France Visa Guide: Requirements, Application & Travel Tips

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By TaraKai

France Visa

France Visa is an online platform that makes it easier to apply for a visa to France. Instead of using paper forms, you can fill out your details, book an appointment, and upload documents online before your trip. It’s a simple and faster way to get your visa done.

❤️Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking flights to France and France hotels in advance to secure the best rates.

✈️ Do Filipinos Need a Visa for France?

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Yes—Filipino passport holders need a visa to visit France. Whether you're planning a vacation, visiting family, or attending an event, you have to apply for a Schengen visa before your trip. But don’t worry, it’s doable if you plan ahead.

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

  • A valid Philippine passport (at least 3 months past your return date)
  • Visa application form (filled out and signed)
  • Passport-size photo (recent, white background)
  • Flight booking (round trip)
  • Hotel reservation or an invitation from a host in France
  • Travel insurance (covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies)
  • Proof of funds (like bank statements or a sponsor letter)

You’ll also need to book an appointment at VFS France (the official visa center), submit your documents, and attend a short interview.

Once everything’s done, just wait for the result—processing usually takes around 15 days.

🛂 Visa Tips for Filipinos Staying Longer in France

Palace of Versailles

So you’ve visited France and now you’re thinking of staying longer? Maybe you want to study, work, visit family, or just take your time exploring more of this beautiful country. If you're a Filipino citizen and plan to stay beyond the usual short-term visa, here are your options:

👉 Ways Filipinos Can Stay Longer in France

Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour)

This is the visa you’ll need if you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days. It can be for study, work, family, or other purposes. You need to apply for this before flying to France at the French Embassy or through France-Visas.

Student Visa

If you’ve been accepted to a school or university in France, you can apply for a long-stay student visa. This lets you live and study in France for the length of your course. Your school may help with the paperwork.

Work Visa

Got a job offer in France? Your French employer must apply for a work permit first. Once that’s approved, you can apply for a long-stay work visa. Filipinos often find jobs in healthcare, hospitality, or as English teachers.

Family Visa

If you're joining a spouse or parent who is a French citizen or resident, you can apply for a family reunion visa. Your relative in France must sponsor you and provide documents to support your stay.

Au Pair Visa

If you're between 18 and 30, you can apply to be an au pair (live-in nanny) with a French family. It's a good way to learn the language and live in France for up to a year.

Visitor Visa (Long Stay)

If you can support yourself financially and just want to stay longer in France (without working), this is an option. You’ll need proof of funds, health insurance, and accommodation.

📌 Important: Long-stay visa holders must register with the French immigration office (OFII) after arriving in France. Some permits can also lead to a residence card later on.

🌍 Which Countries Can Enter France Without a Visa?

Louvre Museum

If you're a Filipino passport holder, you’ll need a Schengen visa before flying. But if you're traveling with people who have passports from other countries, it’s good to know who can enter France visa-free—especially for group trips or family vacations.

Here’s a simple guide to countries that don’t need a visa for short visits to France (up to 90 days in any 180-day period):

Country/RegionVisa-Free StayNotes

United States

✅ 90 days

Passport must be valid for entire stay.

Canada

✅ 90 days

No visa needed for tourism/business.

Japan

✅ 90 days

Must show return ticket if asked.

South Korea

✅ 90 days

Entry through Schengen area.

Singapore

✅ 90 days

Easy entry, just bring valid passport.

Malaysia

✅ 90 days

No visa for short stays.

Australia

✅ 90 days

Passport must be valid for 3 months past stay.

New Zealand

✅ 90 days

Health/travel insurance recommended.

EU/EEA Countries

✅ Unlimited

Includes Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.

UK (British Citizens)

✅ 90 days

Post-Brexit rules apply, check latest guidelines.

Unlock the Best Flights to France

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📄 France Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Louvre Museum

Whether you're off to study in Lyon, starting a job in Paris, or joining family in Marseille, having the right documents ready is key. Missing paperwork can delay your visa or get your application denied.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide you:

DocumentWhat It IsWhy You Need It

Valid Philippine Passport

Your main ID for travel

Must be valid at least 3 months beyond your stay

Visa Application Form

Available online (France-Visas)

Shows your reason for going to France

Passport Photo

Recent, white background

Used for visa and official records

Proof of Funds

Bank statements, payslips, or sponsor letter

Shows you can afford your stay

Flight Booking

Round-trip or onward travel

Needed for visa application (no need to pay yet)

Accommodation

Hotel reservation or sponsor’s address

Proof of where you'll stay in France

Travel Insurance

Coverage of at least €30,000

Mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants

📌 Extra Papers Based on Your Visa Type

Visa TypeAdditional Documents

Tourist Visa

Travel itinerary, hotel booking, return flight

Work Visa

Job contract, work permit from French employer

Student Visa

School/university acceptance letter, proof of tuition payment, student housing

Family Visa

Marriage/birth certificate, proof of relationship, ID of family member in France

Au Pair Visa

Au pair contract, proof of host family, basic French knowledge

Visitor Long-Stay Visa

Proof of income, accommodation, and reason for extended stay (no work allowed)

📌 Reminders for Filipinos:

  • Always apply for the correct visa type before leaving the Philippines.
  • You can book an appointment and submit documents through VFS Global (official visa center for France).
  • Visa processing takes about 15 working days—sometimes longer.
  • Overstaying your visa in France can lead to fines, entry bans, or future visa rejections.

