Visa Note and Fees

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SCHENGEN STATE Please read this note for all Schengen Countries.


Schengen Territory Indian Nationals can obtain short stay visa for a period ranging from one to ninety days, valid for all countries of the Schengen Territory i.e. Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland. The Schengen Convention is a great step towards freedom of circulation of people. Foreigners bearing a valid stay permit delivered by one of the Schengen states can leave and later re-enter the Schengen Territory without having to ask for a visa again, on condition that they have a valid passport and relevant travel document and a multiple entry visa. Application for visas have to be submitted with the competent Consular authorities, which are to be determined according to the following criteria

• If the Applicant intends to stay in one Country only, the application should be submitted at the Representation of the same Country.
• If the Applicant wishes to travel to several Member States, the application should be submitted at the Representation of the Country where the main purpose of travel lies, determined by the duration of the stay.
• If the main destination cannot be ascertained, the Country of the first port of entry into Schengen Territory is regarded as the competent Consular office for processing the application.
• Long term visas are still subject to the laws of the Country of Destination. They must be applied for at the Consular Authorities of the concerned Member States.

Note: The French Embassy, in India, also issues visas for French Overseas Territories i.e. French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Tahiti (French Polynesia), Reunion Islands, St Pierre et Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna Islands. The visa applications for these countries are forwarded to the respective countries for approbation and it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the approval to come. The visa fee is same as in France, only the sticker endorsement on the passport varies. A significant relaxation for Indian travellers holding a Schengen Visa and flying directly to France with NO stopovers can use the same visa, for the above mentioned territories BUT the entry is restricted directly from FRANCE only. In the absence of the Representation of some African countries, the French Embassy issues visa for them also. These countries are Central African Republic, Gabon, Mauritania, Monaco and Togo. Visas for these countries are issued by the French Embassy without any reference to the authorities, Only Gabon is forwarded for approbation. Visa can also be obtained for Kerguelen the Arctic territory but mainly used by scientist or research.

Tourist

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• Photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas.
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• One application form with all columns filled.
• ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD MENTION THEIR MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM.
• TRAVEL AGENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE MUST MENTION THE APPLICANTS MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM AND NOT THEIR OWN MOBILE NUMBER OR TRAVEL AGENCY NUMBER.
• Covering letter IN ORIGINAL signed by the applicant. For self employed/ businessman, going on tourist visa, covering letter preferably on company's letterhead is required.
• Copy of CONFIRMED prepaid hotel reservation OR sponsorship certificate (attestation d'accueil*) IN ORIGINAL.
• Covering Letter signed by the Applicant. For self employed/ businessman, traveling on tourist visa, a Covering Letter preferably on Company's Letterhead is required (in original).
• Copy of ITINERARY prepared by the travel agency (for those going on tour).
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Copy of income tax papers of last one year, last THREE month bank statement, last 3 months salary slips.
• Photocopy of OVERSEAS medical insurance policy + REPATRIATION, evacuation cover (equivalent to 30,000 euros). Please carry your original insurance for verification at the time of submission of visa application form.
• Copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• All applicants except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa will be required to fill visa insurance undertaking form in addition to the visa application form.
• For minor travelling alone the visa application must include an authorization from both his/her parents to travel alone. The authorization has to be certified by an entitled Indian authority and enclose copy of the parents' identity. /// If the minor is travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, this adult has to be legally authorized by the minor's parents to accompany him/her and take any measure that be needed in case of illness, accident,etc. /// If the minor is accompanied by only one of his/her parents, the other one should give his/her legal authorization to let her/his child travelling with his/her spouse
• For any student under 18, applicants are requested by the French authorities to provide with either a photocopy of certificate from their school or university or any other document as a proof of their enrollment as a student or apprentice.
• The photocopy of certificate from school or university or any other proof of professional or educative occupation is also requested whenever a young person over 18 is depending on his parents for his/her living expenses.
• Domestic help at the private service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France.
• Submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP( Direction du travail, de l’emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer’s place of vacation is compulsory for application for a visa.
• Visa issued is usually valid for 6 months with a stay of up to 90 days.

The French consulate Kolkata reserves the right to ask the applicant to produce original air ticket and insurance if required.

Employed applicants to submit a letter from the employer with details of employment and leave.

Self employed applicants to submit proof of business i.e. firm's registration or partnership deed.

Unemployed applicants and students can submit their spouse's / parent's financial papers AND a letter of employment or business.

All faxes must be photocopied and in A4 size paper.

Copy of marriage certificate wherever necessary for e.g. if wife's passport is in maiden name.

Each application must be supported by a copy of the requisite documents. If you have received a fax you must photocopy the same and attach it to your application.

No visa will be issued on additional pages.

Children must travel on their individual passports.

Note: No visa fee is charged for children below 6 years of age and students traveling on study tours.

For Short Stay visa applications: There is a service charge of Rs.764/- (inclusive of service tax) levied per application over and above the visa fees.

For Long Stay visa applications: There is a service charge of Rs.225/- (inclusive of service tax) levied per application over and above the visa fees (for Mumbai Consular Post Only).

All fees are non-refundable.

