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.
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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.
The benefits of France Visit Visa are given below.
The various types of France Visit Visa are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The eligibility criteria for a French Visit Visa are given below.
The documents required to apply for a France Visit Visa are given below.
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
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 |
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 |
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 |
Y-Axis provides expert help for Canadian residents applying for France Visit Visas, focusing on accuracy and promptness to improve approval chances.
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No, Canadian citizens do not require a visa to visit France. Canadians holding a valid passport do not need a visa for stays in France lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day span. This applies to tourist activities, business engagements, and seeing family. Still, visitors must meet Schengen Zone entry rules; they may need to show they have enough money, travel insurance, and a ticket to leave France. A visa is needed if they plan to stay longer or are coming to France for other reasons, like education or employment.
Yes, Canadian permanent residents require a visa to visit France. If you are a Canadian permanent resident but not a citizen, you might need a visa depending on your country of origin. As an example, if you have a passport from a country that isn't visa-free for the Schengen Area, you'll need to apply for a French Visit Visa before you travel. Make sure you have proof of your permanent resident status in Canada, a current passport, travel insurance, and other paperwork that supports the reason for your visit.
The France Visit Visa (Schengen Type C) allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This period includes time spent in other Schengen countries if you travel outside France. Be sure to monitor your stay to avoid overstaying, which could lead to penalties or a ban on future entries. The dates your visa is valid and the number of entries allowed (single or multiple) are stated on the visa sticker.
Yes, you can visit other countries with a France Visit Visa. A France Visit Visa is a Schengen visa that lets you visit France and 26 other Schengen countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland during your visa's validity. France should be your primary destination, meaning it's where you'll spend most of your time or the initial country you enter. Your travel plans should show this, as it affects whether your visa is approved. Remember the 90/180-day rule that applies in all Schengen countries.
The processing times for various types of 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 |
To show you have enough money for a France Visit Visa, you'll need to provide the following:
These documents help confirm that you can pay for your stay without needing public funds.
