French tourist visa
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Compilation of French tourist visa application materials
Project Description
The French tourist visa is a short-stay Schengen visa, applicable to Chinese citizens who wish to stay in the Schengen area for tourism purposes for no more than 90 days. Holders of this visa can freely travel between France and other Schengen member states.
Basic characteristics:
• Visa type: Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C)
• Duration of stay: Subject to itinerary approval, usually not exceeding 90 days.
• Validity period: Determined by the embassy based on the application itinerary, typically ranging from 30 days to 5 years.
• Number of entries: Usually multiple entries
Consular districts: French embassies and consulates in China have visa application centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan, etc. Applicants can choose the application location based on their long-term work location or residence. Applications can be submitted in all consular districts nationwide.
Project Description
The French tourist visa is a short-stay Schengen visa, applicable to Chinese citizens who wish to stay in the Schengen area for tourism purposes for no more than 90 days. Holders of this visa can freely travel between France and other Schengen member states.
Basic characteristics:
• Visa type: Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C)
• Duration of stay: Subject to itinerary approval, usually not exceeding 90 days.
• Validity period: Determined by the embassy based on the application itinerary, typically ranging from 30 days to 5 years.
• Number of entries: Usually multiple entries
Consular districts: French embassies and consulates in China have visa application centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan, etc. Applicants can choose the application location based on their long-term work location or residence. Applications can be submitted in all consular districts nationwide.
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicant requirements
1. Basic Identity Requirements
Project specific requirements
Passport must: ① be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expected date of departure from the Schengen Area (6 months recommended); ② be issued no more than 10 years ago; ③ have at least two blank visa pages.
Two to three recent (within the last six months) 3.5cm x 4.5cm color photos with a white background, taken without head coverings; head must occupy 70-80% of the photo (TP3T), without glasses or showing teeth.
A photocopy of both sides of a valid ID card/household registration booklet; a complete photocopy of the entire family's household registration booklet (including the first page and pages for all family members).
2. Funding and Asset Conditions
Project specific requirements
Bank statements (core document): Original bank statements from your salary card or debit card for the past 3-6 months, stamped with the bank's seal; a balance of over 50,000 RMB is recommended (the longer the trip, the higher the required balance); continuous transaction records are necessary, avoiding large deposits in a short period.
Supporting assets (recommended): Proof of fixed assets such as property ownership certificate, vehicle registration certificate, and stock/financial product certificates can help increase the visa approval rate.
3. Employment/Identity Certificate
Current employees:
• Employment certificate in both Chinese and English (printed on company letterhead): including applicant's name, position, income, length of service, approved leave dates, who will bear the expenses, company's commitment to retain the position, signature of the responsible person, and official seal.
• A copy of the business license or organization code certificate, stamped with the company seal.
Retirees:
Original and photocopy of retirement certificate
• Bank statements showing retirement savings over the past 6 months; a balance of at least 50,000 yuan is recommended.
Unemployed/Freelance/Housewife:
• A statement and supporting documents explaining the source of income are required.
Married unemployed individuals must provide their spouse's employment certificate and a notarized marriage certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minors (under 18 years old):
• Notarized and authenticated certificate of kinship (authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• If one or both parents are not traveling: A notarized and authenticated travel consent form is required, which must be signed by both parents or their legal guardians.
4. Itinerary-related materials
Project specific requirements
Flight booking confirmation: Complete flight booking confirmation from and to China (it is recommended not to actually pay before the visa result is released).
English hotel booking confirmations covering the entire Schengen area stay.
Detailed itinerary in English: Includes dates of stay, country, city, attractions visited, and mode of transportation.
Medical insurance must: ① cover the entire duration of your Schengen stay (adding 1-2 days is recommended); ② provide medical/repatriation coverage of at least €30,000 (approximately RMB 300,000); ③ cover the entire Schengen area.
5. Supplementation for special populations
• Those who have had their fingerprints taken within the past 59 months: Provide a photocopy of the old visa with VIS markings; you may authorize someone else to submit the materials on your behalf.
• For those with a previous visa refusal record: provide the refusal letter and an explanation in English.
1. Basic Identity Requirements
Project specific requirements
Passport must: ① be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expected date of departure from the Schengen Area (6 months recommended); ② be issued no more than 10 years ago; ③ have at least two blank visa pages.
Two to three recent (within the last six months) 3.5cm x 4.5cm color photos with a white background, taken without head coverings; head must occupy 70-80% of the photo (TP3T), without glasses or showing teeth.
A photocopy of both sides of a valid ID card/household registration booklet; a complete photocopy of the entire family's household registration booklet (including the first page and pages for all family members).
2. Funding and Asset Conditions
Project specific requirements
Bank statements (core document): Original bank statements from your salary card or debit card for the past 3-6 months, stamped with the bank's seal; a balance of over 50,000 RMB is recommended (the longer the trip, the higher the required balance); continuous transaction records are necessary, avoiding large deposits in a short period.
