Different Types of France Travel Visas Explained

France which is the core of Europe is still one of the most popular destinations in the world visited by the travelers. Be it the romanticism of Paris, the picturesque views of the French Riviera or historical magnificence of Normandy, one can find it all. However, prior to making the step down to this beautiful nation, it is important to have an idea about the various categories of travel visa to France in order to have a hassle free trip.

The visa you need also depends on the reason you are travelling to the country- whether it is as a tourist, employee, student, or family member. The question, which is asked by many travelers is, how many types of visas are there in the France? Or Which France visa is easiest to obtain? This guide is the complete information you might want to know about the France travel visas in order to assist you in your decision of choosing the best one that suits your requirements.

Types of France Travel Visas

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa – Type C)

The Schengen Visa is the most popular and common types of France travel visas which enables you to stay in France and other Schengen countries not exceeding 90 days in every 180 days. The visa is suitable to:

• Tourism
• Traveling on business purposes
• Family/friend visit
• Short term education or training courses
• Seminars or events

Which France visa from Oman is the easiest one to obtain? Schengen Visa is typically the easiest and the quickest way to go by the tourists and casual visitors, provided they have everything in order and also provided they have a well-thought itinerary.

2. Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

The Long-Stay Visa can be used to stay longer than 90 days and it is necessary to those who are planning to:

• Attend the university or school
• Carry out a long-term business or work
• Be with relatives
• Remain on the basis of retirement or personal reasons

After its issuance, such a visa can also serve as a residency permit in case your stay in the country is more than one year. The candidates will also be required to enroll with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) after arrival.

3. Student Visa

This visa is categorised as Long-Stay Visa (Type D), however, the visa is specifically intended to international students. You will have to present a letter of acceptance in a French educational institution, accommodation letter, and financial evidence. The visa may be:

• Short term (courses less than 90 days)
• Long term (in the case of university level programs)
• This is a common visa where there are a lot of world-class institutions in France.

4. Work Visa

You require a Work Visa to be allowed to work in France, and this is usually after getting a job offer and sanctioned by the French Ministry of Labour. Categories include:
Salaried employee visa

• Temps visa

• Skilled professionals and researchers Talent Passport

• Intra-company transfer visa

• The application is normally done by your employer who obtains the authorization approving your employment in France.

5. Family Visa (Reunion Visa)

This visa enables non-EU citizens to reunify with their members that are either French citizens or lawful residents. The relationship has to be established (spouse, child, parent) and the sponsoring person should have sufficient accommodation and income to qualify.

6. Visitor Visa

Perfect when one intends to retire in France without working, like retirees or other people with their own sources of income. This kind of travel visa to France makes it required for one to prove that they have enough funds and a hotel to stay in, and the individual is required to sign a declaration that they will not work in France.

7. Airport Transit Visa

This visa is compulsory to some of the nationalities that require to pass through a French airport on their way to another destination. Remember this visa is not an entry visa into France or Schengen area.

8. Business Visa

In case you are anticipating taking part in meetings, contract signing, or even networking with clients in France, then the Business Visa is what to apply. It is a subdivision of Schengen Visa with a specific focus on short-term traveling related to business.

9. Medical Treatment Visa

France has developed health care systems and on occasion international patients request a medical visa. Candidates are required to submit hospital appointment letters and financial capability to finance treatment and housing.

How many visa types are there in the France?

Overall, the France has quite a number of different types of visas that are meant to serve various purposes. These are broadly divided into Short-Stay Visas (Schengen) and Long-Stay Visas, and certain sub-categories namely student, work, family, business and medical visas.

What is the easiest visa to obtain in France?

The Schengen Tourist Visa is the simplest to acquire by majority of tourists and casual travelers especially when the applicants can offer good supportive documents such as hotel reservations, round-trip tickets and travel insurance. Those having a clean travel record and with adequate financial evidence tend to have fewer problems.

Conclusion

The number of different types of France travel visas may be intimidating at the beginning, but once you select the category that suits your travelling objectives, the entire process becomes smoother. In case you intend to have a short vacation, a semester abroad or permanent move, France has a visa that suits your case.

Knowing the number of types of visa in the France does not only ensure a successful application, but also precondition a memorable and legal visit. And by the way, in case you still have a question of which France travel visa is the least difficult to obtain, the Schengen Visa is mostly on the top of the list in case of a first-time traveler. Before you apply, consult the French consulate or VFS Global to get the latest guidelines.

FAQs

Q1: What number of visas are there in the France?

More than 8 major types of travel visas to France exist such as Schengen visa, long-stay visa, student visa, work visa, family visa, and medical visa. Each is different and serves a different purpose depending on the length and purpose of your stay.

Q2: What is the easiest visa to obtain in France?

The Schengen Short-Stay Tourist Visa is usually the easiest visa to get, particularly those who have a definite purpose and the right documents and have an excellent travel record.

Q3: Is it possible to work in France under Schengen Visa?

No, you can not work on the Schengen Visa. To work in France, you require Work Visa or Talent Passport.

Q4: What are the documents of France tourist visa?

The usual documents are an authentic passport, travel insurance, evidence of a place to stay, round trip, bank statements, and a visa application form.

Q5: When is the earliest time that I can apply for a France visa?

You are advised to make an application of not less than 15 days to 6 weeks before your intended departure. When applications take place early, there is a very low possibility of delays or rejections at the last minute.

Most Popular International Visas for Omanis

Mauritius visa | Mexico Visa | Mongolia visa | Montenegro Visa | Morocco visa | Netherlands visa | New Zealand Visa | Nigeria Visa | Norway visa | Oman Visa | Peru Visa | Philippines Visa | Poland visa | Portugal Visa | Qatar visa | Russia visa | Saudi Arabia Visa

How to Apply visa for other countries

Schengen visa | Singapore visa | South Africa visa | South korea visa | Spain visa | Sri lanka visa | Sweden Visa | Switzerland visa | Thailand Visa | Turkey visa | UK Visa | Uruguay visa | US visa | Vietnam visa | Uzbekistan Visa

Recommended Read: Complete Visa Information for France Travellers

• Essential Documentation for a France Tourist Visa from Oman Application