Applying for a French Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan can be a rewarding yet detailed process. France, known for its world-class art, history, fashion, and picturesque landscapes, is a popular destination for travelers from around the globe. As part of the Schengen Area, France allows visa holders to explore not only its iconic landmarks but also the 25 other European countries included in the Schengen agreement.
For Azerbaijani citizens, obtaining a French Schengen Visa requires following a structured application process and fulfilling specific criteria. Whether your trip is for tourism, business, education, or visiting friends and family, understanding the necessary steps is key. These include gathering essential documentation, booking an appointment, and attending an in-person visa interview. Each stage requires attention to detail and timely submission of paperwork. This guide aims to simplify the process, offering clear instructions to help Azerbaijani applicants successfully secure their French Schengen Visa.
France’s warm hospitality welcomes tourists from around the world, including those from countries like Algeria, Ecuador, Morocco, Thailand, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and more. If you’re seeking assistance in obtaining a French Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan or any of these nations, you can access helpful resources and links to guide you through the process.
French Schengen Visa Applicant Statistics from Azerbaijan
Statistics on applications for a French Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan reveal a significant volume of submissions to the French Consulate in the country. In 2023, nearly 22,542 individuals in Azerbaijan applied for French visas, and over 94% of these applications were approved.
| Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
| 2022 | France | Azerbaijan | Baku | 13,847 | 4,275 | 1,046 | 7.9% |
| 2021 | France | Azerbaijan | Baku | 3,498 | 2,897 | 178 | 5.79% |
| 2020 | France | Azerbaijan | Baku | 3,320 | 2,965 | 337 | 10.20% |
Obtaining a French Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani citizens planning to visit France, whether for business or leisure, must first obtain a French Schengen Visa. The application process begins at the French Embassy or Consulate, which serves as the main entry point for Azerbaijani travelers into the Schengen Area. Once approved, the visa allows holders to stay within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within six months, depending on the visa’s validity.
Azerbaijani passport holders seeking a Schengen visa for France should submit their applications to the French Consulate, ensuring all necessary documents are in order. The French Embassy in Baku offers a streamlined and efficient application process, providing comprehensive support for those applying. Whether traveling for business, tourism, or study, applicants benefit from the expert guidance and assistance provided by the consular staff, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Categories of French Schengen Visas offered by The French Embassy in Azerbaijan
Visa requirements for traveling from Azerbaijan to France vary depending on the length and purpose of your stay:
Short-Stay French Schengen Visa:
This visa is ideal for stays in France of up to 90 days, covering a variety of purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term business activities, brief educational trips, or transit through French airports or seaports. It’s perfect for Azerbaijani citizens who want to experience France’s rich culture, attend business meetings, or participate in short academic programs.
Airport Transit Visa:
If you are transiting through the international zone of an airport in France or any Schengen State, this visa allows you to catch a connecting flight to a non-Schengen destination. It’s required for travelers whose final destination lies outside the Schengen Zone.
Long-Stay French Schengen Visa:
For those intending to stay in France for more than 90 days, this visa permits extended residence and allows travel for up to 90 days every six months within other Schengen countries. This visa is designed for a range of long-term activities including remote work, business expansion, training programs, academic research, family reunification, internships, higher education, employment, or investment in France. Whether you’re pursuing permanent residency or exploring professional opportunities, this visa accommodates your needs for a longer stay in France.
Application Protocol for Obtaining a French Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan
The French Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, is the sole provider of consular services for visa applicants.
Steps to Apply for a French Visa:
- Select the appropriate visa type
- Start the visa application process
- Schedule an appointment
- Submit the completed visa application
- Pay the applicable fees
- Monitor your application status
- Retrieve your passport
1) Select the appropriate visa type:
The French Consulate portal assists you in gathering all the necessary information before submitting your visa application online. The visa wizard will guide you based on your specific circumstances, helping you understand the visa requirements, fees, and necessary supporting documents. If you have previously stayed in the Schengen Area within the last six months, use the Visa Calculator tool to accurately calculate the remaining days of your authorized stay.
