Schengen Short-Stay Visa: Complete Guide to Visit France

The Schengen short-stay visa (type C) allows nationals of third countries to stay temporarily in France and the Schengen area for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period.

This guide explains how to obtain your visa for a short-term tourist, family or business stay in France.

🌍 What is the Schengen short-stay visa?

The Schengen visa is a uniform visa issued by one of the 27 member countries of the Schengen area.

Authorized types of stays

Tourism: holidays, sightseeing
Family or friend visits
Business trips: meetings, conferences, trade fairs
Cultural or sports events
Airport transit (transit visa)
Short-term medical treatment

Duration and validity

Maximum duration: 90 days within a 180-day period
Validity: from a few days to 5 years (multiple-entry visa)
Area covered: 27 countries of the Schengen area

✅ Who needs a Schengen visa?

Nationals of more than 100 countries must obtain a visa to enter the Schengen area.

Visa-exempt countries

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain countries (Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, etc.) can enter without a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

👉 Check if you need a visa on the France-Visas website.

📋 Required documents

Basic documents

Visa application form for Schengen visa, completed and signed
Passport valid at least 3 months after the planned return date, with at least 2 blank pages
2 recent passport photos meeting ICAO standards
Travel insurance covering medical and repatriation expenses (minimum €30,000)

Proof of stay

Hotel reservation or accommodation certificate (if staying with an individual)
Round-trip flight ticket (or reservation)
Detailed travel itinerary

Proof of financial means

Bank statements for the last 3 months
Employment certificate and pay slips
Certificate of sponsorship (if you are hosted and supported by a resident)

Specific documents according to purpose

For family visit:

Birth certificate, marriage certificate (if family)
Copy of residence permit or ID card of family member in France

For business trip:

Invitation from French company
Proof of professional activity

For medical treatment:

Medical certificate from French healthcare facility
Proof of payment or coverage of medical expenses

🏛️ Application procedure

Step 1: Determine the competent country

If you are visiting several Schengen countries, apply for your visa at the consulate of the main destination country (where you will spend the most time).

If the duration is equal, apply to the consulate of the country of entry.

Step 2: Make an appointment

Make an appointment on France-Visas or at the visa center (VFS Global, TLScontact) in your country.

⚠️ Make an appointment at least 15 days before your departure (and at most 6 months before).

Step 3: Prepare your file

Gather all required documents (originals + copies).

Step 4: Attend the appointment

Present yourself at the visa center with:

All your documents
The visa fee amount in cash or by card (depending on the center)

You will need to provide your fingerprints (except exemptions).

Step 5: Wait for the decision

The consulate processes your application. You will be notified by email or SMS of the decision.

If accepted, you collect your passport with the visa sticker affixed inside.

⏳ Processing times

Standard time: 15 calendar days
Time if additional documents required: up to 30 days
Time in case of exceptional procedure: up to 60 days

👉 Submit your application at least 3 weeks before your departure.

💶 Schengen visa cost

| Category | Price | |----------|-------| | Adults | €80 | | Children 6 to 12 years | €40 | | Children under 6 years | Free | | Students, researchers, interns | Free or reduced |

Visa center service fees (VFS Global, TLScontact) are added: approximately €30 to €40.

Estimated total: between €80 and €120 per person.

❌ Common reasons for refusal

Invalid passport or expiring within 3 months after return
Insufficient or non-existent travel insurance
Insufficient proof of financial means
Lack of proof of return (ticket, ties to country of origin)
Suspicion of intention to stay illegally in France
Incomplete or fraudulent documents

Appeal in case of refusal

You can file an administrative appeal with the consulate or a judicial appeal with the Commission for Appeals Against Visa Refusal Decisions (CRRV) within 2 months.

🔄 Extension of short-stay visa

The Schengen visa generally cannot be extended, except in exceptional circumstances:

Force majeure (serious illness, natural disaster)
Humanitarian reasons
Compelling professional reasons

The extension request is made at the prefecture before the visa expires.

🛂 Entry and stay in France with a Schengen visa

At entry

Present your passport with visa to border authorities
Have with you all supporting documents used for the visa application (insurance, hotel reservation, return ticket, etc.)

During the stay

Respect the authorized duration (90 days maximum within 180 days)
Keep your proof of stay and financial means

Exit from the territory

You must leave the Schengen area before the expiration of your visa. Overstaying can result in:

A ban from the territory
Refusal of future visas

🤝 VisaPref assists you

Obtaining a Schengen visa can seem complex, especially if it's your first application. An incomplete or poorly prepared file can lead to refusal.

At VisaPref, we help you:

Assess your situation and verify your eligibility
Build a complete and compliant file
Prepare your consular interview
Maximize your chances of obtaining the visa

👉 Contact us for personalized assistance with your visa application.

❓ FAQ – Schengen short-stay visa

1. How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?

Maximum 90 days within a 180-day period.

2. Can I work with a Schengen visa?

No, the short-stay visa does not allow you to work in France. To work, you must obtain a long-stay visa or an employee residence permit.

3. Can I travel to other Schengen countries with my French visa?

Yes, the Schengen visa allows you to move freely within the 27 countries of the Schengen area.

4. What happens if I exceed the authorized duration?

You risk a Schengen territory ban, a fine and difficulties in obtaining future visas.

5. Can I apply for a new visa immediately after a 90-day stay?

No, you must wait 90 days after the end of your stay before returning to the Schengen area (90/180 day rule).