Indian Visa from France

^{Last Updated on 21 June 2024}

How to Apply for Indian e-Visa from France?

Applying for an Indian e-Visa provides convenience and efficiency for eligible French nationals, offering options such as the e-Tourist Visa (available for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years). Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date in India and has a minimum of 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to assist you through the application process seamlessly:

Step 1: Online Application

Complete the e-Visa application form on the official website.

Step 2: Upload Documents

• Upload a recent photograph meeting specified requirements and the scanned bio page of your passport.
• Format: JPEG for photograph, PDF for passport scan
• Size: Photograph (10 KB - 1 MB), Passport scan (10 KB - 300 KB)
• Specifications: Full face, front view, no spectacles, plain light-colored or white background.

Step 3: Pay Application Fee

Pay the e-Visa fee online, ensuring payment is made at least 4 days before your expected travel date. Bank transaction charges of 2.5% apply.

• 30-day e-Visa: April to June: $10 USD
• 30-day e-Visa: July to March: $25 USD
• 1-year e-Visa: $40 USD
• 5-year e-Visa: $80 USD

Application Time: The application process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Processing Time: Typically takes 72 hours. 
Visa Validity: Validity varies from 30 days to 5 years, depending on the visa category.

Important Instructions

• ETA Confirmation: Before travel, ensure your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) status shows as 'GRANTED' on the official website.
• Travel Restrictions: e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas without prior permission.
• Biometric Capture: Biometric details will be captured upon arrival in India.
• Yellow Fever Requirement: Travelers from Yellow Fever affected countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card.
• Correct Information: Applicants must fill the e-Visa application themselves and provide accurate information. All documents, including business cards and invitation letters, must be in English.

How to Apply an Indian Visa from France in Person?

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

To initiate your visa application, visit the official website operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Indian Visa Online Application Portal. Fill out the online form accurately, selecting the correct Mission and visa category. 

Step 2: Print the Form

After completing the form, print and sign the hard copy.

Step 3: Book an Appointment

Once your visa form is ready, book an appointment at the VFS Application Centre. Select the centre according to your convenience. You’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the appointment letter. Ensure each member of your family or group books individual appointments if applicable. Book an Appointment.

Step 4: Visit a Visa Application Centre

Attend your scheduled appointment at the VFS Application Centre. Submit your completed application form along with the required documents in person.

Ensure you attach the checklist corresponding to your visa category along with your application. Print and fill the Tourist Visa Checklist.

• Biometric data is mandatory for all visa applicants, including those applying for multiple entry Tourist and Business visas.
• Applicants for long-term visas (2 to 5 years) must attend a personal interview at the Embassy. The interview details will be communicated by the Embassy.

Step 5: Pay Your Fees

Upon application submission at the centre, pay the applicable visa fees:

VF Services (UK) Limited service charge: €10.53

• Indian Government fee:Tourist (T) visa up to 1 year: €92
• Tourist visa more than 1 year up to 5 years: €183

Please refer to the Visa fee brochure for more details. 

Payment is accepted at the time of your appointment. 

Step 6: Track Your Application

You will receive notifications via email or SMS (if opted) regarding the progress of your application. Track your application status online here.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once processed by the Embassy of India in Paris, your passport will be returned to you through secure courier service if opted for.

List of Documents Required for a Tourist Visa

To apply for a tourist visa to India, you must prepare the following documents:

Original Passport:

• Valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater).
• Must have at least 3 blank visa pages, of which 2 pages must be side by side.

Photocopy of Passport:
A clear photocopy of the data page of your passport.

Photographs:

• Two recent photographs meeting Indian Government specifications.
• Photos from French photo booths are not compatible with Indian norms.
• Photos should be glued as follows: the first on page 1 in the designated box and the second on the bottom right-hand corner of page 2.
• Photo booths compliant with Indian norms are available at our Paris and Marseille offices.

Visa Application Form:

• Indian Government visa application form filled out online.
• The form must be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1, scanned, and should match the signature on your passport.
• Validate the data on your form and accept the declaration on page 2 by signing at the bottom.

Declaration Form:
A declaration form to be filled by all applicants (For minors, one of the parents must fill this form.)

Additional requirements:
For foreign passport holders resident in France:
Photocopy of Resident Permit and recent utility bills.
For other nationals:
Photocopy of utility bills.

How to Apply for an Indian Visa from France by Post?

Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application Form

Start your visa application process by filling out the online form provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Access the form at Indian Visa Online Application Portal. Ensure you select the correct Mission and visa category, and input all information accurately. After completing the form, print it and sign the hard copy.

Step 2: Submit Physical Application and Supporting Documents

It’s crucial to note that filling out the online form alone does not complete your application process. You must submit the printed application form along with the required supporting documents to the VFS Application Centre. For any assistance in filling the electronic visa application form, you can contact [email protected].

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Package

Before sending your application by post, ensure you have:

• Printed and filled the postal application checklist.
• Created and printed your shipping label using this link.
• Attached the shipping label securely to your envelope.

Send your application via postal service to the VFS Application Centre in Paris. Postal applications are only accepted at the Paris office, located at VFS Global Paris.

Step 4: Arrange Payment

Once your online application form is completed, printed, and signed, and you have gathered all necessary documents, proceed to arrange payment:

• Payment can be made securely via the PAYTWEAK platform. A link for payment will be sent to you by email or SMS upon receipt of your complete application.
• Alternatively, you can arrange secure payment over the phone after your package reaches the application centre. Please indicate this option in your postal checklist.

The visa fee remain the same as in person applications. Refer the brochure for more details. 

Step 5: Track Your Application

After submitting your application, you will receive notifications via email or SMS (if opted) regarding the status of your application. Track your application online through the tracking page.

Step 6: Receive Your Passport

Once your visa application is processed by the Embassy of India, Paris, your passport will be returned to you at the address specified during submission. Ensure the provided address is accurate and accessible for receiving your passport.

Processing Time for Indian Visa from France (in person/post)

• French passport holders: Minimum 4 working days in Paris, longer in Marseille.
• Non-French passport holders: Minimum 6-15 working days depending on nationality.
• Pakistani nationals/origin: Minimum 35-40 working days.
• French "titre de voyage" holders: Minimum 41 working days.
• Processing time for postal application take slightly longer. 

Important Notes

• Applicants must disclose details of all current and previous passports held by them. Failure to disclose this information accurately may lead to rejection of the visa application.
• Providing incorrect or incomplete information may result in delays or denial of the visa application. Applicants may also face restrictions from applying for visas in the future.
• Passport requirements: Validity of at least six months and minimum of 3 blank pages.
• Applications with missing or incomplete documents or payment will not be accepted and will be returned to applicants at their own cost. Service charges will also apply in such cases.
• The validity of the visa starts from the date of issue and not from the date of travel. It’s recommended not to finalize travel plans until you have obtained your visa.
• Acceptance of a visa application does not guarantee the grant of a visa. The Embassy of India, Paris, reserves the right to modify or refuse visa applications as per its discretion.
• Processing times may vary, and applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid any inconvenience.
• Visa stickers now feature 'ghost' imaging and other advanced security measures. The duration and number of entries granted are solely at the discretion of the Embassy.
• Visa processing fees once paid are non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the visa application.