French Visa – Frequently Asked Questions
- A New Life
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
General & eligibility
Do I need a visa to go to France? Use the official France-Visas “visa wizard” to check if you need a visa and which one (tourism, visitor/retiree, student, work, talent-passport, family, etc.). It also generates your personalised checklist.
Where do I apply? Always apply in your country of residence via the French consulate (usually through TLScontact or VFS). Your country page on France-Visas shows the exact centre and instructions.
How early can I apply?
Short-stay (Schengen “C”): up to 6 months before travel.
Long-stay (“D”): generally up to 3 months before arrival.Plan ahead for appointment availability.
How long does processing take? Most files are processed in about 15 days, but it can extend to 45 days in specific cases. There’s no expedite.
Can I apply while visiting another country or after I arrive in France? Typically no: you apply in your habitual country of residence before travel. France does not issue visas on arrival.
Forms, documents & biometrics
What forms do I complete? Create a France-Visas account, complete the online form, then print the CERFA application + receipt and your auto-generated checklist to bring to your appointment.
Do I need biometrics? Yes—photo and ten fingerprints. If your Schengen biometrics were taken within the last 59 months, they can often be reused (rules vary by country).
What passport validity do I need? For Schengen, your passport must generally be issued within the last 10 years and valid 3+ months beyond the intended exit; long-stay rules are similar. Your country page confirms specifics.
Do I need to book flights/hotels in advance? You usually provide reservations/itinerary, not paid tickets. Don’t buy non-refundable travel until a decision is made. (Your checklist will specify the format.)
Do I need travel/health insurance? Yes. For Schengen visas, the policy must cover at least €30,000 for medical treatment + repatriation, valid for the entire stay across Schengen. Long-stay applicants also need adequate coverage matching their status.
Translations/apostilles—are they required? If your country page requires them, submit sworn translations (and apostilles where asked). Always follow your France-Visas checklist.
Fees & service charges
How much does the visa cost?
Why do fees sometimes show in local currency? VACs collect a service fee in local currency; consular fees are set in euros but may be charged locally in the stated currency. See your country page.
Interview day & tracking
What happens at my appointment?
The VAC/consulate will check your file, collect fees, take biometrics, and keep your passport while it’s processed. Visits typically take ~20 minutes.
How do I track my application?Track via your VAC portal and/or your France-Visas account; you’ll be told when to collect your passport.
Borders & travel after the visa
What can border police ask for on arrival? They may ask for purpose of stay, proof of means, accommodation, and insurance. France’s reference amounts:
With attestation d’accueil (staying with a host): €32.50/day
With hotel booking: €65/day
No hotel booking: €120/dayCarry printouts.
Can I travel elsewhere in Schengen with my French visa?
Short-stay (C): valid across Schengen per the visa label.
Long-stay (D): during its validity, you may travel in other Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Does a Schengen visa cover French overseas territories? No—overseas territories (DROM-COM) need specific visas; a Schengen visa doesn’t grant entry there.
Long-stay categories: VLS-TS, VLS, VLS-T
What’s the difference between VLS-TS and VLS?
VLS-TS (valid as a residence permit for up to 12 months): must be validated online within 3 months of arrival.
VLS (often issued when the stay exceeds 12 months): you’ll apply for a residence permit at the prefecture after arrival.
How do I validate a VLS-TS? Validate online after arrival (ANEF portal). You’ll pay timbres fiscaux (typically €225: €200 tax + €25 stamp). Keep the receipt.
What is a VLS-T (temporary long-stay) visa? A VLS-T can be issued for an extended visit where you will not extend or settle; it’s not a residence permit. Check your France-Visas guidance for when it’s suitable.
Work, study & family routes
Can I work on a visitor visa? What about remote work? No. A visitor VLS-TS/permit does not allow any work in France, and a work authorisation can’t be issued for that status. Choose a work-authorised route instead.
I have a French job offer—what do I need? For standard employment, your employer must obtain a work permit first; then you apply for the appropriate long-stay visa (some categories fall under Talent-Passport).
Does a long-stay work/talent visa let me start work immediately? Long-stay visas issued for professional reasons generally allow you to work upon arrival (subject to the visa/permit label).
I’m a student—anything special? Follow the Campus France / Études en France steps (where applicable) before your France-Visas file. VLS-TS “student” must be validated online after arrival.
Can my family come with me on a Talent-Passport? Yes—eligible family members use the Talent-Family route and can work. Check the specific Talent category.
Decisions, refusals & aftercare
Are fees refunded if my visa is refused?No—consular and service fees are non-refundable.
My visa was refused—what can I do? You can reapply with a stronger file, or appeal through the standard procedures indicated in the refusal notice. (See your country page for appeal details.)
Can I extend or change my status in France?
VLS-TS: validate online, then renew/switch before expiry via your prefecture as allowed for your category.
Schengen (C): extensions are rare and strictly limited; normally you do not convert a short-stay to long-stay in France.
How do I buy the required “timbres fiscaux” (tax stamps)? Buy e-stamps online (official timbres portal) or at a tabac; keep the PDF/SMS code for prefecture/online validation. Typical residence-card cost is €225.
We have some great FREE guides on this topic to give you some more practical advice on getting started on your journey - click here
And check out our Step by Step guide blog on Visas - click here
And find out what visa is the right one for you with this recent blog - click here