📝🇫🇷 How to Apply for a France Visa (For Filipinos)

Ile de la Cite

Whether it’s for a holiday, study, work, or to visit family, here’s a real, step-by-step guide on how to apply for a France visa from the Philippines. No fluff—just the actual process to help you avoid confusion or delays.

✈️ Step 1: Know Your Visa Type

Tourist, student, work, family, or long stay? Choose the right one before applying.

🖥️ Step 2: Register and Fill Out the Application Online

Go to the official France-Visas website:
👉 https://france-visas.gouv.fr

  1. Make an account
  2. Answer the visa wizard questions
  3. Fill out the form carefully
  4. Print the completed application form and the receipt
official France-Visas website

📅 Step 3: Book an Appointment at VFS France (Visa Center)

Once you’ve filled out the form, book your visa appointment through the VFS Global website

Slots fill up fast, especially before holidays, so book early.

📂 Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Here’s what you usually need:

  • Valid Philippine passport (must be valid 3+ months after your trip)
  • Printed application form and appointment receipt
  • 2 passport photos (recent, white background)
  • Flight reservation (no need to pay yet, just a booking)
  • Hotel booking or invitation letter
  • Travel insurance (coverage of at least €30,000)
  • Proof of funds – bank certificate, bank statements (last 3 months), or sponsor documents
  • Extra documents based on your visa type (e.g. job contract, school letter, etc.)

🏢 Step 5: Go to Your VFS Appointment

  • Arrive at the VFS center at your appointment time (usually in Manila or Cebu)
  • Submit your documents
  • Pay the visa fee (around €80 for short stay)
  • Give your biometrics (photo + fingerprints)

⏳ Processing time: Usually 15 working days, but it can take longer during peak season or if more documents are needed.

📬 Step 6: Wait for Your Visa Decision

You’ll get a text or email when your passport is ready for pickup—or you can choose courier delivery during your appointment.

Step 7: Got Your Visa? You’re Ready to Fly!

Double-check your visa details (name, dates, number of entries).
Pack your documents—you may be asked at immigration in France:

  • Return ticket
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient funds

Explore the Top Places to Stay in France

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Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
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💸🇫🇷 France Visa Fees for Filipinos

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Whether it’s for tourism, study, work, or family, here’s a quick guide on the estimated visa fees so you can plan your budget ahead.

💰 France Visa Fees (Estimated in PHP)

Visa TypeEstimated Fee (PHP)Notes

Short-Stay Visa (Schengen)

₱5,000–₱5,500

For tourism, business, or visiting family (up to 90 days)

Long-Stay Visa

₱6,500–₱7,500

For stays longer than 90 days (study, work, family)

Student Visa

₱6,500–₱7,500

Must have school acceptance & documents

Work Visa

₱6,500–₱7,500

Based on job offer & employer’s sponsorship

Family Reunification Visa

₱6,500–₱7,500

For spouse/children of French or legal residents

Au Pair Visa

₱6,500–₱7,500

Ages 18–30, must have a host family

VFS Service Fee

₱2,000–₱2,500

Paid at the visa center (VFS Global) during your appointment

Courier Fee (Optional)

₱400–₱600

For passport delivery to your home

❤Pro Tip: Stay connected effortlessly during your visit by opting for a Europe eSIM. Explore more available plans now!

✈️🇫🇷 Safe Trip and See You in France!

Eiffel Tower

France has become a dream destination for many Filipinos—whether you’re visiting for a holiday, joining loved ones, studying, or starting a new chapter in life. From the romantic streets of Paris to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the quiet charm of the French countryside, there’s something magical waiting for you.

Before you fly, here are some last-minute reminders to make sure your trip goes smoothly:

Book your flight to France early – Manila to Paris flights can get pricey and packed, especially during peak seasons. Check airlines regularly for promos.

Have your documents ready – Immigration may ask for your return ticket, hotel booking or sponsor’s address, and proof of funds. Keep printed and digital copies handy.

Stay connected in France – You can buy a local SIM card (like Orange or SFR) at the airport or nearby stores. It’s useful for Google Maps, Metro directions, and keeping in touch with family.

Bon voyage! 🇫🇷✨

❓FAQ: France Visa

  • Can I apply for a visa without a flight ticket?

    Yes. You only need a flight reservation (no need to pay yet). Confirm your ticket only after your visa is approved.
  • Is travel insurance required?

    Yes. You need travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid across the Schengen area.
  • Can someone sponsor my trip?

    Yes. A sponsor (family or friend) can provide a letter, bank statements, and proof of accommodation. You still need to submit your own documents.
  • What if my visa is denied?

    You’ll receive a letter with the reason. You can appeal or reapply once you fix the issue (missing documents, unclear purpose, etc.).
  • Can I travel to other European countries with a France visa?

    Yes! A Schengen visa lets you visit other Schengen countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, and more—just make sure France is your main destination.
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France Visa