France Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Mandatory Conditions

   • Who qualifies: valid Indian passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 3 months’ validity beyond return date, minimum 2 blank pages), genuine-tourist intent, proof of sufficient funds, confirmed travel and accommodation, and valid Schengen travel insurance.

   • Duration limit: up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or visiting family/friends.

   • Exclusions: no paid employment, long-term study, or settlement permitted under this visa.

2. Required Documents & Evidence

   • Completed France-Visas application form (printed and signed) and appointment confirmation.

   • Original passport plus copies of previous/expired passports (if applicable).

   • Recent Schengen-spec passport photos.

   • Cover letter detailing purpose, dates, and itinerary.

   • Round-trip flight bookings and confirmed accommodation (hotel reservations or host’s accommodation certificate).

   • Travel/medical insurance covering all Schengen states with at least €30,000 coverage.

   • Financial proof: 3–6 months of bank statements, salary slips, and income-tax returns.

   • Ties to India: employment or student letters, property deeds, family-dependency evidence.

   • Minors: birth certificate, school enrollment proof, and parental consent.

   • Any other documents required by individual circumstances (e.g., host invitation or business/trade-fair evidence).

3. Permitted & Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: tourism, visiting family/friends, attending short events or business meetings, short non-award courses (<90 days).

   • Prohibited: paid work, long-term academic programs, immigration/settlement, or profit-making business activities.

4. 2025 Policy & Process Updates

   • Extended appointment wait times during peak season apply at least eight weeks before travel.

   • Enhanced biometric rules: exemption possible if fingerprints were submitted within the last 59 months.

   • Stricter scrutiny of financial, insurance, and accommodation documentation; updated digital-upload formats.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Pre-register and complete forms on the France-Visas portal, book an appointment at VFS, and submit documents and biometrics in person.

   • Track application status via France-Visas or VFS online platforms.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Agents pre-screen eligibility, compile and verify documents (including translations), manage digital uploads and appointment scheduling, and provide ongoing support (handling additional IRCC/VFS requests).

   • Professional assistance reduces errors, streamlines the process, and saves clients time and stress but final approval lies solely with French (Schengen) consular authorities and cannot be guaranteed 100%.