France Visa Application 2024/2025 | Detailed Guidelines & Requirements

France, encircled by six neighboring nations, ranks among the most expansive countries within the European continent.

The nation boasts breathtaking landscapes, making it no surprise that it stands as the world’s top tourist destination.

Paris serves as the heart and capital of France.

While French is the official language, English predominates as the primary language among immigrants.

Are you in any part of the world and need a visa for France? Look no further—we have everything you need and much more covered in the France Visa Application 2024/ 2025.

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France Visa Types: France Visa Application 2024/2025

As a part of the Schengen zone, France requires travelers to obtain a Schengen Visa for entry.

Below is an enumeration of the various kinds of Schengen visas.

Categories of Visa	TIME TO PROCESS	VALIDITY	MULTIPLE ENTRY
Business Visa	15 days	180 days	Yes
Tourism Visa	15 days	180 days	Yes
Invitation Visa	15 days	180 days	Yes
Sport competition Visa	15 days	180 days	Yes
Medical Treatment Visa	15 days	180 days	Yes
Religious Purposes Visa	15 days	180 days	Yes
Transit Visa	15 days	24 hours	No
Airport Transit Visa	15 days	24 hours	No

France Visa Application 2024/2025: Visa Requirements for Traveling to France

Here are the essential documents required to apply for a French visa:

1. A valid International passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
2. A completely filled and signed France Visa application form.
3. An invitation letter from your sponsor.
4. An official letter from your employer addressed to the France Consulate, along with proof of your wages (required for employment visa applicants).
5. An original letter from your institution addressed to the France Consulate, confirming your status, attendance, and the duration of your course studies.
6. Confirmation of your hotel reservation.
7. Copies of your bank statements from the past 3 months.
8. Payment of the visa application fee.
9. Travel visa insurance.
10. Proof of accommodation arrangements.

These documents are crucial for your visa application process and should be prepared accordingly.

Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the following documentation:

Please provide a birth certificate copy
A parental consent letter
And either a passport copy with consent letter or a national identity card if no consent letter is available.

In France, visas are categorized primarily into two types: Short stay and Long stay visas. The Short stay visa permits stays up to 3 months, while any visit exceeding this duration falls under the Long stay visa category

Categories of Visa: France Visa Application 2024/2025

France issues various types of Schengen visas, which are classified based on the purpose of travel and duration of stay.

Here are the various categories of France (Schengen) visas categorized by the specific reasons or purposes of travel.

Airport Transit Visa

The airport transit visa is granted to individuals who have layovers at French airports and will be catching another flight from the same airport. During this waiting period, passengers are not permitted to leave the airport premises.

Transit Visa

The transit visa is granted to individuals journeying from one country to another via the Republic of France. It is valid for a single transit, with rare exceptions made for multiple transits. Each transit period must not exceed five days.

Family Friend Visit Visa

The Family Friend visit visa is specifically granted to individuals intending to travel to France for the purpose of visiting close friends or relatives. This visa is issued as a group passport and remains valid for a duration of 30 days. Applicants applying for this visa are required to submit invitation letters from their sponsors residing in France.

Business Visa

The France business visa is granted to individuals intending to participate in or facilitate business engagements such as meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, or training sessions within French territory.

The category of long-term visas encompasses Study visas, Family Stay visas, Employment visas, Marriage visas, Medical visas, and Re-entry visas.

In addition to these factors, other motivations for travel encompass medical needs, educational pursuits, tourism, as well as cultural and entertainment endeavors such as sports teams and film crews.

France Visa Application 2024/2025: Visa Fees

VISA TYPE	VISA FEE IN EURO	VISA FEE IN NAIRA
Short Term Visas for Adults	60	21900
Short Term visas for children going on tourism (Between 0 – 6 years)	FREE	FREE
Short Term visas for children going on tourism (Between 6 – 12 years)	35	12800

The stated fee does not cover the cost of visa processing services.

Our Visa processing fees range from 80 USD to 275 USD, equivalent to approximately 30,000 Naira to 100,000 Naira on average.

Where to Obtain Your Visa for France

Location and Address of the French Embassy in Nigeria

France Embassy, Abuja

Here are the contact details for reaching us: 37 Udi Hills Street, just off Aso Drive in Maitama, Abuja. You can also get in touch via telephone at +234-0805 949 97 86 or +234-0803 958 75 47. For email correspondence, reach out to us at Cad.abuja-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr.

France Visa Application center Lagos

Block 94, Plot 23 on Providence Street, situated along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lekki Scheme 1, Lagos, is where you can find us.

Frequently Asked Questions: France Visa Application 2024/2025

How to Submit the France Visa Application

Applicants are required to submit their completed questionnaire directly to the visa application center. Submissions can be made up to 10 weeks prior to the planned departure date. However, it is essential that applications are lodged no later than 3 weeks before the intended travel date. The application center operates from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays.

Processing times for visas to France

Typically, the processing duration for France visas can extend up to three weeks.

Guide to Obtaining a French Visa

Applicants have the option to collect their passport in person or opt for delivery via courier service. If choosing the latter, applicants must indicate their preference at the time of application.