What is the size of France visa photo?

France visa photos must be 35mm wide x 45mm tall, following standard Schengen requirements. The face should occupy 70-80% of the photo with white or light gray background.

How many photos do I need for French Schengen visa?

Most French Schengen visa applications require 2 identical photos. Some VFS centers may accept 1 photo for online applications with digital submission.

Is French visa easy to get?

France has one of the higher Schengen visa approval rates. Key factors include strong financial proof, clear travel itinerary, valid travel insurance, and ties to your home country.

How long does France visa take?

Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. During peak season (summer, Christmas), it may take up to 45 days. Long-stay visas (Type D) can take 2-3 months.

ID Schengen Compliant

France Visa Photo Requirements

Photo de Visa / Visa Schengen

Create photos for France Schengen visa - tourist, business, student, and long-stay visa applications. Size: 35 x 45mm.

Create Visa Photo

35 x 45mm

Schengen

French Visa Types

Tourist Visa (C)

Schengen Short-Stay

- Up to 90 days in 180 days
- Tourism, family visits
- Valid for all Schengen

Student Visa (D)

Long-Stay (VLS-TS)

- University studies
- Language courses 3+ months
- Campus France required

Work Visa (D)

Long-Stay

- Employed worker
- Passeport Talent
- Seasonal worker

- ©-

Family Visa (D)

Long-Stay

- Spouse of French national
- Family reunification
- Dependent children

Photo Specifications

Size Requirements

Photo Size	35 x 45 mm
In Inches	1.38 x 1.77 inches
Digital Size	413 x 531 px
Face Coverage	70-80%
Photos Required	2 copies

Embassy Standards

OK White or light gray background
OK Taken within last 6 months
OK Full face, front view
OK Neutral expression, no smile
OK High quality, sharp focus
No No glasses (recommended)
No No headwear (religious exceptions)

Where to Apply

TLScontact

Main visa processing partner for France

- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Middle East, North Africa
- Most Asian countries

French Consulate

Direct application in some countries

- USA, Canada
- UK, Australia
- Some European countries

Campus France

For student visa applications

- Study in France program
- Pre-visa interview required
- Etudes en France portal

Processing Times & Fees

Visa Type	Processing	Fee
Schengen Tourist (C)	15 days	80
Schengen Business (C)	15 days	80
Student Visa (D - VLS-TS)	2-8 weeks	99
Work Visa (D)	2-8 weeks	99
Family Visa (D)	2-12 weeks	99
Children (6-12 years)	Same	40
Children (under 6)	Same	Free

* Service fees from TLScontact are additional (typically 25-40)

Popular Destinations in France

Paris

Eiffel Tower, Louvre

Loire Valley

Chteaux, Wine

French Riviera

Nice, Cannes

French Alps

Chamonix, Skiing

Required Documents (Tourist Visa)

Mandatory

OK Valid passport (3+ months after return)
OK Visa application form
OK 2 biometric photos (35 x 45mm)
OK Travel insurance (30,000 coverage)
OK Flight reservation (round-trip)
OK Hotel booking / accommodation proof
OK Bank statements (3-6 months)

Supporting Documents

- Cover letter (purpose of visit)
- Employment letter / leave approval
- Income proof (salary slips, ITR)
- Invitation letter (if visiting someone)
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Previous Schengen visas (if any)

Common Photo Mistakes

Smiling

Neutral expression only

Dark Background

White/light gray only

Wrong Size

Must be 35 x 45mm exactly

Low Quality

Must be sharp, clear

Frequently Asked Questions

Is France visa difficult to get?

France has a relatively high Schengen visa approval rate (around 85%). Key factors for success:

Strong financial documentation
Clear and realistic travel itinerary
Ties to home country (employment, property, family)
Valid travel insurance covering 30,000
Previous travel history (especially to Europe/developed countries)

Can I visit other Schengen countries with French visa?

Yes! A French Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Apply to France if it's your main destination or first entry point.

What is VLS-TS student visa?

VLS-TS (Visa Long S©jour valant Titre de S©jour) is a special long-stay visa that functions as a residence permit for the first year:

Valid for studies longer than 4 months
No need for separate residence permit initially
Must be validated within 3 months of arrival
Allows part-time work (up to 964 hours/year)
Requires Campus France procedure first

When should I apply for France visa?

Recommended timing:

Earliest: 6 months before travel
Ideal: 4-6 weeks before travel
Latest: 15 working days before travel

Apply earlier during summer (June-August) and Christmas holidays as processing times can extend to 45 days.