France Visit Visa from Canada – Everything You Need to Know

France is a popular destination for Canadian tourists because of its culture, landmarks, and hospitality. Knowing the visa rules is key for a good trip, whether you're going for fun, family, or work.

• More than 1.1 million Canadians went to France in 2023, and that number should increase by 12% in 2026.
• France is in the Schengen Area, so one visa lets you visit many countries.
• If you have a Canadian passport, you don't need a visa for stays shorter than 90 days.
• Canadian permanent residents might need a visa, depending on their citizenship.
• A Schengen Type C visa lets you stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day window.

*Want assistance to apply for France Visit Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete support with the process.

What is a France Visit Visa?

The France Visit Visa, a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), permits non-EU citizens to enter France for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day window. This visa covers short visits for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or medical care.

While Canadian citizens are exempt from needing a visa for short stays, Canadian permanent residents of other nationalities might need one based on their passport. The visa gives access to other Schengen countries, which is useful for people planning travels across Europe.
 

Benefits of a France Visit Visa

The benefits of France Visit Visa are given below.

• A single visa allows entrance to France and all other Schengen countries.
• Good for tourism, family visits, business trips, and cultural experiences.
• Multiple-entry options allow flexible travel.
• Usually, stays are limited to 90 days within 180 days.
• It is accepted by 27 European countries, which makes travel easier.

Types of France Visit Visas for Canadian Residents

The various types of France Visit Visa are:

• Tourist Visa
• Family or Friend Visit Visa
• Business Visa
• Medical Visa

Tourist Visa – for leisure and sightseeing

The France Tourist Visa, a Schengen Type C visa, serves people wanting to go to France for fun, vacation, or cultural visits. It allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, which works if you are seeing places, going to local stuff, or checking places like Paris or the French Riviera.

Those applying need to show their trip plans, where they will stay, that they have enough funds, and travel insurance that follows Schengen rules. This visa does not let you work or study for a long time. It usually comes as single or multiple entry, based on your trip plan.
 

Family or Friend Visit Visa – for visiting loved ones

The France Family or Friend Visit Visa is a short-term Schengen Type C visa that allows people to visit family or friends in France. It allows for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day window for personal, non-business visits.

Those applying need to submit an invitation from their host in France, along with papers that confirm the relationship. They also need to show proof of where they will be staying, that they have enough money, travel insurance, and a valid passport. People with this visa cannot work or do any paid activities while they are visiting.
 

Business Visa – for meetings and conferences (non-employment)

The France Business Visa, a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), is for people going to France for work-related reasons that don't include being employed there. Examples include attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, or seminars.

It lets you stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is good for business people, entrepreneurs, or people from Canadian companies who are visiting partners or events in France. Those applying need to turn in a business invitation letter from the French group, proof that they work in Canada, their travel plans, and Schengen travel insurance. Keep in mind, this visa does not allow paid work or long-term assignments.

Medical Visa – for short-term treatment in France

The France Medical Visa, a Schengen short-term visa (Type C), is for people who must go to France for medical care or meetings with doctors. It lets you stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day stretch and is good for people who want to get special treatment, procedures, or get better at a French hospital.

Individuals applying for this type of French Visit Visa are required to give a doctor's note or referral letter from a doctor in Canada, a confirmation of an appointment from a hospital or clinic in France, and proof that they have enough money and health insurance that works with Schengen rules. You cannot use this visa for long-term treatment or to get a job.

Eligibility Criteria for France Visit Visa

The eligibility criteria for a French Visit Visa are given below.

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned return.
• Proof of your legal residency status in Canada is needed, such as a PR card or a work or study permit.
• Provide documentation that explains why you are traveling, such as an itinerary, an invitation letter, or a medical treatment plan.
• You must provide evidence that you can financially support yourself while you are visiting.
• You will need travel insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 within the Schengen Area.
• A clean travel and immigration record is needed; you must not have any prior bans from entering the Schengen Area.

Documents Required for a France Visit Visa

The documents required to apply for a France Visit Visa are given below.

• A filled-out and signed Schengen visa application form.
• A current passport (issued in the last 10 years).
• Two recent passport-sized photos (follow photo guidelines).
• Evidence of your legal status in Canada (PR card, visa, etc.).
• A round-trip flight plan and hotel reservations.
• Travel health insurance that covers at least €30,000.
• Financial records (like bank statements from the last three months).
• A letter of invitation (if you have one) or documents for medical/business trips.
• Proof of civil status (if you have it, like marriage or birth certificates).

How to Apply for a France Visit Visa?

The process to apply for a France Visit Visa is given below.

Step 1: Determine the appropriate visa category based on your travel reasons.

Step 2: Fill out the visa request on the official France-Visas site.

Step 3: Collect all needed papers and supporting info.

Step 4: Send your request to the correct French consulate or embassy in Canada.

Step 5: Receive your France Visit Visa

France Visit Visa Processing Time for Canadians

Detailed information about the processing time for France Visit Visas are given below.

Visa Type	Standard Processing Time
Tourist / Family Visit	10–15 calendar days
Business / Medical	10–15 calendar days
Peak Season	Up to 30 calendar days

 

France Visit Visa Fees for Canadian Applicants

 

Detailed information about the application fees for France Visit Visa are given below.

Applicant Category	Fee (EUR)	Fee (CAD)
Adults	€ 80	~CAD 120
Children (6–12 years)	€ 40	~CAD 60
Children under 6	Free	Free

 

Validity and Duration of Stay

Detailed information about the validity and duration of stay for France Visit Visas are given below.

Visa Type	Validity Period	Maximum Duration of Stay	Entry Type
Tourist Visa	Up to 6 months (based on approval)	90 days within any 180-day period	Single / Double / Multiple Entry
Family or Friend Visit Visa	Up to 6 months	90 days within any 180-day period	Single / Multiple Entry
Business Visa	Up to 6 months	90 days within any 180-day period	Single / Multiple Entry
Medical Treatment Visa	Duration of treatment (max 6 months)	90 days within any 180-day period	Single / Multiple Entry

 

Extension and Overstay Rules

• In France, visit visas are usually not extended unless there is an emergency, like a health issue or humanitarian crisis.
• Staying longer than your Schengen visa allows is against the law and can lead to fines, deportation, or being banned from entering in the future.
• If there is a valid reason, you must contact the French prefecture (local government office) before your visa expires.
• Make sure to plan your trip so you leave before your visa runs out.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis provides expert help for Canadian residents applying for France Visit Visas, focusing on accuracy and promptness to improve approval chances.

Our services include:

• Individual assessments of visa eligibility and travel plans.
• Help with document checks and application forms.
• Travel insurance and itinerary assistance.
• Interview preparation and communication advice for the embassy.
• Complete support until a visa decision is made.