Apply for your tourist visa
Confirm where to apply based on your passport and legal residence, then prepare your documents.
Prepare your application
Follow France-Visas’ India instructions to find the responsible application center and appointment procedure.
Submit through the official channel
Use France-Visas instructions for India. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees and processing time
Plan your budget and travel dates with the published fees and timing guidance.
What it costs
Amounts are published separately. If more than one charge applies to your trip, add them; if they are versions of the same permission, only the one you apply for is charged.
- Visa fee
- EUR 90
- Visa fee
- EUR 45
- Visa fee
- Free
The amounts shown are standard consular visa fees for the passport and age listed. Some applicant categories may qualify for a waiver, and individual Schengen countries may waive fees for some children aged 6 to 17. An application centre may charge a separate service fee. Confirm the amount, payment currency and any exemption with the consulate or application centre handling your case.
Read the official fee guidancePublished government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay. Additional service or payment charges may apply.
15–45 calendar days
The decision period starts when an admissible application is lodged: normally 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 calendar days in individual cases, notably for further scrutiny. Check local appointment availability, since an appointment may be needed before lodging.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Schengen area stay calculator
Include previous visits to check the 90-day limit in any 180 days.
Entry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
This guide covers metropolitan France
French overseas territories can have different visa rules. Check the France-Visas assistant for your actual destination.
Official guidanceAlready hold a Schengen visa or residence permit?
An unexpired short-stay Schengen visa generally covers visits across the area within its stated territorial validity, entry count, dates and authorised stay. A valid residence permit or long-stay visa issued by one Schengen country also allows short visits to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Qualifying family members of EU citizens exercising free-movement rights may get facilitated visa procedures; conditions apply. You must still meet border-entry conditions; check your document's limits and conditions.
Official guidanceEES records your biometrics at the Schengen border
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational at the external borders of all 29 Schengen countries. If you are a non-EU national making a short stay, EES records your passport details, facial image and fingerprints, along with your entry and exit information. You do not apply for EES in advance; registration takes place at the border. For travelers registered in EES, the digital record replaces passport stamping. Exemptions include some people with a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a participating country. Check the linked official EU guidance for the full list. EES does not replace a visa you need or guarantee entry.
Official guidanceBefore and during your visit to France
Plan for visa biometrics
For a first Schengen visa application, attend in person for a photo and ten fingerprints. Fingerprints recorded for an earlier application within the previous 59 months are normally reused, but the consulate may collect them again if identity is in doubt or the earlier record cannot be confirmed. Applicants under 12 and people physically unable to provide fingerprints are exempt from fingerprinting; limited official-delegation exemptions also apply. Follow the responsible consulate or visa centre’s appointment instructions.
Apply within the visa application window
File no earlier than six months before your intended trip and, as a rule, at least 15 calendar days before departure; a consulate may allow later filing in a justified urgent case. You may need an appointment before filing. The Visa Code says appointments should as a rule take place within two weeks of request, but check your responsible consulate or visa centre for local availability.
France travel essentials
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- EUR
- Calling code
- +33
France entry questions
Do citizens of Zambia need a visa for France?
For tourism in France, ordinary passport holders from Zambia need a visa before travel. The stay limit is 90 days in any 180-day period.
How long can I stay in France?
The short-visit limit is 90 days in any 180-day period. Count all your short visits to Schengen area together, including both arrival and departure days. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 3 months after planned departure. Issued within the last 10 years.
How much is the government fee?
EUR 90 per person (ages 12+). Additional service or payment charges apply. EUR 45 per person (ages 6–11). Additional service or payment charges apply. No fee to pay (ages 0–5).
How long does a decision take?
15–45 calendar days. The decision period starts when an admissible application is lodged: normally 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 calendar days in individual cases, notably for further scrutiny. Check local appointment availability, since an appointment may be needed before lodging.
What fees apply for a France visitor visa?
The amounts shown are standard consular visa fees for the passport and age listed. Some applicant categories may qualify for a waiver, and individual Schengen countries may waive fees for some children aged 6 to 17. An application centre may charge a separate service fee. Confirm the amount, payment currency and any exemption with the consulate or application centre handling your case.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm France’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open France-Visas instructions for India
Follow France-Visas’ India instructions to find the responsible application center and appointment procedure.
Check France’s arrival documents
Accommodation, funds, insurance and border checks.
Confirm Schengen nationality rules
Visa-required and visa-exempt passport lists.
Use the official Schengen calculator
Count previous visits across the whole area.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to France with an ordinary Zambia passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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