Visitor visa

3. Processing time

The average processing time is 10 business days if you have all the required documents on the day of the interview.

Applications cannot be processed more than 3 months ahead of time.
 

4. Documents required

1. Original passport or travel document (+ ONE COPY of the identity pages). Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years ago, be valid for at least three months after your return to the US and have at least 2 blank visas pages left.
   
   
2. Processing fee
   
   
3. One application form in French OR in English filled out completely and signed by the applicant. NO COPY. 
   
   
4. One residence form duly filled out (upper part only)
   
   
5. One ID picture (white background, full face, no glasses nor hat, closed mouth).
   
   

6. Proof of medical coverage abroad : a letter from your insurance company stating that you are covered abroad or a travel insurance to be purchased from a travel agency (minimum amount of 40,000 US$) for the duration of your stay

7. A non criminal record certificate to be obtained at the police’s office of the city of residence

8.  Deed of your house/appartment in France

9. Financial guarantee such as 
    Letter from your bank stating that you have sufficient means of support to live in France; 
    Justification of retirement pensions; 
    A notarized declaration of your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her assets.
   
10. A note, dated and signed by the applicant, stating that he/she does not intend to have in France a paid professional activity which requires a work permit.
    
    
11. If you are not a U.S. citizen: A valid U.S. permanent residence card ("green card") or a valid U.S. visa with valid I-94 or valid I-20 (original + 1 photocopy).
    
    
12. A self-addressed prepaid envelope to return your passport with visa IF you cannot come back to the Consulate for collection.
    
    Fill out as follows :
    
    

5. Important information

• The consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant. 
  
  

• Please be aware that submitting the aforementioned documents does not guarantee the approval of the visa. 
  
  

• Please note that holders of visas are still subject to immigration control upon first entry into France. The visa itself does not grant the right to enter France.
  
  If you still have any question, please contact the visa section at the following e-mail address : visas.houston-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr