Anyone who wishes to visit France for not more than 90 days and is not from visa free country will need a Schengen visa to enter the country, so they need to know the list of documents for Schengen visa France. These documents are an important part of the applicant process, without which the visa will not be issued to them. Wrong, incomplete, or invalid documents are common reasons for application rejections by French embassies, so you must get your documentation right to succeed with your application. Below, we review in detail the visa application documents you must submit.
List of Documents For Schengen Visa France
Application Form: A visa application form is a document that should contain your data. This document is available at the embassy, or you can download it online. It has sections for selected information about yourself and your planned trip, which must be completed with accurate information. The form should also be dated and signed by you to make it valid.
Photos: Two identity photographs that meet Schengen requirements must have been taken no later than six months ago.
Passport: Your passport is another important document, and it must be at most 10 years with at least 3 months of validity beyond the time you plan to leave France at the end of the visit. The passport must also have two blank pages for stickers and immigration stamps.
Proof of Accommodation: A hotel reservation or travel Itinerary is required to show proof that you definitely have somewhere to stay once you arrive in France. You can reserve a hotel or Airbnb property. If you have a friend or relative you plan to stay with, you can jolly well do so but provide their house address for reference purposes.
Travel Health Insurance: The regulation for all Schengen countries, including France, is that visitors coming to France must provide a medical insurance policy covering at least €30,000. This policy is to pay for emergency medical services in case of accidents or illness.
Travel Itinerary: Information about your trip, including the places of interest, arrival and departure date, and flight ticket reservation.
Proof of Funds: The authorities want to be sure that you have the financial resources to cover your expenses while in their country, so they will request proof of funds which may be a bank account statement for the last three months or a Sponsorship letter issued by your sponsor showing their bank statement pledging to cover your bills
Visa Fee Receipt: A receipt the bank generates after paying the visa fee. The visa fee is €80 for 12 years and above, €40 for 6-11 year-olds, and free for minors under six. Without paying this fee, your application will not be accepted.
Previous Visas: If you have been issued one or more Schengen visas, you should add them to your visa application. Showing that you have been issued a visa before, which you did not violate, will boost your chances of getting another one.
Invitation Letter: An invitation letter sent to you by a host, if any. The letter must explain why you are coming to France, how long you will stay and your activities.
Civil Status Certificate: A civil status certificate to prove your relationship with a minor, relative, or spouse. The certificate may be a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage, or family certificate, as the case may be
Do note that the embassy may require you to provide additional documents besides those listed above. The type of visa you apply for will determine the extra documents you require.
Which Countries Can I Visit With A Schengen Visa?
If you are issued a Schengen visa to France, you can visit France and the other countries in the zone. Apart from these countries, you can visit a few non-Schengen countries in the continent. Another thing to note is that this visa grants you access to the Micro States like the Vatican, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino. However, you can only stay in Europe for up to 90 days. Furthermore, you can't work during your stay as Schengen visas do not qualify holders for work and residency permits to work.
If you want to work in France, you must apply for a work visa. Those coming to study must apply for a Student Visa, which also has a longer validity.
How Quickly Can I Get My Visa?
How fast you get the visa will depend on the embassy's application process. If they work through visa agents, it will take more time than usual. Just plan for at least 45 days from when you submit your application to the day the visa is ready. Ensure the list of documents for Schengen visa France is complete.