How to Apply for French Tourist Visas
A tourist visa, or short-stay visa, is sometimes needed when traveling to France. Tourist visas are for 90 day stays or less and are good for the Schengen Area, which includes many countries around France. The visas require applications, proof of sustainability while in the country and proof that you plan to leave within the time limit. It is important for the French authorities to know who you are and what your purpose is for coming to their country so additional information may be requested as well. Knowing what documents you need and how to obtain them will save you time and effort.
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Things You'll Need
- computer
- printer
- passport
- checkbook or credit card
- photographs of yourself
Instructions
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Check to see if a visa is required by visiting the VisaHQ website. Click on the drop-down box and select the country you are a citizen of and what country you are living in or coming from.
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Gather the documents you will need to bring to the consulate. A current passport is needed that is valid at least three months past when your visa will be set to expire. You'll need to include up to three photographs. An application fee of 60 euros will be taken at the time of application along with the short-stay visa application form that you'll find at http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/IMG/pdf/visagb.pdf.
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Collect evidence that will show why you are visiting the country, what monetary means you have to sustain yourself, that you are insured worldwide, that you plan to leave the country and that you have a return ticket or can afford one when it is time to leave.
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Visit the consulate in your area with your documents and evidence. Most consulates require an appointment be set, so be sure to call in advance. In this article's Resources section you'll find a link to a web page that lists the contact information for each country that requires a short-stay visa to France.
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Wait for a response from the consular authority. Do not try to make additional contact during this time. You should receive an answer via mail within two months. If your passport is returned with a sticker, you have been approved. If there is no sticker, then you have been denied. You can also assume you have been denied if you don't receive your answer within two months.
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Tips & Warnings
If your visa is refused, you can either re-apply immediately by following the same steps or file an appeal within two months at:
Secrétariat CRRV
BP 83609
44036 NANTES CEDEX 1
France
Keep your visa and supporting documents with you while in France. The border police can require you to show your visa and all documents used to acquire the visa.
References
Resources
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