French Republic Schengen Visa: Your Complete Guide to Type C

Key Takeaways

• A French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) allows up to 90 days in Schengen countries within 180 days.
• Application requires passport, visa form, photos, travel proof, insurance, accommodation, proof of funds, and biometrics.
• Fees are €90 for adults, €45 for children 6–12, free for under 6; processing usually takes 15 days.

If you are planning to visit the French Republic 🇫🇷 for a short stay of up to 90 days, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa, also known as “Court séjour – Type C.” This visa lets you visit France and other countries in the Schengen area for purposes such as tourism, short business trips, seeing friends or family, or attending a short course. This guide will explain, in simple steps, everything you need to know: what the French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) is, who can apply, what documents you have to show, how much it costs, what the timeline is, and exactly how to apply from start to finish.

Checklist of Required Steps and Documents

Here is a quick checklist to help you see what you need before starting the application:

• Check if you need a French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C)
• Gather all required documents:
  • Passport
  • Completed visa form
  • Photo
  • Accommodation proof
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Proof of your trip’s purpose
  • Proof of enough money
• Fill out the online visa form
• Book an appointment at your nearest center
• Submit your documents, pay the fees, and provide your fingerprints and photo
• Track your application online
• Collect your passport and visa decision

Now, let’s go step by step through the full process.

1. What is a French Republic Schengen Visa (Court séjour – Type C)?

This is a travel document that lets people who are not citizens of a European Union country, an EEA country, or Switzerland visit the French Republic 🇫🇷 or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen area covers most European countries, so this one visa gives you entry into several countries. People most often use the Type C visa for:

• Tourism (travel to see places or relax)
• Business trips (meetings, conferences, or short projects)
• Family or friend visits
• Attending short courses or other events

You need to apply for this visa only if you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. If your trip is for more than 90 days, you will need a different visa.

If you are not sure what kind of visa you need, you can use the free Visa Assistant tool on the official France-Visas website—simply answer some questions and it will tell you what kind of visa you need.

2. Who Can Apply for a French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C)?

You must apply for a French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) if:

• You are not from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland 🇨🇭
• Your total stay will be no longer than 90 days in any 180-day period
• Most of your stay (main reason for travel) is in France

Some travelers do not need a visa for short visits to the French Republic 🇫🇷. For example, citizens from certain countries may enter France 🇫🇷 without a visa for up to 90 days—these rules depend on your nationality. The France-Visas website has an easy tool where you can check if you need this visa.

3. What Documents Do You Need to Apply for the French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C)?

You will need to prepare several documents. Here is a simple list of the most common items you must give:

a. Application Form
– The official visa application form, filled out and signed by you
– You can complete this online, then print and sign it

b. Passport
– Your passport must:
– Have been issued in the last 10 years
– Be valid for at least 3 months AFTER the date you plan to leave France
– Have at least two empty pages

c. Photograph
– One or two recent passport-size photos (color, with a clear background)

d. Proof of Travel Purpose
– For example:
– An invitation letter from family or friends if you are visiting
– A hotel booking if you are a tourist
– A letter from your work or company contact if you travel for business
– A letter of enrollment if attending a short course

e. Proof of Accommodation
– Hotel reservation, invitation from your host, rental agreement, etc.

f. Travel Medical Insurance
– Insurance that is valid for the whole Schengen area
– Must cover at least €30,000 in medical costs, including hospital care, accidents, or if you must go back home for health reasons

g. Proof of Funds
– Show you have enough money to cover your entire stay:
– At least €65–€120 per day in France, depending on where you will sleep (hostel, hotel, or private accommodation)
– Bank statements, cash, travelers’ checks, or proof of sponsorship are accepted

Important: Sometimes you may need to give extra documents, depending on the reason for your travel or your home country (like proof of employment, student card, family documents, etc.). Check the France-Visas website’s Visa Assistant tool for a checklist tailored to you.

Note: Any documents in a language other than French must come with a certified translation into French.

4. What Are the Application Fees for a French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C)?

Here is a clear breakdown of the fees you may need to pay:

Some people get a fee waiver (don’t have to pay):
– Family of EU/EEA citizens (spouse, child)
– Holders of official diplomatic or service passports
– Pupils, students and their teachers traveling for study
– Researchers going to France for scientific work

You will need to show papers that prove you are part of these special groups.

Extra Service Fees:
If you submit your application through a visa service provider like VFS Global, there can be an extra fee (up to €40) and a small handling charge (about €19) for processing your documents.

Tip: Always check with the place where you will apply. These fees can change and some locations may charge a little more for local services.

Note: All visa fees are generally non-refundable—even if your application is refused.

