India Visa for French Citizens
French citizens are fully eligible for India's e-Visa, with one rule that catches travellers used to other nationalities' guides: most French e-Tourist stays are capped at 90 days per visit, not the 180 days US or UK citizens enjoy. This guide covers what is specific to French travellers; documents and process for each visa type are the same for all foreign nationals and covered on our service pages.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Independent consultancy — verify with official sources
India Visa Essentials for French Citizens
- •Unlike US and UK nationals (180 days per visit on long-validity tourist visas), French citizens on 1- and 5-year e-Tourist visas are generally limited to 90 days per continuous visit — plan longer stays around this or consider the appropriate long-stay category.
- •Regular (sticker) visa applications from France are lodged through VFS Global centres in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg and Bordeaux, with the Embassy of India in Paris deciding.
- •Passport rules match all nationalities: six months' validity at application and two blank pages.
Which India visa do you need?
The requirements and process for each category are the same for all foreign nationals. For tourism, French travellers use the official e-Visa portal. For everything below, we handle the paperwork end to end:
Meetings, conferences, investment exploration.
Paid work with an Indian employer.
Spouses and children of visa holders.
Persons of Indian origin and spouses.
Treatment at recognised Indian hospitals.
Mandatory for stays beyond 180 days.
Extend an eligible long-stay visa.
Leave India after an overstay or expiry.
For tourism and short business trips, most French citizens use the official India e-Visa portal. For employment, family (X), long-stay, or any FRRO matter, apply through VFS Global in France for the Embassy of India, Paris — our team prepares the file end to end.
India Visa FAQs for French Citizens
How long can French citizens stay in India on an e-Tourist Visa?
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa allows up to 30 days (double entry). The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas are multiple entry but generally cap each visit at 90 days for French nationals, with up to 180 days total per calendar year. Confirm current terms when applying — caps differ by nationality.
Do French citizens need a visa for India?
Yes — there is no visa-free entry for French citizens. Short visits typically use the e-Visa applied for online; longer or non-tourist purposes need the appropriate regular visa via VFS/the Embassy in Paris.
Where in France do I apply for a regular India visa?
Through VFS Global centres in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg or Bordeaux, which handle intake for the Embassy of India in Paris. e-Visas skip the centres entirely — they're applied for online.
Official government sources
We base our guidance on official Indian government sources and update it as rules change. Requirements are set by the authorities and can change — always verify the current position directly before you apply:
Disclaimer: India Visa Experts is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with the Government of India, its missions, or any government agency. Visa decisions rest solely with the relevant authorities. Nationality-specific terms (validity, eligibility) can change — verify the current position on the official sources above before you apply. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. See our editorial policy.
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Independent consulting service. Not affiliated with the Government of India or any government agency.