Yes, an Indian passport holder living in India needs a visa for France: a Schengen short-stay (type C) tourist visa for less than 3 months, applied for in India before you travel.
This page is a real example of our Visa Guide report. 28 of its 32 facts were confirmed word for word on an official page; only those are shown here, each with its source.
Documents for a France tourist visa from India
- Passport
The passport you will travel with. If you have more than one nationality, declare both on the form.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Photo (ICAO standard)
Recent, 35 to 40 mm wide, face 32 to 36 mm from chin to forehead. Needed even if you do not give fingerprints again.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Travel medical insurance
Valid in the whole Schengen area for the whole stay, at least EUR 30,000, including medical repatriation and emergency or hospital care.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Proof of funds
For example bank statements for the last 3 months, the last 3 pay slips, card statements or travellers cheques.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Money for your return
Your funds must cover the stay and your return to the country where you live.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/sejour-touristique-de-moins-de-3-mois - Attestation d'accueil (only if a private host invites you)
Your host gets it from their town hall in France. Bring the original: the consulate stamps it and you show it at the border.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq
How to apply, step by step
- Create a France-Visas account
Use your name and a valid e-mail of at most 70 characters, then fill in the online application.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Apply in the country where you live
For an Indian resident this means India, through the French Embassy's visa service provider.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Book an appointment at VFS Global France in Delhi
Applications are taken by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 16:00.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/faq - Apply in time
Indian passport holders born in India must apply at least 5 days before departure, and never more than 6 months before.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/inde - Collect your passport
At the Delhi centre, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, no appointment needed.
Source: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/inde
Fingerprints and a photo are taken at the VFS Global France centre in Delhi when you apply, unless you gave them for a Schengen visa less than 59 months ago and bring a copy of that visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for France?
Yes. An Indian passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (type C) visa for a tourist trip to France of less than 3 months, applied for before travel. Source
How much money should I show in my bank statement?
No fixed amount is published. You must show you can pay for the trip and the stay, for example with bank statements for the last 3 months, the last 3 pay slips or card statements. Source
Is travel insurance compulsory for a France tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist trips up to 90 days need insurance of at least EUR 30,000 for medical repatriation and emergency or hospital care, valid in the Schengen area for the whole stay. Source
I am visiting several Schengen countries. Should I apply to France?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights. If that cannot be decided, apply to the country you enter first. Source
Can I get a visa on arrival in France?
No. France does not issue visas on arrival, so book your appointment early. Source
If my visa is refused, do I get the fee back?
No. The visa fee is kept even if the visa is refused or you withdraw the application. Source
Do I have to give fingerprints again?
Not if you gave them for a Schengen visa less than 59 months ago and bring a photocopy of that visa. A new ICAO photo is still needed. Source
Different passport, country or visa? The answer changes with the country you live in. Get the same report for your exact case, with the official links, as a PDF by e-mail.
Get your visa guide · $4.99Official pages used: France-Visas India, France-Visas FAQ, Tourist stay of less than 3 months. Rules change: check the official pages before you apply. CloseFlight is not a government website. More: How to apply for a visa.