Type : A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits.

Validity:

+ Short-stay visas are valid for 6 months from date of issue for single- or multiple entries of maximum 90 days per entry.
+ Transit visas are valid for single- or multiple entries of maximum 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival.
+ Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time.

Requirements:

+ Passport valid for at least 3 months longer than validity of the visa with one blank page to affix visa stamp. 
+ Up to 3 application forms. 
+ Up to 3 passport-size photos. 
+ Evidence of sufficient funds for stay. 
+ Letter from employer, accountant, school or university.
+ Return ticket to country of residence. 
+ In certain cases, travellers may require evidence of hotel reservations, a certificate of board and lodging to be obtained by your French host from the local town hall, means of support or proof of official invitation from host or company. 
+ Evidence of medical insurance. 
+ A letter from the applicant's employer, the last three payslips or a letter from the applicant's bank manager/solicitor if self-employed. 

+ For business travellers a letter of invitation from a French company.

Time: 24 Hours.

Notes:

+ France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

+ Visitors are advised to hold return or onward tickets and proof of financial means, although this is not an absolute requirement.

+ Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).