The submission and collection of the visa application and passport from VFS can be done either by the Applicant himself or any person bearing an authorization Letter and a photo-identity.

Note: For Applicants applying in Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai: Please note the visa fee for Applicants applying to the France Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai is payable by a Bank Draft, payable in the respective cities and favouring 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. A/C NO 24105037330'. Alternatively, Applicants have the option of purchasing the Banking Instrument at the France Visa Application Centre for a nominal fee of Rs.57/- (inclusive of service tax) per Applicant. One Bank Draft will be accepted per Applicant.

Business

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• The photocopy of Passport photo page and address page of the applicant.
• Photocopies of valid US,U.K. and previous Schengen visas.
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• One application form with all columns filled.
• ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD MENTION THEIR MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM.
• TRAVEL AGENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE MUST MENTION THE APPLICANTS MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM AND NOT THEIR OWN MOBILE NUMBER OR TRAVEL AGENCY NUMBER.
• Covering letter from the COMPANY mentioning name and designation of the applicant and that of the signatory of managerial or executive level giving brief sketch of applicant's itinerary, name, address and email of the company to be visited.
• A copy of the Invitation Letter from the French Company.
• Copy of income tax papers of last one year, last THREE month bank statement, last 3 months salary slips.
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Photocopy of OVERSEAS medical insurance policy + REPATRIATION, evacuation cover (equivalent to 30,000 euros). Please carry your original insurance for verification at the time of submission of visa application form.**
• Confirmed onward/ return air ticket (with photocopy enclosed).
• Copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• Confirmed prepaid hotel reservation.
• All applicants except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa will be required to fill visa insurance undertaking form in addition to the visa application form.
• Domestic help at the private service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France.
• Submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP( Direction du travail, de l’emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer’s place of vacation is compulsory for application for a visa.
• The documents must be arranged in the order given above.
• Visa is usually valid for 6 months with a stay of 90 days.
• Processing time is 7 to 10 working days.

The French Consulate, kolkata reserves the right to ask the applicant to produce original air ticket and insurance if required.

Frequent flyers can apply for a one-year visa (longer validity) with an overseas medical insurance policy of one year. The passport must be valid accordingly.

For applicants going on training, the host organization has to get a clearance from the DDTEFP department of the French ministry in France and photocopy of the DDTEFP has to be attached with the covering letter from the host.

All faxes must be photocopied and in A4 size paper.

Each application must be supported by a copy of the requisite documents. If you have received a fax you must photocopy the same and attach it to your application.

No visa will be issued on additional pages.

** Please note that original insurance will be seen by the submission officer at the time of submission of visa application form. Online insurance should be certified by the insurance company.Also from 01st November 2007 onwards insurance should cover minimum 30 days even if an applicant stay duration in France is less than 30 days.

Transit

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• The photocopy of Passport photo page and address page of the applicant.
• Photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas.
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• One application form with all columns filled.
• ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD MENTION THEIR MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM.
• TRAVEL AGENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE MUST MENTION THE APPLICANTS MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM AND NOT THEIR OWN MOBILE NUMBER OR TRAVEL AGENCY NUMBER.
• Covering Letter signed by the Applicant (in original).
• Copy of CONTRACT with Shipping Company.
• INVITATION LETTER from agent in France.
• Original plus Copy of CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
• Copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• All applicants except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa will be required to fill visa insurance undertaking form in addition to the visa application form.
• Domestic help at the private service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France.
• Submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP( Direction du travail, de l’emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer’s place of vacation is compulsory for application for a visa.
• This visa is valid for a maximum stay of 5 days.
• Processing time is 7 to 10 working days.

The Embassy of France, New Delhi reserves the right to ask the applicant to produce original air ticket and insurance if required.

All photocopies must be in A4 size paper.

Airport Transit

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• The photocopy of Passport photo page and address page of the applicant.
• Photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas.
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• One application form with all COLUMNS filled.
• ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD MENTION THEIR MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM.
• TRAVEL AGENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE MUST MENTION THE APPLICANTS MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM AND NOT THEIR OWN MOBILE NUMBER OR TRAVEL AGENCY NUMBER.
• Covering Letter signed by the Applicant (in original).
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Copy of visa of FINAL destination and photocopy of documents which were submitted to obtain the visa of the final destination.
• Copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• The documents must be arranged in the order given above.
• Processing time is 7 to 10 working days.

Important!

• The Embassy of France, New Delhi reserves the right to ask the Applicant to produce the original air ticket and insurance if required.
• From year 2002, Indian nationals going to UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and USA are exempted from an airport transit visa as long as they hold a confirmed return ticket.
• Holders of a buddy pass or an open ticket require an ordinary transit visa.
• As some countries have visa upon arrival the same MUST be mentioned in the covering letter.
• All photocopies must be in A4 size paper.
• Airport transit visa is for less than 5 hours of stay at the airport.
• No visa will be issued on additional pages.
• Children must travel on their individual passports.
• As some countries provide visa upon arrival, the same must be mentioned in the Covering Letter.
• Each application must be supported by a copy of the requisite documents. A fax also must be suitably photocopied and attached to the application.