Supporting assets (recommended): Proof of fixed assets such as property ownership certificate, vehicle registration certificate, and stock/financial product certificates can help increase the visa approval rate.
3. Employment/Identity Certificate
Current employees:
• Employment certificate in both Chinese and English (printed on company letterhead): including applicant's name, position, income, length of service, approved leave dates, who will bear the expenses, company's commitment to retain the position, signature of the responsible person, and official seal.
• A copy of the business license or organization code certificate, stamped with the company seal.
Retirees:
Original and photocopy of retirement certificate
• Bank statements showing retirement savings over the past 6 months; a balance of at least 50,000 yuan is recommended.
Unemployed/Freelance/Housewife:
• A statement and supporting documents explaining the source of income are required.
Married unemployed individuals must provide their spouse's employment certificate and a notarized marriage certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minors (under 18 years old):
• Notarized and authenticated certificate of kinship (authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• If one or both parents are not traveling: A notarized and authenticated travel consent form is required, which must be signed by both parents or their legal guardians.
4. Itinerary-related materials
Project specific requirements
Flight booking confirmation: Complete flight booking confirmation from and to China (it is recommended not to actually pay before the visa result is released).
English hotel booking confirmations covering the entire Schengen area stay.
Detailed itinerary in English: Includes dates of stay, country, city, attractions visited, and mode of transportation.
Medical insurance must: ① cover the entire duration of your Schengen stay (adding 1-2 days is recommended); ② provide medical/repatriation coverage of at least €30,000 (approximately RMB 300,000); ③ cover the entire Schengen area.
5. Supplementation for special populations
• Those who have had their fingerprints taken within the past 59 months: Provide a photocopy of the old visa with VIS markings; you may authorize someone else to submit the materials on your behalf.
• For those with a previous visa refusal record: provide the refusal letter and an explanation in English.
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
1. Time planning suggestions
• Apply in advance: It is recommended to apply at least 15-20 business days in advance (the official website states that the standard processing time is 15 days, but it may be extended to 45 days during peak season).
• Appointment Note: French visa appointment slots are often in high demand and short supply, so it is recommended to book your appointment as early as possible through the visa application center's website.
• Travel season reminder: It is recommended to prepare 3-4 weeks in advance for peak travel periods such as summer (June-August), National Day, and Spring Festival.
2. Suggestions for Optimizing Proof of Funds
Bank statements serve as core proof of assets and must demonstrate stable income and spending records.
• It is recommended that the balance cover at least €120 (approximately RMB 1000) in spending per day during the trip. If the balance is insufficient, it can be supplemented with assets from your spouse/parents and proof of relationship must be provided.
• Do not deposit a large sum of money shortly before submitting your application materials, as this may raise questions from the embassy about the source of the funds.
3. Suggestions for Material Preparation
Do not use staples to bind all materials; organize them on A4 paper in the order listed.
• Materials that are not in Chinese/English must be accompanied by a translation.
• For flight and hotel bookings, it is recommended to choose booking channels that offer free cancellation to avoid financial losses due to visa refusal.
• If you find preparing the necessary documents yourself too troublesome, you can use a qualified travel agency to handle it for you, but be sure to verify their qualifications.
4. Visa Refusal Risk Warning
The following groups are generally considered to have a higher risk of visa refusal and are advised to prepare sufficient supporting materials:
• Single woman with a blank passport (no travel history to any developed countries)
• Those without stable employment and income sources
• Those with severely insufficient bank account balances or abnormal transaction records
5. Other useful reminders
• Fingerprint collection (biometric identification): Applicants aged 12 and above must be present in person to have their fingerprints collected. Those who have had their fingerprints collected within the past 59 months are exempt from this requirement.
• ETIAS System: The EU plans to launch ETIAS electronic travel authorization by the end of 2026. Currently, Chinese citizens still need to apply for a Schengen visa, so this will not affect their eligibility at this time.
Transit Notes: If you are transiting through France and need to change airports or stay overnight, you must obtain a French transit visa (Charles de Gaulle Airport is closed daily from 00:00 to 05:30).
French tourist visa application process
Step 1: Confirm visa type
Use the "Visa Assistant" tool on the official French visa website (France-Visas) to determine the type of visa you need to apply for based on your purpose of travel and length of stay.
Step 2: Fill out the application form online
Visit the France-Visas website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr) to fill out the visa application form online, print it out, and sign it in your own handwriting.
Please note:
• Items 37 and the last item on the application form must be signed by the applicant in their own handwriting.
• All information must be true, accurate, and consistent with the submitted materials.
Step 3: Schedule a submission time
Schedule an appointment to submit your documents through the visa application center's website or the Démarches Simplifiées platform. Due to limited appointment slots, it is recommended to book as early as possible.
Operation prompts:
• Short-term visas can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
• You must reply to the appointment confirmation email promptly; otherwise, your appointment will be cancelled.
Step 4: Prepare and submit materials
Prepare all documents according to the checklist (see Part B for details), and submit them in person at the visa application center at your scheduled appointment time.
Submit your passport and all required application materials.
• Pay the visa fee (approximately 80 euros, equivalent to approximately 630 yuan) and visa service fee. Please refer to the visa application center's official website for specific fees.
• Collect fingerprints and take photos on site (for applicants aged 12 and above)
• Those who have had their fingerprints taken within the past 59 months may authorize someone to submit their documents on their behalf.
Step 5: Wait for review and track progress
• Typical processing time: Approximately 15 calendar days
• In special circumstances, the period may be extended to 45 days.
• You can track the processing progress through the visa application center's official website using the application receipt.
Step 6: Obtain your passport and verify your visa
After receiving the notification, go to the visa application center to collect your passport, or choose to have it mailed back to you. Be sure to check the contents upon collection:
Are the name and passport number on the visa correct?
• Do the validity period and stay period cover the actual itinerary?
Consulting fee: 500 USD
1. Time planning suggestions
• Apply in advance: It is recommended to apply at least 15-20 business days in advance (the official website states that the standard processing time is 15 days, but it may be extended to 45 days during peak season).
• Appointment Note: French visa appointment slots are often in high demand and short supply, so it is recommended to book your appointment as early as possible through the visa application center's website.
• Travel season reminder: It is recommended to prepare 3-4 weeks in advance for peak travel periods such as summer (June-August), National Day, and Spring Festival.
2. Suggestions for Optimizing Proof of Funds
Bank statements serve as core proof of assets and must demonstrate stable income and spending records.
• It is recommended that the balance cover at least €120 (approximately RMB 1000) in spending per day during the trip. If the balance is insufficient, it can be supplemented with assets from your spouse/parents and proof of relationship must be provided.
• Do not deposit a large sum of money shortly before submitting your application materials, as this may raise questions from the embassy about the source of the funds.
3. Suggestions for Material Preparation
Do not use staples to bind all materials; organize them on A4 paper in the order listed.
• Materials that are not in Chinese/English must be accompanied by a translation.
• For flight and hotel bookings, it is recommended to choose booking channels that offer free cancellation to avoid financial losses due to visa refusal.
• If you find preparing the necessary documents yourself too troublesome, you can use a qualified travel agency to handle it for you, but be sure to verify their qualifications.
4. Visa Refusal Risk Warning
The following groups are generally considered to have a higher risk of visa refusal and are advised to prepare sufficient supporting materials:
• Single woman with a blank passport (no travel history to any developed countries)
• Those without stable employment and income sources
• Those with severely insufficient bank account balances or abnormal transaction records
5. Other useful reminders
• Fingerprint collection (biometric identification): Applicants aged 12 and above must be present in person to have their fingerprints collected. Those who have had their fingerprints collected within the past 59 months are exempt from this requirement.
• ETIAS System: The EU plans to launch ETIAS electronic travel authorization by the end of 2026. Currently, Chinese citizens still need to apply for a Schengen visa, so this will not affect their eligibility at this time.
Transit Notes: If you are transiting through France and need to change airports or stay overnight, you must obtain a French transit visa (Charles de Gaulle Airport is closed daily from 00:00 to 05:30).
French tourist visa application process
Step 1: Confirm visa type
Use the "Visa Assistant" tool on the official French visa website (France-Visas) to determine the type of visa you need to apply for based on your purpose of travel and length of stay.
Step 2: Fill out the application form online
Visit the France-Visas website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr) to fill out the visa application form online, print it out, and sign it in your own handwriting.
Please note:
• Items 37 and the last item on the application form must be signed by the applicant in their own handwriting.
• All information must be true, accurate, and consistent with the submitted materials.
Step 3: Schedule a submission time
Schedule an appointment to submit your documents through the visa application center's website or the Démarches Simplifiées platform. Due to limited appointment slots, it is recommended to book as early as possible.
Operation prompts:
• Short-term visas can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
• You must reply to the appointment confirmation email promptly; otherwise, your appointment will be cancelled.
Step 4: Prepare and submit materials
Prepare all documents according to the checklist (see Part B for details), and submit them in person at the visa application center at your scheduled appointment time.
Submit your passport and all required application materials.
• Pay the visa fee (approximately 80 euros, equivalent to approximately 630 yuan) and visa service fee. Please refer to the visa application center's official website for specific fees.
• Collect fingerprints and take photos on site (for applicants aged 12 and above)
• Those who have had their fingerprints taken within the past 59 months may authorize someone to submit their documents on their behalf.
Step 5: Wait for review and track progress
• Typical processing time: Approximately 15 calendar days
• In special circumstances, the period may be extended to 45 days.
• You can track the processing progress through the visa application center's official website using the application receipt.
Step 6: Obtain your passport and verify your visa
After receiving the notification, go to the visa application center to collect your passport, or choose to have it mailed back to you. Be sure to check the contents upon collection:
Are the name and passport number on the visa correct?
• Do the validity period and stay period cover the actual itinerary?
Consulting fee: 500 USD