Identify the appropriate authority to submit your application. This link provides not only general information but also location-specific details to ensure you receive the most relevant guidance for your visa application process.
2) Start the visa application process:
Begin the visa application process by accessing the French Schengen visa application form through the official website of the French consulate and creating an account. Carefully fill out all required fields, providing accurate and truthful information. Double-check the form to ensure there are no mistakes or missing details before proceeding to the next step in the application process.
3) Schedule an Appointment:
Be sure to allow sufficient time before your departure to schedule an appointment for the review of your French Schengen visa application. Check the typical waiting times for appointments to ensure you can submit your application within the recommended period. For long-stay visas, it’s advisable to submit your application between three months and two weeks before your travel date, while for short-stay visas, aim to apply between six months and two weeks before your departure.
Applicants residing in Azerbaijan are required to submit their visa applications, by appointment, through CAPAGO, the authorized service provider responsible for handling visa applications on behalf of the French Embassy in Baku.
4) Submit the completed visa application:
You must attend your appointment with all the required documents. At the appointment, the service provider or consulate will review your application, collect the visa fee, capture your biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and retain your passport along with copies of your supporting documents to forward to the consulate. The entire visa application process will take approximately 20 minutes at the visa center.
Biometrics: All French visas are biometric. Applicants aged 12 and above must submit their visa application in person. The biometric data required includes a photo (either scanned or taken during your appointment) and fingerprints.
5) Pay the applicable Fees:
Visa application fees consist of:
- Administrative Costs: These cover the processing of your application, and the fee is non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
- Service Fees: If an external provider handles your application, they will collect the applicable fees. Service fees vary by country but will not exceed €40 per application. Additionally, these providers may offer optional services for an extra charge.
Note: To confirm if someone else can submit a visa application on your behalf, contact your local visa center for clarification.
Short-stay for 12 years and above = 35 euros, or about 66 Azerbaijanian Manat
Children under 12 = 0
6) Monitor your application status:
Monitor the status of your French Schengen visa application through CAPAGO’s online portal. You can track the progress at any time by using your tracking number and email. Regularly check for updates to stay informed about any additional requirements or decisions regarding your application.
7) Retrieve your Passport:
You will receive a notification when your passport is ready for collection at the visa center where you submitted your application. Typically, visa applications are processed within 15 days, though this timeframe may be extended up to 45 days in specific cases where a more detailed review of the application is necessary.
Documentation Requirements for Obtaining a French Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan
The documents necessary for acquiring a French Schengen visa from Azerbaijan include:
- Ensure the French Schengen visa application form is accurately completed on a computer and signed by the applicant. Handwritten forms are not accepted. For minors, the form must be signed by at least one parent or legal guardian.
- Submit one recent color photograph taken within the last three months. The photo should have a light background, with the applicant facing forward and without wearing glasses.
- Provide an original passport issued within the past 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area. For long stays, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the requested visa expiry date and contain a minimum of two blank pages. Submit scans of all passport pages containing visas, entry, and exit stamps, or other markings.
- If you are not a citizen of the country where you reside, provide proof of legal residency(e.g., a residence permit) in your current country, such as Azerbaijan in this case.
- Provide a return air ticket or an itinerary with confirmed travel reservations.
- Obtain travel medical insurance that covers repatriation for medical reasons or death, urgent healthcare, and emergency hospital treatment. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen Area for the duration of your stay, with coverage of at least €30,000 or its equivalent.
- Submit proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, sufficient funds to cover hotel expenses (equivalent to €120/day), a tenancy agreement, or a certificate of ownership. If staying with a private individual, provide a proof of accommodation form (Cerfa form).
- Present evidence of financial means, including the latest three bank statements, three paystubs, or proof of pension.
- Include proof of socio-professional status, such as an employment contract, certificate of employment, business registration, or school attendance certificate. Provide documents that show ties to your country of residence, such as a marriage certificate or family record book.
CAPAGA Visa Application Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan Contact Information
