France Visa RequirementsFor India passport holders
Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit France, costing EUR 90 (~$98 USD). Apply well in advance through the VFS Global visa application centers in India — appointment slots can be limited. France receives more tourists than any other country on Earth, with Paris topping most lists of the world's favorite cities.
India passport holders require a visa to enter France.
Apply at the French Embassy in New Delhi or through VFS Global visa application centers in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or other cities. Required: valid Indian passport (6+ months validity), Schengen visa application form, passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), confirmed round-trip flight, hotel bookings, bank statements (3–6 months), IT returns (last 3 years), employer letter or business proof, leave certificate, and employment/salary documentation. Fee: EUR 90 (~$98 USD). Processing: 15 business days. Appointments fill quickly — book 4–6 weeks ahead.
France is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
India to France: What You Need to Know
France is the world's most visited country, attracting over 100 million international visitors annually. Indian citizens are among the growing visitor markets for France, particularly for Paris, the French Riviera, and increasingly for luxury shopping and cultural experiences. France is a Schengen member, and the EUR 90 Schengen visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries. India and France have a strong bilateral relationship, and France is a top destination for Indian students and professionals.
How to Get There
Air France, IndiGo (codeshare), Air India, and Emirates/Qatar/Etihad fly from major Indian cities to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Air India operates direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Paris. Travel time from Delhi is about 8–9 hours direct. Paris CDG is Europe's second-busiest airport with connections to all of France and Europe.
Money & Banking
France uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted almost everywhere. France is moderately expensive by Western European standards — budget €100–180/day for comfortable Paris travel. Eating at brasseries, boulangeries (bakeries), and wine bars rather than restaurants reduces costs. Outside Paris, France is significantly more affordable.
Practical Tips
France is extraordinary: Paris (the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame cathedral, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre, world-class restaurants), the Loire Valley châteaux (UNESCO), Normandy (D-Day beaches and Mont Saint-Michel), Provence (lavender fields, Avignon, Les Baux), the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco), Bordeaux wine country, the Alps (Chamonix skiing, Mont Blanc), Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar — fairytale wine villages), and Brittany. A Schengen visa opens the whole of Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for France?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa (EUR 90, ~$98 USD) to visit France. Apply through VFS Global centers in major Indian cities at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
How do I book a Schengen visa appointment in India for France?
Book through VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/france/india) — the official visa application center for France in India. Appointment slots fill up quickly, especially in peak travel seasons (April–July and December). Book as early as possible.
What documents does an Indian citizen need for a French Schengen visa?
Key documents: valid passport, visa application form, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements (3 months), income tax returns (3 years), salary slips (3 months), employment letter, leave certificate, and any previous Schengen visas.
Are there direct flights from India to France?
Yes. Air India flies directly from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Paris CDG. Air France and IndiGo codeshares also serve this route. Direct flight from Delhi takes approximately 8–9 hours.
Can an Indian Schengen visa for France be used in other European countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa for France allows travel to all 27 Schengen member states for 90 days in any 180-day period. You can combine France with Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, and more.