France Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals require a Schengen visa to enter France. The application is submitted at the French Embassy in Riyadh, the French Consulate in Jeddah, or through VFS Global. The fee is EUR 80 (approximately $87 USD). Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. France is a top European destination for Saudi tourists, students, and luxury shoppers.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter France.
Apply at VFS Global (French Visa Application Center) in Riyadh or Jeddah. Required documents: passport (3 months validity beyond intended stay, 2 blank pages), 2 passport photos (35x45mm), Schengen application form, EUR 80 fee (paid in SAR equivalent at VFS), travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid for Schengen), hotel bookings or invitation letter, return flight booking, bank statements (3 months), employer letter or enrollment letter, and evidence of Saudi residency. Processing is 2 to 4 weeks.
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
Required Documents
Schengen Visa Application Form
Completed and signed form submitted to the French Embassy or VFS Global France in Saudi Arabia.
Valid Saudi Passport
Valid for at least 3 months after intended departure from Schengen Zone, with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photos
Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) on white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing adequate funds for your stay (guideline: EUR 50 per day).
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 medical and repatriation coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in the Schengen Zone.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed outbound and return flight reservations.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to France: What You Need to Know
France is a Schengen Area member and Saudi nationals must obtain a Schengen visa before any visit to France or any other Schengen country. The Schengen visa covers all 27 member states and allows travel throughout the zone on a single visa.
Saudi Arabia has a significant cultural and economic relationship with France. Paris is among the most popular European cities for Gulf tourists, known for luxury shopping on Champs-Elysees, haute couture, and cultural landmarks. Saudi students study at French universities. Saudi nationals visit for tourism, business, and medical treatment.
The Gulf summer migration to Europe is a well-established phenomenon: Saudi families travel to France, Switzerland, and other Schengen countries during June through August to escape the extreme summer heat. VFS Global handles most Schengen visa applications in Saudi Arabia on behalf of French and other Schengen consulates.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is approximately 6.5 hours direct on Saudia and Air France. Jeddah (JED) to Paris is also served by Saudia and Air France. Air France and Saudia both operate daily or near-daily flights on these routes.
Money & Banking
France uses the Euro (EUR). As of 2024, approximately 1.08 USD per EUR. France is moderately to highly expensive. Paris hotels in central areas run EUR 200 to EUR 600 per night. Restaurants range widely. Major cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widely available. Halal restaurants are abundant in Paris, particularly in the 18th and 19th arrondissements.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 3 weeks before travel but no more than 6 months in advance. The minimum application period is 15 days before entry.
Travel insurance is mandatory. It must cover EUR 30,000 in medical expenses and be valid for all Schengen countries and the full duration of your trip. Many Saudi insurance companies sell Schengen-compliant policies.
Multiple entry Schengen visas (valid 1 to 5 years) can be requested after a first successful single-entry visa. Frequent Schengen travelers should build a visa history.
Paris highlights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, luxury shopping in the 8th arrondissement, and halal restaurants in the Barbès neighborhood (18th arrondissement).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a Schengen visa for France?
Yes. Saudi passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter France. A single Schengen visa covers all 27 Schengen Area member states. Apply at VFS Global in Riyadh or Jeddah at least 3 weeks before travel.
How much does a Schengen visa cost for Saudi applicants?
The standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 80 (approximately $87 USD). This fee is paid in Saudi Riyals at VFS Global at the current exchange rate. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision.
How far in advance can a Saudi national apply for a Schengen visa?
Applications may be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the intended travel date and no later than 15 days before entry. Applying 4 to 6 weeks before your trip is recommended for standard processing.
Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory for a Saudi visa application?
Yes. Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen zone and the full duration of your intended trip.
Can a Saudi national get a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
Yes. A multiple-entry Schengen visa (valid for 1, 2, or 5 years) can be requested. First-time applicants typically receive a single or double-entry visa. After building a visa history, subsequent applications often result in multiple-entry visas of longer validity.
Which French Embassy or VFS center do Saudi nationals use?
Saudi nationals in Riyadh use the VFS Global French Visa Application Center in Riyadh. Those in Jeddah use the Jeddah VFS Global center. Applications can also be submitted to VFS centers in other Saudi cities. The French Embassy in Riyadh oversees the process but biometrics and document submission is at VFS.
What direct flights operate between Saudi Arabia and France?
Saudia operates nonstop flights from Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Air France also serves the Riyadh-Paris route. Flight time is approximately 6.5 hours. Qatar Airways via Doha is an alternative.