5. How Long is the French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) Valid?

With a French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C):

• You may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period with single or multiple entries (your visa sticker will mention this)
• The exact dates you can stay will be written on the visa sticker inside your passport
• You CANNOT extend a short-stay (Type C) visa while in France except in rare emergencies like serious illness or a crisis (force majeure)
• If you stay too long, you could pay a fine or be banned from future entry into France or the Schengen area

Keep track of your days—overstaying is a serious problem.

6. How Long Does the French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) Application Take?

• The usual processing time is about 15 calendar days from the date you submit your complete application
• In busy periods or special cases, it may take up to 45 days
• It’s best to apply early: at least two weeks, but no more than six months, before your travel date

Some consulates and visa centers have waiting times for appointments—book yours as soon as you know your travel dates.

7. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C)

Step 1: Check Your Need and Eligibility

• Go to the France-Visas website and use the “Visa Assistant” tool
• Answer a few questions to see if you need a visa and, if yes, what type

Step 2: Prepare Your Papers

• Collect all required original documents and photocopies (see above checklist)
• Make sure your passport is valid and all needed documents are translated into French if necessary

Step 3: Fill Out the Form Online

• Complete the visa application form online through the official France-Visas portal
• Print your completed form and sign it

Step 4: Book Your Appointment

• Choose the French embassy, consulate, or visa center (like VFS/TLS) nearest to you
• Use the online booking system to pick the earliest available date and time

Step 5: Submit Your Documents in Person

• Go to your appointment with your printed and signed application, your passport, your photo, and all supporting documents
• Pay the required fees (bring exact cash or a credit card, depending on the center’s rules)
• Provide your biometric data (your photo and fingerprints)—unless collected for another Schengen visa in the past 59 months

Step 6: Track Your Application

• After you submit, you will receive a receipt and a way to check your application’s status online
• The consulate or center will let you know when your passport is ready for pickup or delivery

Step 7: Get Your Passport and Visa Decision

• You’ll receive your passport back with either a visa sticker (approved) or a refusal letter
• If your application is refused, you can appeal following the steps in your refusal notice. Remember: Fees are not given back if you are refused

Tip: Make copies of everything you submit and carry with you when you travel.

8. What Should You Do If Your Application Is Refused?

If you receive a refusal, the refusal notice will explain why. You can appeal the decision. The letter will explain how to do this—including where and how to send your appeal. Note that the appeal process can take several weeks or even longer.

9. Additional Resources & Where to Get More Help

If you have questions, need help with your checklist, or want to be sure you’re following the latest steps and rules, visit the official France-Visas government website. This is the best source for up-to-date information and all official links to forms, fee tables, and local contact information.

For details about fees, processing times, and required papers, you can also refer to the summary table presented earlier in this guide, or consult specialized sources like VisaVerge.com. According to VisaVerge.com, many applicants find that starting early and carefully following the detailed checklist greatly improves their chances of getting their Schengen Visa (Type C) on the first try.

10. Summary Table for Quick Reference

11. What Happens After Your French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) Is Approved?

If you are granted the visa, it will be stamped inside your passport. Carefully read the validity dates and entry instructions—these tell you when you can arrive, how long you can stay, and whether you can travel in and out of the Schengen area multiple times.

Once in the French Republic 🇫🇷 or another Schengen country, be ready to show proof of your accommodation, your return ticket, and evidence of enough money on request. Your visa is for short stays only, so stick closely to your travel plans.

Conclusion

The French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) is essential for anyone from outside the EU/EEA who wishes to visit France 🇫🇷 or other countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. Although the process may seem long, careful planning and having the correct documents ready will make everything much smoother. Remember to check the official France-Visas website regularly for updates or changes to fees, documents, or rules, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your local French consulate or visa center for support.

With good preparation and the right information, you will increase your chances of a successful French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) application and enjoy your trip to France or other Schengen countries. Safe travels!

Learn Today

Schengen Visa → A visa that allows entry and travel among most European countries within the Schengen area for a specific period.
Type C (Short-Stay) → A visitor visa enabling up to 90 days’ stay in the Schengen area within a 180-day period.
Biometric Data → Personal information such as fingerprints and a photograph, used for security and identity verification during visa applications.
Proof of Funds → Evidence, like bank statements or sponsorship letters, showing the applicant can support themselves financially during their stay.
Certified Translation → An official translation of documents into French, verified for accuracy for visa application requirements.

This Article in a Nutshell

The French Republic Schengen Visa (Type C) is vital for short trips to France and Schengen countries. You’ll need documents, insurance, and biometrics for the application. Fees vary by age. Processing usually takes 15 days, but can reach 45. Be prepared, follow each step, and check official updates regularly.
— By VisaVerge.com

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