Skip to main content

France tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the France tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the France consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee
€90
Typical decision
10 days
Appointments
Online booking

Where to apply for a France tourist visa

VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago depending on country.

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • France-Visas application form
  • 2 biometric photos
  • Travel medical insurance €30,000+
  • Flight reservation
  • Hotel bookings for entire stay
  • Attestation d'accueil (if staying with family)
  • Bank statements (3 months)
  • Proof of employment
  • Cover letter

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

  • Adult (standard)€90
  • Child 6–11€45
  • Child under 6Free
  • Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFreeDirective 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
  • TLScontact service fee€40
  • Premium Lounge€110Optional dedicated agent + private waiting area.

Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. VFS/TLScontact service fee is added on top of the consular fee.

Booking an appointment

Slots released daily on the France-Visas platform. Reasonably available in most locations but Paris-bound tourists during summer may face 4–6 week waits.

Practical tips

The France-Visas online form pre-fills much of the process. Use it before booking.

What is unusual about the France process

If staying privately, your host must obtain an attestation d'accueil from their local mairie — this can take 3+ weeks.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

  • LondonFrance Visa Application Centre – London
    Suite 18, Exhibition House, Ground floor, Addison Bridge Place, London W14 8XP
    No consular districts — UK residents may use any of the three centres. Submission by appointment 08:30–15:30.
  • EdinburghFrance Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
    City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
    Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
  • ManchesterFrance Visa Application Centre – Manchester
    Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official France consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a France tourist visa cost?
For a France tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; TLScontact service fee — €40; Premium Lounge — €110. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. VFS/TLScontact service fee is added on top of the consular fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a France tourist visa take to process?
A decision on a France tourist visa typically takes around 10 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a France tourist visa?
VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago depending on country. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a France tourist visa?
The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservation; Hotel bookings for entire stay; Attestation d'accueil (if staying with family); Bank statements (3 months); Proof of employment; Cover letter. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a France tourist visa?
Appointment model: Online booking. Slots released daily on the France-Visas platform. Reasonably available in most locations but Paris-bound tourists during summer may face 4–6 week waits.
Can I apply for a France tourist visa from the United Kingdom?
Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Related guides

Or compare countries side by side and browse all guides.