Seamen

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• The photocopy of Passport photo page and address page of the applicant.
• Photocopies of valid US, U.K. and previous Schengen visas.
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• One application form with all columns filled.
• ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD MENTION THEIR MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM.
• TRAVEL AGENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE MUST MENTION THE APPLICANTS MOBILE NUMBER ON THE VISA APPLICATION FORM AND NOT THEIR OWN MOBILE NUMBER OR TRAVEL AGENCY NUMBER.
• Covering Letter signed by the Applicant (in original).
• Copy of CONTRACT with Shipping Company.
• INVITATION LETTER from agent in France.
• Original plus Copy of CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Copy of air ticket or PNR (booking printout).
• All applicants except first time traveler (traveling first time to a Schengen country) while applying for a French visa will be required to fill visa insurance undertaking form in addition to the visa application form.
• Domestic help at the private service of a foreign national or a French national, accompanying his employer to France for a short stay needs to hold a working permit, like any foreigner going to work, full time or part time, in France.
• Submission of a contract established between the employee and the employer in accordance with the French Labour law, approved by the DDTEFP( Direction du travail, de l’emploiet de la formation professionnelle) center of the employer’s place of vacation is compulsory for application for a visa.
• This visa is valid for a maximum stay of 5 days.
• Processing time is 7 to 10 working days.

The Embassy of France, New Delhi reserves the right to ask the applicant to produce original air ticket and insurance if required.

All photocopies must be in A4 size paper.

Work Permit

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

An application for an Employment Contract needs to be made by the Employer in France at the Office Des Migrations Internationals (Omi - Office of Population Migration). This organization is represented in each French Department. It will examine the Application and get in touch directly with the French Embassy/ Consulate under which the Applicant is covered. The Embassy/ Consulate in turn will summon the Applicant for issuing the Visa.

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form (photocopy allowed).
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• All Applicants should mention their mobile numbers on the visa application form. Travel Agents authorized by the Embassy of France must mention the Applicant's and not their own Mobile or travel agency numbers on the form.
• Covering Letter from the Applicant on the Company's Letterhead stating his name, designation, purpose and duration of visit.
• Original Employment Contract to be arranged by the concerned French Company.
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Profile of the Company.
• Bank statements for the last 3 months.

Student

Note: For the visa submission Applicant / Agent needs to take appointment thru VFS site http://www.vfs-france.co.in/scheduleanappointment.html .
Note: For candidates applying at the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, BIOMETRIC process is mandatory. [Once the Logistics fees and courier fees (optional) have been paid at the France Visa Application Centre, applicants will get a bar coded envelope which they need to hand over to the Consulate General of France, along with other documents as per their appointment timings, where they have to appear IN PERSON for the collection of biometrics data (fingerprints and photography). ]

Student visa is required for students going to France to study on a Full time course, Erasmus -Mundus course, Student Exchange programme, French Language course (summer courses etc) or for a Short-term Internship programme.

Getting the Student Visa is a three-step process.

The First Step is to create an online CampusFrance registration file on www.india.campusfrance.org. The help of a CampusFrance counsellor, on the phone, e-mail or with an appointment can be sought from the nearest CampusFrance office.

The Second Step- is to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) through the visa interview by the designated official:

In Delhi: The Attache for Scientific & University Cooperation.

In Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune: The Director of the respective Alliance Française or Language attaches in some cities.

Documents required to obtain the NOC are listed further below.

The third step involves the submission of the passport at the main Embassy for stamping.

Students who obtain the NOC at Delhi, Calcutta and Chandigarh are required to submit their passports at the French Embassy at New Delhi.

Students who obtain the NOC at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai should proceed to the French Consulate in Mumbai.

Students who obtain the NOC from Chennai should proceed to the French Consulate in Pondicherry.

Documents required for NOC Interview.

Following documents are required in originals and 2 sets of photocopy for verification.

• The Applicant should have a original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for the visa. One photocopy of the first and last page of the passport and photocopies of valid visa are required. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• Two recent passport size photographs (35 x 40 mm) with white / light background, 70-80% face coverage, photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo quality paper. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A Letter of registration/ admission from a French Academic Institution.
• Proof of resources for tuition fees and 500 Euros a month for living expenses for the period of stay (1 year) for housing, food, medical expenses, transport etc.,) or;
• A sponsorship Letter for accommodation from the city of stay and supporting documents showing availability of a minimum of 250 Euros per month for living expenses.
• Proof of accommodation in France for the period of stay.
• Short Bio-data.
• Passport size photographs against a light background.
• Photocopy of Applicant's PAN Card.
• Copies of degrees/ diplomas and certificates (+2/ BA/ BSc/ BE/ MA/ MSc).
• Copy (first 2 pages) of valid passport for the entire period of stay in France.
• Confirmed air ticket or reservation printout.
• Comprehensive "Overseas Medical Policy and Repatriation Policy" for 3 months to be obtained (photocopy to be attached).
• A demand draft of INR 4000 in favour of "CEDUST" payable at New Delhi .This is the Campus France registration fee to be submitted on the day of the Visa interview or on a prior date.