Consulate General of France in Bangalore – Applying for French Schengen Visa in India

Introduction

Consulate General of France in Bangalore processes French Schengen Visa (French short-stay) applications and French Residence Permit (French Long-Stay) applications.

France at a glance

There is much more to France than the iconic Eiffel Tower or Paris aka the world’s fashion capital. From the lavender fields of Provence to the fairytale chateaux of Loire Valley to the French Riviera’s beaches thronged by A-listers of the showbiz industry, France has everything to offer to everyone.

In France only, wanderlust can find the world’s best wines and gastronomy. Apart from these man-made wonders, Mother Nature has blessed this European giant with majestic landscapes ranging from stunning alpine views to blue-water seashores.

And because of the aforementioned wonders, France has been successfully defending the throne of the world’s top tourist nation for the last several years.

Every year, 12 million Indians apply for Schengen Visa and the figure is expected to surpass 15 million by 2020.

To enter France for a period of up to 90 days, an Indian needs to apply for a French Schengen Visa.

Jurisdiction of Consulate General of France in Bangalore

The jurisdiction of Consulate General of France in Bangalore is valid in the following states:

Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

French Schengen Visa Application Process

To apply for French Schengen Visa in the Consulate General of France in Bangalore, read our updated guide.

Step 1: Complete Online Application

The application will formally kick off by filling the online application. Carefully fill every box of the application.

At the end of the seizure, you must imperatively print the application form and the receipt of the application. It is worth here to mention that a visa application cannot be presented more than 3 months before the start of the trip.

Consulate General of France in Bangalore – Visa Application

Step 2: Collect Visa Docs

After amassing visa docs, the applicant will collect all mandatory and supporting visa docs. These include:

Flight Reservation for Schengen Visa Application: A roundtrip flight reservation for visa application is a mandatory document that accompanies your application.

It entails details about flight number, proposed route, arrival and departure dates, PNR codes also known as reservation codes, IATA codes [airport codes] and other details.

A roundtrip flight reservation for the French Schengen Visa application assures the visa officer that the applicant intends not to stay in France illegally and that he will return to his home destination once the purpose of the visit is achieved.

Hotel Bookings for Visa Application: A hotel booking document for visa application is also a mandatory supporting document. It assures visa officer of Consulate General of France in Bangalore that the applicant has made arrangements by paying for accommodation facility.

Travel Health Insurance for Schengen Visa Application: Like flight itinerary for visa application and hotel bookings, travel health insurance for Schengen Visa application is also a mandatory document.

Before making a transaction for the said document, make sure that it provides coverage not less than EUR 30000 or USD 45000. Also, availed travel health insurance must have validity in the whole Schengen Area.

It must also cover the cost of repatriation.

Authentic Passport: At the time of applying for French Schengen Visa at the Consulate General of France in Bangalore, the applicant must have possession of a valid travel document.

Validity means that the passport must have an expiry date of 90 days or more after the planned date of return from the French territory.

Cover Letter: A cover letter is a document that the applicant writes to precisely explain the core reason for applying for the French Schengen Visa. Avoid adding unnecessary details and do not prolong it any cost.

Means of subsistence: It means to provide evidence to the French Embassy or consulate that the applicant has sufficient amount or financial resources to bear his/her expenditures during his stay in the Schengen country. In the absence of proof of accommodation or hotel booking, the applicant is bound to attest to the French Consulate or Embassy that he possesses daily cash equivalent to 120 euros.

The amount plummets to 65 euros per day if the foreigner—seeking entry in France—displays proof of prepaid accommodation.

The amount falls further to 32.25 euros per day if the applicant holds evidence of cheaper means of accommodation.

Evidence of social status in India.

If minor: Consent letter signed by the parents.

If student:

NOC

Proof of enrollment.

Bank statement.

If employee:

NOC

Bank statement

Leave the permission document.

Step 3: The Interview

After amassing the document, appear for an interview at the Consulate General of France in Bangalore. It is strongly recommended to reach at least 30 minutes prior to the time of the interview.

Step 4: Collect Visa Docs

Usually, the Consulate General of France in Bangalore takes up to 15 days to process the visa application. If the application is approved, the itinerant will collect it by appearing in person at the embassy.