France Visas: Indians Must Book Online

France now requires Indian citizens to book Schengen visa appointments online via VFS Global, eliminating walk-ins to improve efficiency.
Applicants must book slots 15-60 days in advance, with short-stay visas needing booking at least 5 days prior to travel.
To avoid delays, gather required documents and follow the step-by-step online booking guide on france-visas.gouv.fr and visa.vfsglobal.com.

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

New Delhi: Dreaming of strolling along the Seine, savouring croissants in Paris, or exploring the lavender fields of Provence? France, with its iconic

Eiffel Tower, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, tops the bucket list for many Indian travellers. However, securing a France Schengen visa has become stricter, especially with the latest mandate that Indian citizens must book appointment slots online first through official channels like VFS Global – no walk-ins permitted. This change, aimed at enhancing efficiency and curbing agents, ensures a smoother process if you plan ahead. Whether for tourism, business, or family visits, understanding the France visa appointment booking procedure for Indians is key to avoiding delays.

Gone are the days of queuing up spontaneously; the French authorities now enforce a fully digital system for all visa types, from short-stay Schengen to long-stay national visas. This shift helps reduce waiting times and boosts transparency, but it demands early action amid high demand. Indian passport holders, get ready to navigate the online portal efficiently to turn your French getaway into reality.

The French embassy, in its official portal, said: “For short-stay visas, if you hold an Indian passport and are born in India, you must submit your application a minimum of 5 days prior to your scheduled departure. For long-stay visas, you must submit your application 1 month prior to your scheduled departure.”

Why the online booking rule?

The French government introduced mandatory online appointments to streamline operations and eliminate unauthorised agents promising “guaranteed slots”. Walk-ins are strictly prohibited at VFS Global centres across India, preventing chaos during peak seasons like summer holidays. This rule applies to all applicants, ensuring fair access via official platforms only.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Follow these steps meticulously to secure your France Schengen visa appointment via VFS Global—no walk-ins allowed.

Fill the online application form first: Visit france-visas.gouv.fr, select “Short Stay Visa” or relevant type, complete the CERFA form accurately matching your passport details, download, print, and sign two copies.
Create a VFS Global account: Go to visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra/, register with email, verify via confirmation link sent to your inbox.
Start a new visa application: Log in, choose “France” as destination, “India” as location, select visa subcategory (e.g., tourist), enter personal details, passport info, and travel purpose.
Book your appointment slot: View available dates at nearest VFS centre (Delhi, Mumbai, etc.), pick date/time (book 15-60 days early as slots fill fast), confirm details.
Pay fees online: Schengen visa fee ~€80 (₹7,000-8,000), plus VFS service ~₹1,700; optional SMS/courier extra; use card/net banking.
Download confirmation: Print appointment letter, checklist of docs; prepare originals + one set copies.
Attend appointment: Arrive 15 mins early with docs; submit biometrics (photo/fingerprints), pay any balance; track online via reference number.
Collect passport: After 10-15 days (up to 30 in peaks), via courier or in-person; check status regularly.

Comprehensive Documents Checklist

Gather these for a short-stay Schengen tourist visa—tailor for business/student as needed. Always carry originals + photocopies; incomplete docs lead to rejection.

General Documents

Valid passport
Two recent passport photos
Signed visa application form
Cover letter explaining trip purpose, itinerary, expenses, ties to India.

Financial Proof

Bank statements
Salary slips (last 3 months, if employed).
ITR/Form 16 (last 2-3 years).
Fixed deposits, mutual funds, or sponsor’s docs if applicable.

Travel Arrangements

Round-trip flight itinerary
Hotel reservations or invitation letter + host’s proof (ID, address).

Employment/Status Proof

Employed: NOC/leave letter from employer on letterhead.
Self-employed: Business registration, tax returns.
Student: Bonafide certificate, fee receipt.
Retired: Pension proof.

Other Essentials

Schengen travel insurance (€30,000 min. coverage for medical/repatriation).
Proof of ties to India (property docs, family certs).
For minors: Birth certificate, parental consent, parents’ passports.

Visa fees and processing time

Short-stay Schengen visa fees for Indians start at approximately ₹7,200 (embassy fee) plus VFS service charges. Expect 10-15 working days processing, up to 3 weeks in peaks; apply 15-60 days before travel. Track status online post-submission.