VISA TYPES

All citizens need a valid passport and a visa to enter France.There are basically 5 types of visas: tourist visa, businessvisa, work visa, long stay visa and Schengen visa.

VISA PROCESS

Tourist Visa:

Documents required include:

• Visa application form duly filled and signed.
• Passport valid for at least six months from the date of application of the visa.
• A recent passport size photograph.
• Confirmed onward/return air ticket.
• Onward visa in case you are visiting another country.
• Health insurance.
• Hotel reservation.
• Proof of funds for your stay (foreign exchange, credit cards, travelers' checks) . A sponsorship certificate is required if your intended stay exceeds 15 days.

The Tourist Visa valid for 6 months and aperson can stay for 90 days. The processing time is 24 hours.

Business Visa:

In addition to the documents mentioned above,you will require:

• A covering letter from the Indian organization recommending your travel. It should also contain references to the professional and financial stability of the company.
• Proof of profession, company documents.
• An invitation letter from business associates in France.
• A list of contacts in France.

In the case of first time travelers,additional support documents such as recommendation letter from the Indo-French Chamber of commerce, Income Tax Returns for the last three years, business correspondence, proof of sufficient funds may also be required.

The validity of a Business Visa varies from one year to five years. The maximum period of stay is 180 days per year. This can be covered by two or more visits. However one can stay only up to 90 days at a stretch.

Work Visa:

For a work visa, the approval from the International Immigration Office in France is necessary. Once your case is approved by the Immigration Office, the French Embassy will require you to undergo a medical examination. The medical examination has to be done by a doctor approved by the Embassy. After this you will be granted a visa.

The completed application form along with the necessary documents (same as above) are to be submitted to the French Embassy or the French Consulate depending on the state of your residence. Application can be submitted either in person or through a travel agent. If you are traveling for the first time to France, your personal presence may be required.

Long-stay Visa:

An authorization to work is required under a procedure known as an Introduction of a Foreign Worker to France. The application is submitted by the receiving company in France, to the local Labor Authority for the employee, and to the local Social Affairs Authority for the accompanying family (spouse and children). These formalities take place prior to arrival in France. Visas are issued by the French Consulate in the countryof origin. Along with the above mentioned documents, the following are generally required:

• A photocopy of your passport
• A photocopy of your birth certificate
• Photocopies of diplomas and a career résumé
• 4 passport photographs (color or black and white)

This Visa is valid for single entry and until you get an official Work Permit (carte de sejour) in France. The permit takes approximately 3 months to process.

Schengen Visa:

With a Schengen visa, you may travel in 10 European countries.You must get your Schengen Visa from the consulate of the country you are first visiting (first point of entry). Countries empowered to issue Schengen visas are:

• France
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Greece
• Austria

Things to note:

• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the visa.
• No visa will be delivered on additional pages.
• Children must travel with their own passports.
• Each visa application is subject to final approval.
• The visa is delivered by the territorially competent consulate.

APPLICATION FORMS

To apply for your visa you have to fill in an Application Form, which you can download or get at the Consulate in your city.

FEES

There is no charge for the application form. When you collect your passport, you will have to pay the amount.

The fee to be charged is payable in Indian Rupees at the consular exchange rate.

CONSULATE ADDRESSES

French Consulate General in Mumbai, India -

Datta Prasad building

2nd floor10 Nowroji

Gamadia Cross road- off.

Peddar road

Bombay 400026

Tel: 495 09 18, 495 18 70

Fax: 495 03 12