Tourist visa to France: what documents are needed, how to get it in 2025
A pile of documents and special entry rules are already a common thing for some travelers… However, not everything is as scary as it seems at first glance.
In this article, we have gathered all the important information for those who want to visit France and don't know where to start with visa application.
Entry Rules for France
If you started looking for, which countries currently issue Schengen visas to Russians, then we share good news: France is open.
A tourist visa to France is one of the most desired among tourists. It allows you to travel around the country for no more than 90 days every six months. You can enter an unlimited number of times.
The main thing is that you have tickets to Paris, a desire to fly with a layover, and a valid visa. And also some other documents, which we will discuss in more detail.
Required Documents
To apply for a visa, you will need:
- completed visa application form;
- two color photographs 35 x 45 mm, clearly showing the face (without glasses or headwear);
- a foreign passport valid for at least 90 days from the date of return to Russia;
- previous foreign passports or their copies, as well as documents on change of surname if you recently got married;
- copy of the main spread of the foreign passport;
- proof of financial solvency. This can be a certificate of employment, 2-NDFL (income tax statement), or a bank statement;
- insurance with coverage from 30,000 €;
- photocopies of all pages of the internal passport;
- paid round-trip flight reservation;
- itinerary with stopovers and transfers (by the way, we advise you to figure out in advance how airport transfers work so you don't get lost or miss your flight);
- hotel reservation or confirmation of your place of residence in France.
Appointment for Submission
Before heading to the visa center, you need to apply for a visa online in advance. The application must be submitted no later than six months before departure, as advised on the visa center's website.
The main problem is booking a slot to visit the visa center. You need to constantly monitor everything, so be prepared to keep track yourself or ask friends with more free time.
Insurance
Yes, the policy is included in the mandatory package of documents for a visa, but that doesn't mean it's best to just get the first one you see to check a box. Insurance can help you in any unforeseen situation abroad.
Travel insurance usually includes not only medical coverage but also protection against luggage theft, legal assistance expenses, and more. The single requirement is insurance valid throughout all Schengen countries, for an amount of at least 30,000 €. Its validity period must cover the travel dates +15 days extra.
Cost
The consular fee for a visa is 80 €. You will also need to pay for the services of the visa center. The cost depends on the location of submission. For example, in Moscow, it is 35 €.
It's also worth mentioning the premium lounge services: here, free slots can be found more often. Their price varies from 60 to 84 €, and in Moscow, they will be the most expensive.
Processing and Application Times
So, what about the timelines? On average, processing takes up to 15 days. As for the application, it usually lasts 10–15 days from the date of submission, but sometimes the processing time can extend up to 45 days. Therefore, be patient and allow about two months for the entire procedure.
Statistics on obtaining a French Schengen visa
So, now let's share some statistics on obtaining a French Schengen visa in 2025:
- visa processing (from document submission to issuance) takes an average of 7 days, in rare cases — 15;
- most often, a visa is issued for a period of 6 to 12 months if the applicant had at least one Schengen visa from any European country before. Those who had a French visa can, in most cases, obtain a long-term visa for up to five years.
- All documents from the list above will be needed. It is important that your hotel is paid for, but you can book a room with the option of cancellation. It is advisable to detail all your stops with paid tickets and reservations.
For those who want to choose another European country, we advise you to familiarize yourself with what documents will be needed when applying for a visa to Spain for Russians. We wish you a great trip to Paris, au revoir!
