If you are a Dubai resident and you are planning to visit France for tourism purpose, you are required to obtain France visa from Dubai. Considering France is part of the Schengen zone, you need to apply for a Schengen visa to be allowed to enter France and also other countries in the Schengen area zone.
In this guide we have all the details about the Schengen tourist visa from France, from the requirements when you are applying for the visa, to steps to follow while applying for the visa, and tips on things to do when you visit France.
France tourist visa is an official document issued by the France government to foreign nationals who want to enter the country for tourism purposes.
The tourism purposes include sightseeing, vacation, visit to historical sites, hiking, cruising among other tourism related activities.
Before you are issued with the tourist visa, you have to meet the set criteria. With the tourism visa, you can also enter other countries in the Schengen zone for tourism related activities.
No! Dubai citizens are allowed to enter countries in the Schengen zone, including France, for free for a short stay of up to 90 days and within 180 days.
However, when entering any country in the Schengen zone, you are required to present documents at the point of entry detailing the reason for visit, proof of finance, accommodation, valid passport among other documents.
For Dubai residents, you have to obtain the France tourist visa from Dubai depending on your nationality. If you are a national from Schengen visa free countries, you don’t have to apply for the visa even though you are a Dubai resident. However, if your country has no visa agreement with Schengen countries, you have to obtain a Schengen tourist visa for France.
Below is a list of countries whose citizens are visa exempted when traveling to any country in the Schengen area; for short-term purposes:
You should submit dully filled and signed application form. If the applicant is a minor, both parents must sign the document and attach a copy of their passports.
If one parent is unable to sign the form, they must then provide a letter of agreement together with a copy of their passport.
The passport should be valid for at least three months after the intended departure date from the Schengen area, have your signature and at least two sequent blank pages. It should have been issued within the last ten year.
Alongside that, you are required to submit original passport and a copy of all relevant passport pages, including the data page and UAE resident permit.
Provide two passport-sized photos of yourself that adhere to the Schengen visa photo rules by ICAO which are:
The cover letter should have details regarding your purpose of your visit to France, dates of travel, places you will be visiting or touring when in France among other details.
You must provide a detailed travel itinerary showing the exact flight dates, places you plan on visiting, and the activities you plan to engage in during your trip to the Schengen area.
You must obtain a Schengen travel insurance with medical and emergency issues coverage for a minimum of 30,000 euros.
This may include the applicant's birth certificate or a marriage certificate.
You need to present proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or any other accommodation arrangements that you have made.
You must prove that you can afford your expenses in the Schengen area with a document; like a bank statement for the last three months.
If you have ever visited the Schengen area before, you will need to provide a copy of the visa.
For a minor traveling to France, you will need a few additional documents, including:
Note: All documents must be in English or any of the official France Languages.
The following are the steps to follow to apply for France tourist visa from Dubai with ease.
Contact Arooha visa consultant through Whatsapp
Specify when you will be travelling to France, both your entry and exit dates
Specify the reason for travelling
Gather all the required documents and send them to the visa expert at Arooha
Pay the visa and consultation fee
The visa expert will fill the application form for you and review the documents to see if they meet the required standards
The visa expert will book an appointment date for you at the France embassy to submit the application
You will be given a date to attend the interview where you will submit your biometric and attend the interview
The embassy will start processing your visa and once it is issued, a stamp will be added to your passport
You will receive your passport with the visa and now you can travel to France
The embassy in Dubai takes up to 15 day to process the France visit visa. They may take longer because of the number of application they are processing during that period. The process may take up to 30 days.
If the application is categorized as exceptional, the processing time may take up to 60 days.
France is among those European countries that are tourist hubs. It has many scenic sites that you must visit to experience the history and the culture of the French people.
If you are looking for a honeymoon getaway, you will get to experience the charms of Paris with your loved one.
If you want to visit France for tourism, you can visit the cultural heritage spread out throughout the country.
We shouldn't forget to mention that France is also a holiday getaway. You can visit several landmarks in the country, explore beautiful landscapes or relax at the beach.
Given there is so much to do and see in France, you may be confused about what to include in your itinerary. Worry not; here are the best things to do in France.
Les Gorges du Verdon is among the top destinations in France to include in your travel itinerary. You will love the scenery of the river as the water is azure blue.
You can go on hiking by following the hiking trails or only enjoy the views from the cliff that drops up to 7000 meters. When you visit during the summer season, you can even swim in this gorgeous river.
If you love artworks, then you should visit the Louvre Museum. It is one of the best places in France to visit and enjoy iconic artworks from famous artists.
At this museum, you will get to see paintings, sculptures, architectural elements, and art objects from different origins and eras.
Mont Saint Michel is among the most visited places in France. Tourists are attracted from all across the globe to the beauty of the buildings in this tidal island which were built in the Middle Ages.
When you visit this Island, you will be amazed by the sight you will see from this mount. Tourists flock to North Tower every day to watch the tides sweep across the bay.
You cannot skip visiting the Eiffel Tower when you are in France. It is France’s iconic landmark which attracts millions of tourists across the world.
For the best experience, you should visit the Eiffel tower at sunset. However, it might be crowded during that time. But you will enjoy stunning illuminating views of this gorgeous tower.
It is also the best time to visit with your loved one if you are on honeymoon in France. The golden rays which come from the horizon give the vibes of a romantic cheer from late afternoon to sunset.
You can also enjoy a meal at one of the Eiffel Tower's restaurants. They serve both local and international cuisines. While dining, you also get to enjoy a spectacular view as the sun sets in the skies.
There is no better way to see most of the famous landmarks in Paris other than going on a Seine River cruise. You will enjoy the cruise with relaxing and sightseeing opportunities.
The boats cruise though Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Musée D'Orsay, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, amongst other famous monuments.
You can choose when to go cruising as there are daytime boat tours, brunch / lunch cruises, romantic dinner cruises, and cabaret presentation experiences.
How can I get France visa appointment in Dubai?
You should book an appointment in advance to be given a specific date when you will attend the appointment. Sometimes due to a lot of applications, you have to wait for weeks to attend your appointment.
Is a French tourist visa easy to get?
France tourist visa is among those European tourist visas that have a higher rejection rate, which is more than 10%. However, if you meet all the requirements, your visa application can be approved easily.
Do UAE residents need visa for France?
Yes, you need to apply for a France tourist visa if you are not a national from the Schengen visa exempt countries.
What is the current waiting time for France visa appointment?
The waiting time for appointments varies if it is a high tourism season. If the amount of applications is lower, it takes approximately 48 hours to get the appointment.
How much bank balance is required for a France tourist visa?
You are required to submit documents showing you have enough money to cover your expenses while in France, it would be equivalent to EUR 65 daily.
How long does a French visa interview take?
The interview lasts between 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the applicant.
Do I need a flight ticket to apply for France visa?
No. You are required to show a proof of booking a flight when applying for the visa and not the actual flight ticket.
