France Tourist Visa

If you’ve been planning to stand before the Eiffel Tower, shop along the Champs-Élysées, or enjoy fresh pastries from a local bakery, a France Tourist Visa is your ticket to making it happen. Imagine sipping wine in a French restaurant, cheering at a Ligue 1 match, or skiing in the stunning French Alps — France offers it all.

For travelers from countries like Thailand, a French Tourist Visa is a must. You can get this by applying for a Schengen Visa, which not only gives you access to France but also allows you to explore other European countries within the Schengen Area.

For Thai citizens planning activities beyond tourism,  like joining a fiancé(e) or spouse to settle together, pursuing education, or going on business trips, you will require specific visas, such as the French Fiance Visa/Spouse visa, student visa, French settlement visa, or French business visa.

What is the Visa Validity for a French Schengen Visa?

A France Tourist Visa permits a stay of up to 90 days, and it remains valid for travel throughout all Schengen-area countries.

This includes the following nations: France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

What are the Required Documents for a France Tourist Visa?

Getting a France Tourist Visa from Thailand requires careful planning. You'll need to gather all necessary documents well in advance. Being well-prepared not only shows an interviewing immigration officer that you are serious but also minimizes the chances of facing delays or denials, leading to a smooth entry into France. These documents will prove your identity and your intent to return to Thailand after your holiday is over.

Required Documents for a France Tourist Visa:

• Passport (valid for 6 months beyond date of entry)
• Copy of passport's photo page
• Completed Visa application form
• Two color ID photos size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm on a white background
• Proof of Employment that specifies your position, start date, income, and allowed days for the visit (payment slips if any)
• Copy of the business registration certificate (if self-employed)
• Sponsorship letter from a French resident
• Motivation letter explaining your reason for visiting France
• Proof of accommodation
• Bank guarantee letter, bank statements
• Flight reservation and proof of accommodation

What is the Application Process to get a Visa to France?

Securing a France Tourist Visa from Thailand involves a few key steps. Keep in mind, that the review process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks but may be longer during busy times. Being prompt and detailed in your preparations can lead to a smoother process and improve your chances for approval.

1. Initial Inquiry
   Reach out to Siam Legal or visit our office for detailed information on the visitor visa application criteria. We suggest in-person visits for the most accurate and current details.
2. Document Collection
   Review the requirements and collect the necessary application form and documents. Should you encounter any financial concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.
3. Application Preparation
   Prepare your visa application packet with all of the required forms and personal documents. Our team can assist you with this, then help you pay the visa fee.
4. Booking an Appointment
   Book your appointment at the France TLS office, subject to availability.
5. Submission and Approval
   Hand in all required documents at the time of your appointment. Once submitted, the wait for approval starts.

Visitor visas are generally processed by the French TLS Office within 1 to 2 weeks, though delays can happen, especially during peak travel seasons.

Is a Sponsorship and Invitation Letter Needed for Your France Tourist Visa?

When applying for a France Tourist Visa, both a Sponsorship Letter and an Invitation Letter may be required. Though they are similar, each document serves a distinct purpose and has different criteria.

What is a Sponsorship Letter for a France Tourist Visa?

A Sponsorship Letter for a France Tourist Visa is essential if someone else will be covering the expenses of your trip. This formal statement from your sponsor — whether they are a friend, relative, or employer — confirms their commitment to covering the costs of your stay in the Schengen zone, including accommodation, meals, and transportation. The letter should include the following details:

• Sponsor’s full name
• Your name and passport information
• Sponsor’s address
• Reason for sponsorship
• A declaration of commitment to cover your expenses during your stay

What is an Invitation Letter for a France Tourist Visa?

An Invitation Letter for a France Tourist Visa is typically needed if you are invited to visit someone in the Schengen Area. This letter is important for tourist or visitor visa applications because it proves that you have a host in the country. Unlike a Sponsorship Letter, an Invitation Letter does not hold the host financially responsible for your stay. Instead, it serves to confirm the invitation and the host's knowledge of your visit. The letter should include:

• The date
• The embassy’s address
• Your name and passport information
• The host’s full name
• Your relationship with the host
• Intended travel dates

Proof of Relationship with the Host or Inviting Party

You need to provide extra documents to prove your relationship with the host. The required evidence varies depending on whether you are related to your host or not.

If You and the Host Are Related:
You must provide official documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book) to prove the relationship. Submit both the original document and a photocopy. Also, include a photocopy of the host's passport bio-data page and their travel history.

If You and the Host Are Not Related:
For non-legal relationships (e.g., boyfriend/girlfriend), you must provide proof of communication. Additionally, a photocopy of the host's passport bio-data page and their travel history is required.

Contact Siam Legal to apply for a visa to France

Siam Legal can provide personalized support for your France Tourist Visa application. From the initial consultation to application preparation to interview preparation, we stick by your side until you have your French visa in hand and are ready to go on your dream vacation. With our services, you can avoid visa delays that might ruin your travel plans or an outright rejection, so don’t hesitate to reach out to Siam Legal for professional assistance with your visa.

Include our Professional fee: 21,925 THB (visa and government fees are excluded)

Frequently Asked Questions about French Tourist Visas

How long does the France Tourist Visa visa process take?

Once you've submitted your France Tourist Visa application, the Consulate generally requires up to 15 calendar days to reach a decision. However, in certain cases, this timeframe might extend to 30 days or, on rare occasions, even up to 60 days.

When should I apply for a France Tourist Visa before my intended trip?

You can submit your France Tourist Visa application as early as three months prior to your planned travel date. It’s advisable to file your application at least 15 calendar days before your departure. Be sure to account for national holidays in both the Schengen country you’re visiting and the country where you’re applying, as these can influence processing times.

My passport is expiring in two months. Can I still apply for a France Tourist Visa?

Typically, you won’t be able to apply for a France Tourist Visa if your passport is set to expire in two months. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned return date from the Schengen Area. However, the Consulate might make an exception in certain emergency situations.

Why might a France Tourist Visa application be rejected?

Your France Tourist Visa application could be denied if you fail to include all the required supporting documents. Missing items such as an employment letter, hotel bookings, or proof of financial resources can lead to your application being viewed as incomplete or inauthentic.

How long is a France Tourist Visa valid?

A France Tourist Visa allows you to stay in France and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, but it is considered a “short-stay” visa, meant for travel purposes only — not for working or studying.

If you plan to go to France to search for a job or have already secured employment, you'll need to apply for a work visa. Similarly, if you've been accepted to a French university, you'll need to obtain a student visa.

Is a purpose necessary for travel to the Schengen Area?

Yes, when applying for a Schengen Visa, you must specify the purpose of your trip. Your chosen reason will dictate the additional documents you need to provide. You can select from the following 10 purposes:

• Airport transit
• Business
• Cultural activities
• Medical treatment
• Official visit
• Sports
• Study
• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends