
Travel requirements to France for Indian citizens
If you're travelling from India to France, the first step is understanding the visa requirements. Securing the right visa makes your entry into France as smooth as possible. Let's explore all the necessary travel documents, visa types, and health requirements for Indian citizens visiting France.
France visa requirements for Indian citizens
Travellers need a Schengen visa to visit France for Business or Tourism. Travellers must obtain a paper or embassy visa from an embassy, consulate or visa center before travelling.
This visa requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers:
- Travellers who hold a valid long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.
Travellers need proof of a return or onward ticket from France, or the financial means to purchase one at the intended return date.
This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers:
- Nationals of France
- Foreign nationals residing in France.
Travellers must have proof of accommodation during their stay in France.
If travellers will be hosted by a relative or friend, the host must be a France Status Holder or a legal resident.
This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers:
- Nationals of France
- Travellers who are spouse of a French citizen
- Foreign nationals residing in France.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border process for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within 180 days). No advance action is required.
Travellers should allow additional time at passport control, especially during busy travel seasons. At passport control, travellers provide a facial photo and/or fingerprints. Passports are no longer stamped. Self-service kiosks may be available at some airports and border entries.
This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers:
- EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino
- Holders of Vatican City or Holy See passports
- Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas
- Family members of EU nationals holding a residence card
- UK nationals and family members holding valid Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residence documents issued by their host EU member state.
Check the source for more details and a full list of exemptions.
Travellers need a valid passport to enter France. The traveller's passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the traveller's arrival date and remain valid for at least 3 months after the traveller's departure from France.
Since 14 April 2025, France no longer recognizes ordinary non-biometric Russian passports, with the exception of passports held by travellers under the age of 15.
Travellers must have travel health insurance when visiting France.
Insurance should cover at least EUR 30,000.00, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover the entire duration of stay.
Travellers should check with their airline for pet transport requirements before travelling, as policies differ.
Dogs and cats travelling into the EU from outside the EU must meet entry requirements that vary by country of origin. Pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Additional requirements may apply depending on where travel originates.
Travellers can check the specific requirements for their country of origin on the EU government's pet travel page.
Travellers bringing other animals should check the national rules of their destination country directly.
Step-by-step guide to France visa applications
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Visa FAQs: For Indian citizens travelling to France
- Health screening: While not always required, officials might ask for a health certificate or a medical exam upon arrival. This is more likely if you're coming from an area with a health outbreak or if you show signs of illness.
