Planning a trip to France? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from France's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to France need schengen short-stay visa (type c), with an official government fee of 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free.
France visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) |
| Government fee | 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free |
| Processing time | Decision usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in some cases. Apply up to 6 months before travel (min 15 days). |
| Validity | Single or multiple entry; total stay max 90 days per 180-day period |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for France?
Visa-free: Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, UAE, Israel, most of Latin America and ~60 others — 90 days in any 180.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): Visa-required nationals including Indian passport holders where France is the main destination or first point of entry, for tourism, family visit or business up to 90 days in any 180.
France visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa exemption (ETIAS pending) | Free (ETIAS €20 once launched) | 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen states | On arrival (EES biometric registration at border) | No application yet; ETIAS at etias.europa.eu when live |
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free | 90 days | Decision usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in some cases. Apply up to 6 months before travel (min 15 days). | https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas |
Documents required
For the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C):
- Completed Schengen application form
- Valid passport (issued within 10 yrs, 3+ months validity beyond stay, 2 blank pages)
- Two recent biometric photos
- Travel medical insurance min EUR 30,000
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of funds (bank statements)
- Employment/business proof
- Cover letter and itinerary
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas — allow Decision usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in some cases. Apply up to 6 months before travel (min 15 days)..
- Arrival formalities: None — Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric registration
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
France visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling France visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for France.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: None — Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric registration — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your France application.
- Processing: allow Decision usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in some cases. Apply up to 6 months before travel (min 15 days).. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to France
- Arrival card / declaration: None — Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric registration
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some EUR (Euro)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- 90/180 rule counts all Schengen countries together.
- Apply to the country of main destination / first entry.
France visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a France visa?
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): Decision usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in some cases. Apply up to 6 months before travel (min 15 days)..
Things to do once your France visa is sorted
Popular experiences in France you can book on HolidaySG:
- Paris Self-Guided Audio Tour Collection — from GBP 31
- Full Day Interlaken City Tour - 12 Hours — from EUR 106
- Full Day Lyon City Tour - 12 Hours — from EUR 106
- Full Day Paris City Tour - 12 Hours — from EUR 106
- Rodin Museum Skip the Line Tickets with Garden of Sculptures — from SGD 23
- Caves du Louvre: French Wine Experience — from EUR 11
Official sources
- France-Visas (Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs) — verified 16 August 2026
- France-Visas — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.