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Quick answer

Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit France as tourists, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You apply online on France-Visas, then give biometrics at a VFS Global centre; the visa fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children 6–12) plus a VFS service fee of EUR 22. Kerala falls under the Consulate General of France in Pondicherry, and VFS Global has a France centre in Kochi.

France visa for Indians at a glance

Visa needed for tourism?Yes – Schengen short-stay (C) visa12
Maximum stayUp to 90 days in any 180-day period2
Visa feeEUR 90 (adults); EUR 45 (children 6–12); children under 6 exempt23
VFS service feeEUR 22 per applicant, paid online in rupees4
ProcessingDecision within 15 calendar days; up to 45 days in individual cases32
Where Kerala residents applyOnline on France-Visas, then VFS Global Kochi (Cochin); consulate: Pondicherry156
Travel insuranceMandatory, minimum cover EUR 30,000, valid across Schengen3

Visa options for Indian passport holders

Schengen short-stay (C) visa – tourism / visiting family and friends147289310

Who can use it
All Indian ordinary passport holders
Stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Validity
Set by the consulate; see multiple-entry cascade in notes
Entries
Single, double or multiple
Fee
EUR 90 adults; EUR 45 children aged 6–12; children under 6 exempt. Plus VFS service fee EUR 22 (payable in rupees)
Processing time
Decision within 15 calendar days of lodging; can be extended up to 45 days
Where to apply
France-Visas (https://france-visas.gouv.fr) for the online form, then a VFS Global centre in India
Good to know
Apply at least two weeks and no more than 6 months before travel. Indians who obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas in the previous three years can get a two-year multiple-entry visa, normally followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has enough validity.

Documents to prepare

  • Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages.3
  • Online application completed on France-Visas; the site lists the supporting documents and fee for your case.17
  • Travel medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation, valid across Schengen, minimum EUR 30,000.3
  • Documents on purpose of trip, accommodation, money for the stay, and intention to return.2
  • Fingerprints and photo are taken in person at the visa centre; fingerprints given in the last 5 years can be reused.37

Before you fly and on arrival

  • The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational since 10 April 2026. Your face image and fingerprints are recorded at the border instead of a passport stamp.1112
  • ETIAS is not yet in operation and is only for visa-exempt nationalities; Indians on a Schengen visa do not need it. Any site offering ETIAS now is fraudulent.1213
  • A visa does not guarantee entry. Border officers can ask for proof of purpose, accommodation and enough money.3

Applying from Kerala

  • Kerala is under the Consulate General of France in Pondicherry (jurisdiction: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar), which has a Bureau de France in Chennai.5
  • VFS Global runs a France visa centre in Kochi (Cochin), Monday to Friday 08:00–15:00, by appointment only.6
  • Fill in the application on France-Visas first, then book a VFS appointment and give biometrics at the centre.17

Extending your stay

  • A Schengen visa allows a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Longer stays need a national visa.2

What changed recently

  • 10 April 2026: The EU Entry/Exit System became fully operational (it started on 12 October 2025).11
  • 18 April 2024: EU adopted the multiple-entry visa cascade for Indian nationals residing in India.89

How Albah Holidays can help

  • We handle France visa applications from our office in Kozhikode — we check your case, give you the exact document checklist, fill in the application and book any appointment.
  • Where fingerprints or an interview are needed, you attend in person — we prepare you for it and follow up until the decision.
  • We arrange the travel medical insurance the Schengen visa requires.
  • Flights from Calicut, Kannur or Kochi, hotels and travel insurance — booked together with us.
  • Send your passport copy and travel dates on WhatsApp, or visit our office in Eranhipalam, Kozhikode.
  • Flights to France from Calicut, Kannur or Kochi, booked with your visa so the dates line up and the name on the ticket matches the passport.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for France?

Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay visa for tourism, valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.12

How much does a France Schengen visa cost for Indians?

EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6–12, plus a VFS service fee of EUR 22 paid in rupees.24

Where do people from Kerala apply for a France visa?

Apply online on France-Visas, then submit at VFS Global; there is a France centre in Kochi. Kerala comes under the Consulate General of France in Pondicherry.165

How early should I apply?

At least two weeks before travel and no more than six months before.73

Do I need ETIAS for France?

No. ETIAS is not operating yet and is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Indians need a Schengen visa.1213

Official sources

  1. Applying for a visa — Embassy of France in India. Page updated 2026-03-09; checked 24 September 2026.
  2. Applying for a Schengen visa — European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs. Page updated 2025-12-02; checked 24 September 2026.
  3. Common Information Sheet for Schengen Visa Applicants in India — Schengen States' consulates in India (published via VFS Global, linked by the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai). Page updated 2025-04-08 (PDF date); checked 24 September 2026.
  4. France – Fees (India service fee) — VFS Global (France's external service provider in India). checked 24 September 2026.
  5. Consulate General of France in Pondicherry — Embassy of France in India. Page updated 2025-12-31; checked 24 September 2026.
  6. France Visa Application Centres in India – Attend a centre — VFS Global (France's external service provider in India). checked 24 September 2026.
  7. France – Apply for a visa (India) — VFS Global (France's external service provider in India). checked 24 September 2026.
  8. Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 2434 – multiple-entry visas for Indian nationals residing in India — European Commission. Page updated 2024-04-18; checked 24 September 2026.
  9. European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians — Delegation of the European Union to India (EEAS). Page updated 2024-04-22; checked 24 September 2026.
  10. France-Visas – official visa website for France — Government of France. checked 24 September 2026.
  11. The Entry/Exit System will become fully operational on 10 April 2026 — European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs. Page updated 2026-03-30; checked 24 September 2026.
  12. ETIAS – Travelling to Europe — Embassy of France in India. Page updated 2026-04-22; checked 24 September 2026.
  13. ETIAS – Who should apply — European Union (travel-europe.europa.eu). checked 24 September 2026.

Rules, fees and processing times can change without notice. Every fact on this page was checked against the official sources above on 24 September 2026. Confirm before you travel — we recheck the current rules for every application we handle.

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