Check if you need a tourist visa to France before applying. Many countries' citizens are exempt from acquiring tourist visas to visit France or any other signatory of the European Schengen Agreement. Visa-exempt travelers include those from Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, the Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Venezuela and all citizens of any state in the European Union. If you are not a citizen of any of the above mentioned nations, you must acquire a 90-day Schengen visa, which is the equivalent of a tourist visa.
Locate the French Consulate General that has jurisdiction over your state or region. To apply for the Schengen visa, you must go through the appropriate consulate. To locate your consulate, consult the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a full list of consulates around the world.
Complete the application form. To obtain a Schengen visa application, download the form from the website of any French Consulate General or embassy. Complete the form legibly in black or blue ink.
Compile the required documents. If you reside in the United States but are not a U.S. citizen, required documents include: a copy of round-trip airfare; a passport with three months validity remaining; photocopies of the passport information page; all visas within the passport; your U.S. green card or proof of legal residency; one passport-size photo; photocopies of your three most recent bank statements; three most recent pay stubs; marriage certificate (if applicable); a copy of your hotel reservation, or if you are being hosted, a copy of the Attestation d'Acceuil that must be completed by the French host and available at any French City Hall.
Schedule a visa appointment at the consulate. All applications must be submitted in person through appointment only. Visit the website of your French Consulate to make an appointment online.
Attend the application interview. If your visa is granted, you will receive it at the conclusion of the interview. Once it is granted, you may immediately enter France. The visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days.
