Explore the enchanting vistas of the Schengen Area as the allure of France beckons travelers from Nepal with open arms. France, renowned for its diverse cultural heritage and captivating landscapes, offers an invitation to both seasoned European adventurers and newcomers alike. Begin your odyssey in the vibrant city of Paris, where history intertwines seamlessly with modernity, creating a captivating tapestry of art, culture, and innovation. Venture beyond the city limits to uncover France’s idyllic countryside, charming villages, and centuries-old landmarks.
This comprehensive guide elucidates the process of acquiring a Schengen visa from Nepal to France. Ensure you arrange the requisite travel insurance for Schengen entry, meticulously plan your travel itinerary and accommodations, and navigate the visa application process with ease. Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Europe, immersing yourself in the myriad charms of France. From the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley to the sun-kissed vineyards of Bordeaux, each region offers a unique tableau of experiences waiting to be discovered.
If you’re contemplating applying for a French Schengen Visa from countries other than Nepal, such as Vietnam, Belarus, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, China, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Turkey, or the United Kingdom, peruse the provided links below for relevant information. Your French adventure awaits, regardless of where your journey commences! Additionally, if you wish to apply to travel to countries other than France from Nepal, such as Spain and Italy, click on the attached links for further details.
Visitors who applied for a French Schengen Visa from Nepal
In the year 2022, data about Schengen Visa applications unveiled that a sum of 4,273 individuals from Nepal pursued French Schengen visas.
| Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
| 2018 | France | Nepal | Kathmandu | 3,784 | 2,983 | 801 | 21.16% |
| 2019 | France | Nepal | Kathmandu | 3,375 | 2,713 | 826 | 19.61% |
| 2020 | France | Nepal | Kathmandu | 1,293 | 950 | 343 | 26.52% |
Applying for a French Schengen Visa from Nepal
Nepalis adventurers setting their sights on France, whether for immersive cultural experiences or lucrative business ventures, must secure a French Schengen Visa. This intricate process involves navigating the procedures at the Embassy of France, the designated Schengen authority for their intended longest stay. The French Schengen Visa permits a maximum 90-day stay within 180 days, contingent upon its validity.
For Nepali citizens aspiring to obtain a French Schengen Visa from Nepal, the journey begins at the French Visa Application Centers operated by VFS Global, situated in Kathmandu. The VFS Global office located in Kathmandu manages the collection of visa applications on behalf of the French Embassy in New Delhi, India. Serving as the intermediary between applicants and the French Embassy, VFS Global coordinates the visa application process with precision and efficiency. These centers, furnished with cutting-edge facilities, facilitate a streamlined and expedited visa application experience. Whether embarking on leisurely explorations, bustling business ventures, or enriching educational pursuits, the amiable and knowledgeable staff at the center offer steadfast assistance every step of the way.
French Schengen Visa Categories Issued by the French Embassy in Nepal
Discover the diverse range of French Schengen Visas available for travelers from Nepal to France:
- Short Stay Visa: Tailored for tourists, family visits, or brief educational endeavors, the Short Stay French Schengen Visa allows entry for up to ninety days.
- Long Stay Visa: Geared towards individuals seeking employment, engaging in business activities, pursuing educational opportunities, or reuniting with family members, the Long Stay French Schengen Visa offers extended residency beyond the standard 90-day limit.
- Airport Transit Visa: Ideal for passengers transiting through French airports en route to their final destinations, the Airport Transit Visa facilitates seamless connections for travelers during layovers.
French Schengen Visa Application Process from Nepal
VFS Global, selected by the French government as the primary service provider, is tasked with providing administrative support to visa applicants in Nepal.
Here is the procedure to follow when applying for a French Schengen visa:
- Determine the Suitable Visa Category
- Initiate the Visa Application Process
- Schedule a Visa Appointment
- Fulfill Payment of Applicable Fees
- Submit Your Application at the Visa Center
- Monitor the Progress of Your Application
- Retrieve Your Passport Upon Successful Approval
Determine the Suitable Visa Category
To commence the process, first identify the appropriate visa category and review the eligibility criteria for obtaining a French Schengen visa from Nepal. Once the category has been determined, gather the required documentation, complete the application form, and arrange payment of the relevant fee. Before submission, ensure accurate translation of any documents not in English.
Initiate the Visa Application Process
When ready to initiate your application for a French Schengen Visa from Nepal navigate to the French Embassy France-visas website: Click start your visa application, create an account, and respond to the inquiries online (your visa application form will be automatically generated and ready for printing). Upon completing the visa application form, a compilation of required supporting documents and the visa fees will be presented.
Passport prerequisites entail ensuring validity for at least three months beyond the intended duration of your visa. Moreover, your passport must have been issued within the last ten years. Additionally, it is advisable to apply between 15 and 180 working days before your planned departure date.
Schedule a Visa Appointment
Upon successful submission of your French Schengen Visa application from Nepal, it is imperative to arrange an appointment for the collection of biometric data at a Visa Application Centre. This procedure entails the capture of your fingerprints and photographs. Upon securing your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email containing the relevant appointment details.
Before scheduling your appointment, carefully review the visa application process as outlined on the website. This ensures thorough preparedness for the submission of your visa application and supporting documents at the designated visa application center. Should you miss your appointment on the designated date, the system will not allow for rescheduling or cancellation. A waiting period of 24 hours is necessary before booking a new appointment. For families or groups, each member must individually schedule their appointment.
