First published September 2024
Updated October 2025
If you’re planning to travel to or live in France, it’s easy to mix up visa types. The two most common are the Schengen short-stay visa (type C) and the French long-stay visa (type D), and they serve very different purposes. This guide explains who needs which visa, current fees, how to apply, and key rules to avoid surprises at the border.
What is the Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa (type C) is a short-stay visa that allows visits up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen Area (27 countries). It’s best for tourism, short business trips, family visits, or multi-country European itineraries.
Who needs a Schengen Visa?
Nationals of certain countries must obtain a Schengen visa before travel. Here is a list of countries whose citizens must apply for a Schengen Visa before travelling to the area. Many others (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia) are visa-exempt for short stays, but must still follow the 90/180 rule. Note: ETIAS is not in force yet; it is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026 for visa-exempt travelers.
Current Schengen Visa fees (since 11 June 2024)
- Adults: 90 €
- Children 6–11: 45 €
- Under 6: Free
(Some nationalities/agreements have reduced or waived fees.)
Where to apply (main destination rule)
Apply at the consulate of your main destination (where you’ll spend the most time). If stays are equal, apply to the first Schengen country you enter.
Standard Schengen visa requirements (typical)
- Completed application
- Valid passport
- Travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 € (including repatriation), valid for all Schengen countries and the full stay
- Travel itinerary (transport + accommodation)
- Proof of funds
- Purpose of trip (tourism, business, medical, etc.)
ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference?
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an online pre-screening system for visa-exempt nationals, for example, citizens of the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and Japan. It’s not a visa but a digital travel authorisation linked to your passport, valid for three years or until your passport expires.
- You apply fully online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
- No fingerprints or photos are required; only passport and background information.
- Most applications are approved within minutes, though processing can take up to 96 hours (4 days).
- ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026, after the Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational.
By contrast, the Schengen visa (type C) is a true short-stay visa for non-visa-exempt nationals, such as citizens of India, China, South Africa, or the Philippines.
Who Doesn’t Need Either
EU citizens and residents of Ireland (not part of Schengen but covered by the Common Travel Area) travel freely under freedom of movement and do not require ETIAS or a visa.
What is a French Long-Stay Visa?
A French long-stay visa (type D) is for stays over 90 days (work, study, family, retirement, etc.). Many categories are issued as a VLS-TS (long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit) that you validate after arrival in France.
Who needs a French Long-Stay Visa?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who intend to stay in France more than 90 days, for work, study, family reunification, retirement, or other long-term purposes.
Current French Long-Stay Visa fee
- 99 € (standard long-stay visa fee; some categories differ by status/treaties).
Where to apply
You start online on the official France-Visas website to complete the application and generate your country-specific checklist. After submitting the online form and gathering the required documents, you book an in-person appointment at the designated visa application center to submit documents and provide biometrics.
Typical long-stay requirements (checklists vary by category)
- Completed application
- Valid passport
- Recent ID photos
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Purpose-specific evidence (e.g., work contract, school enrolment, family documents)
- Health insurance covering you in France for the visa period (comprehensive cover; not just emergency travel insurance)
Travel within Schengen on a type-D visa: With a valid French long-stay (type D) visa or residence permit, you may generally travel up to 90 days in any 180-day period in other Schengen states during the visa’s validity. Carry proof of purpose/funds when crossing borders.
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Do You Need ETIAS, a Schengen Visa, or a French Long-Stay Visa?
| Traveler Example | Nationality | Purpose of Stay | Length of Stay | What You Need | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. John: on holiday in France and Italy | U.S. citizen | Tourism | 3 weeks | ETIAS (from late 2026) | U.S. nationals are visa-exempt for ≤ 90 days. Once ETIAS launches, they’ll need online pre-travel authorisation. |
| 2. Priya: business trip to Paris | Indian citizen | Business Meetings | 10 days | Schengen Visa (Type C) | India is a visa-required country; short stays need a Schengen visa from the main destination (France). |
| 3. Anna: French language course in Lyon | Brazilian citizen | Study | 2 months | ETIAS (from late 2026) | Brazil is visa-exempt for short stays ≤ 90 days, so ETIAS will apply once active. |
| 4. Sarah: moving to France for a 2-year work contract | Canadian citizen | Work/Relocation | 2 years | French Long-Stay Visa (Type D – Work) | For stays > 90 days, a national long-stay visa is mandatory even for visa-exempt nationalities. |
| 5. James & Mary: retiring in Provence | Australian citizens | Retirement | Indefinite | French Long-Stay Visa (Type D – Visitor/Retiree) | Retirees staying permanently must apply for a long-stay visitor visa with proof of income and health insurance. |
| 6. Ahmed: visiting family in France and Spain | Egyptian citizen | Family visit | 1 month | Schengen Visa (Type C) | Egypt is visa-required; one short-stay visa covers all Schengen countries for ≤ 90 days. |
| 7. Emma: student exchange in Bordeaux | U.K. citizen | Study semester | 6 months | French Long-Stay Visa (Type D – Student) | The U.K. is now visa-exempt only for short stays; studying > 90 days needs a student long-stay visa. |
| 8. Daniel: weekend trips across Europe for business | Swiss citizen | Business travel | Multiple short stays | No visa or ETIAS required | Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area; Swiss citizens travel freely within it. |
| 9. Aisha: digital nomad testing France for 2 months | South African citizen | Remote work (non-employed in FR) | 60 days | Schengen Visa (Type C) | South Africa is visa-required; stays ≤ 90 days need a Schengen visa. |
| 10. Laura: spouse of a French citizen moving to Paris | Mexican citizen | Family reunification | Long-term | French Long-Stay Visa (Type D – Family) | Even visa-exempt nationals need a family long-stay visa for residence rights. |
To wrap it all up
- Choose a Schengen visa for short visits (≤ 90 days in any 180) and multi-country trips.
- Choose a French long-stay visa for living in France (> 90 days) to work, study, join family, or retire.
- ETIAS will apply to visa-exempt travellers from Q4 2026 and will cost 20 €.
Useful resources
- Apply for a Schengen Visa – Visit the website here.
- French Long-Stay Visa information – Visit the website here.
- Schengen Area Countries List – Visit website here.
- EES official site (EU)
- ETIAS official site (EU)