ideal for those who have plans to stay in France for an extended period. A long-stay visa takes longer to process than a short-stay visa and requires more documentation.
Note: As visa fees are subject to change, always check the latest details on the official French Embassy website.
Who is Exempt from Paying Visa Fees for France?
Not everyone needs to pay a visa fee to apply for a France visa. Such individuals include:
- Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
- Spouses of French citizens
- Diplomatic or service passport holders
- Children under 6 years
- Students on scholarships from the French government
- Teachers accompanying school groups
- Scientific researchers
These exemptions are intended to lighten the visa burden for certain groups, especially those involved in education or international research.
Visa Charges for France for Indians
Depending on the type and duration for which you are applying, the France visa fees for Indians will be different. Here's a look at some common visa categories and their respective fees:
- Short-Stay Visa (up to 90 days): approx. ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 (80 Euros)
- Long-Stay Visa (over 90 days): approx. ₹8,500 to ₹9,500 (99 Euros)
These fees are payable upon application, and service charges may be added if you use third-party services such as visa application centres.
France Visa Price: Overstaying Fees
Overstaying in France warrants several serious consequences, from fines to being barred from future entry into the Schengen Area. If you stay longer than the duration allowed by your visa, the concerned authorities will soon find out as they maintain a vigilant electronic entry and exit tracking system.
Different overstaying fines exist, and they can result in the following:
- Fines: These may be monetary, depending on the duration of the overstay.
- Entry Ban: One will not be allowed to travel to France or any of the Schengen countries in the future.
- Deportation: In the worst cases, overstaying could result in deportation and a ban from entering again.
It is also important to leave before the visa expiry date or apply for an extension if that is necessary.
Conclusion
As an Indian visitor, getting a visa for France involves three steps, and if the costs are known, it's an easy task. The cost of a visa varies according to its type, from which a few exemptions can be applied. Always keep track of your visa's validity to avoid any penalties caused by an overstay. Additionally, having travel insurance for France ensures financial security in case of medical emergencies or trip disruptions.
From the historic cities to the picturesque countryside, France has something to offer for every kind of traveller. And once you have your visa and France travel insurance in order, you are one step closer to a memorable French trip. Joyful travelling!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. 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.