Fulfill Payment of Applicable Fees
Upon completion of your French Schengen Visa application, the subsequent step involves settling the visa fee. If applying online, payment is seamlessly integrated into the application process. Conversely, for printed applications, payment can be made during your appointment.
The visa fee structure is as follows:
- Short-stay visa for individuals aged 12 years and above = 11,508 NPR
- Short-stay visa for individuals aged 6 to 12 years = 5,754 NPR
- Short-stay visa for individuals aged below 6 = 0 NPR
Submit Your Application at the Visa Center
Upon arrival at the Visa Application Centre, it is essential to personally submit your completed visa application form. Kindly acquaint yourself with the protocols established at the Centre. For residents of Nepal, it is recommended to arrive at the visa application center 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. Please be aware that applicants are not permitted to be accompanied inside the Visa Application Centre, except for individuals accompanying minors under 18 years of age or those requiring special assistance due to health conditions or disabilities.
Monitor the Progress of Your Application
Upon the decision regarding your visa application’s status, you will receive an email notification upon its return to the Visa Application Centre. In instances where email access poses challenges or if you prefer more detailed updates, you have the option to choose SMS updates, directly delivered to your phone. It’s advisable to confirm the availability of this service at the specific Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
Moreover, you can conveniently track the status of your visa application online using the Reference Number provided in the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, coupled with your last name. This service offers easy accessibility, enabling you to monitor the progress of your application efficiently.
Retrieve Your Passport Upon Successful Approval
Following the visa application decision, applicants may retrieve their documents/passports from the Visa Application Centre or opt for courier delivery, as chosen during visa application submission. Effective July 16, 2014, third-party collection is prohibited, except in specific instances:
- Immediate Family Members (i.e., Parents, Children, Siblings, Spouse)
- One member collecting for the entire group
- Authorized person collecting on behalf of Official and Diplomatic passport holder, with a government-issued authorization
- Company representative, with an authorization letter on company letterhead and official ID
Individuals in the above categories must provide:
- Photocopy of Government ID
- Original ICR
- Authorization Letter from the applicant
Applicants who opt against in-person collection and do not fall into the above categories should select courier delivery during application submission. If the passport/envelope includes a letter, regardless of the chosen delivery mode, applicants must collect it in person to sign the letter.
These changes ensure the secure return of documents. Once chosen, the delivery mode cannot be altered post-submission. If counter delivery was selected, passports/envelopes must be collected from the applied visa application center. If the passport/envelope includes an Embassy-issued letter, applicants must collect it in person from the applied visa application center, regardless of the chosen delivery mode, to sign the letter.
Required Documents for French Schengen Visa from Nepal
Nepal citizens applying for a French Schengen Visa must provide a specific set of documents. The required documents include:
Passport:
Your passport or travel document must meet specific criteria. Firstly, it must have been issued within the last ten years and possess a validity period not exceeding a decade. Additionally, handwritten passports or those with manual observations are not acceptable. The document must remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. Finally, ensure there are a minimum of two blank pages available for necessary entries.
Duly Completed Form:
- Ensure two signatures are provided on application form. For minors, both parents must sign in both designated areas.
- Submit two photographs sized 3.5 x 4.5cm with a white background.
- Indicate your intended travel dates and the duration of your stay.
- Provide contact details for communication purposes.
Cover Letter:
When composing your cover letter, ensure to incorporate the following particulars:
- Clearly state the names of the applicant and any accompanying individuals.
- Furnish comprehensive details concerning travel dates, itinerary, and duration of stay.
- Specify the individual responsible for covering trip expenses.
- Articulate the purpose of the visit for transparency.
Leave Sanction:
- An explicit mention of sanctioned leave dates on the company’s official letterhead.
- Include the name, designation, and signature of the authorized signatory.
Travel Itinerary/Stay:
- Confirmed hotel reservation covering the entire travel period.
- For sponsorship cases: An Invitation Letter from the French sponsor, accompanied by their identification copy (passport or Identity card for French Sponsor), and the passports, Identity cards, and residence permits of any foreigners residing in France.
- For group travel: A cover letter from the tour operator, accompanied by a passenger list for a specific package tour.
Minors Traveling:
- An affidavit from the parent/s consenting to the minor’s travel, notarized and legalized by the competent Home Department of the State of Residence.
- Alternatively, parents can sign a consent form at the Consulate General of France, along with copies of their passports.
Financial Status:
Proof of financial means or bank statement for the past three months with bank stamp and signature.
Medical Insurance:
Medical insurance is valid for the entire travel duration, providing coverage of at least €30,000, including a repatriation clause. A minimum insurance period of 10 days from the travel date is mandatory.
- Proof of past Schengen visas, if applicable.
- Return Ticket Booking:
Provide either return flight details or a printout of the airline reservation. If departing from a city outside this jurisdiction, confirmation of travel to and from a city within our jurisdiction is necessary to avoid application rejection.
- Any additional or voluntarily submitted documents, such as property deeds, explanatory documents, proof of intent to return, etc.
Processing Duration for Applying French Schengen Visa from Nepal
The duration for processing French Schengen visas for Nepalese applicants may fluctuate, contingent upon factors including visa type, application volume, and individual circumstances. Typically, processing can range from a few days to several weeks. It’s recommended to apply with ample time before your intended travel date to accommodate processing requirements. Furthermore, for the most accurate updates on processing times, you can directly inquire at the French Embassy Visa Application Centre in Nepal.
VFS Global French Visa Application Centre in Nepal
Address: 3rd Floor, Chhaya Center Chhaya Devi Complex, Amrit Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
