France Schengen Visa: Short-Stay Guide
France receives more Schengen short-stay applications than any other member state. Every application starts on the official France-Visas website, which then sends you to the visa centre or consulate for your country of residence.
Last verified: 2026-10-31 · Always confirm on the consulate's own page before you apply.
Consular fee (adult)
€90
Decisions in 2025
3,093,142
Refusal rate 2025
14.3%
All France consulates worldwide, all nationalities. European Commission statistics. Not an individual's chance of approval.
1. Is France your main destination?
You apply to France only if it is where you will spend the most nights — or, with equal nights, where you first enter the Schengen area. Applying to France for appointment convenience when another country is your main destination is a jurisdiction error.
2. Where to apply
Official starting point: France-Visas
Not listed? Use the channel named on the France consulate's website for your country of residence.
3. What France looks for
Start on France-Visas
Complete the online form on France-Visas first; it generates your application reference and tells you which centre or consulate handles your country of residence. Source
Accommodation and itinerary
Show where you will stay for the whole trip and how the nights fit your travel dates; a host's attestation d'accueil is the formal proof when you stay with family or friends in France. Source
4. Core document checklist
- Cover letter addressed to the consulate
- Day-by-day itinerary (France sample)
- Verifiable flight reservation
- Accommodation for every night
- Recent bank statements
- Employer letter with approved leave
- Travel medical insurance, minimum €30,000
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Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a France short-stay visa?
Start on France-Visas. After the form, it names the visa centre (such as VFS Global, TLScontact or Capago, depending on the country) or the consulate that handles your country of residence.
Can I apply to France if I visit several Schengen countries?
Only if France is your main destination — where you spend the most nights — or, with equal nights, your first point of entry.
Staying longer than 90 days? See the France long-stay visa guide.