How Much is France Visa in Nigeria 2023?

France is a beautiful country. It has a population of 66.6 million and covers an area of 551,000 square kilometers. France is amongst the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

France is also called “the land of light.” The French people are known for their love of food, wine, and art. France’s capital is Paris, the largest city in France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is indeed a country worth visiting.

In this article, learn how much is France visa in Nigeria, the types of France visas, and the requirements and application steps in Nigeria.

How Much is France Visa in Nigeria?

The visa fee is 80 euros which is about NGN39,526, and 99 Euros which is NGN46,487 for long-stay visas. You will be required to pay 40 Euros which is about NGN19760, to VFS Global for services fees. Please note that due to the fluctuation in the Nigerian Naira, the Naira equivalent may increase or decrease. It is imperative to get the exact Naira equivalent when you want to make a payment.

Visit here to see VFS Global Services.

Types of France Visa 

There are several types of France visas, and they are as follows:

Schengen visa

Schengen visa is Nigeria’s most popular and common type of France visa. It entitles you to travel to any of the 26 Schengen member countries. The Schengen visa can be obtained from any of these countries and is valid for up to 90 days within six months.

Citizens of Nigeria can apply for this visa at the French Embassy in Abuja or any other French Embassy outside Nigeria. The applicant must submit their passport, a completed application form, and two recent photographs.

Short stay visa 

The French Consulate General issues this type of France visa in Lagos to citizens who wish to visit France for business or tourism. An applicant should have an invitation letter from their sponsor before applying for this visa. An applicant can stay in France with this type of visa for a maximum duration of a visa is 90 days per year. They must return home before their expiration date; otherwise, they will be considered illegal immigrants by the government.

Tourist visa 

This type of visa is issued to individuals who want to visit France as tourists or for business purposes. A tourist visa allows you to stay in France for up to 90 days, and during this period, they cannot work or study while they are in France. Within 30 days after arriving in France with this type of visa, you must leave the Schengen area through border control at any airport or seaport before your 90 days expire; otherwise, you will be considered overstaying and may face deportation or fines if caught by authorities.

Long-stay visa 

These allow you to stay in France for over 90 days but less than one year (or two years if you have children with French citizenship). They are issued for students studying in France, workers from outside the European Union (EU), or employees transferred by their company to France.

Student visa

This visa allows you to study in France and work up to 20 hours per week during school breaks or holidays. You can also apply for an additional 12 months of study if you have already completed three years at university or 50% of your Bachelor’s degree.

Work visa

This is ideal for professionals who want to work in France for over 90 days but less than one year. It’s also possible to extend this visa up to two years if you have an official contract from a company based in France that allows you to work full-time with them while they sponsor your application process via their local Chamber of Commerce (Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie).

National Visa

A national visa is required if you wish to visit France but do not want to travel around Europe using your Schengen visa (because it will expire soon after you arrive in France). You can apply for a national visa up to three months before your departure date from Nigeria. However, the date on which we will send back your passport by courier is determined by the French Consulate General in Lagos only once your application has been processed successfully. This usually takes two weeks.

France Visa Application Requirements

There are specific requirements that you must comply with if you want to get a visa to France. These include:

• A passport that has the least validity of six months from the date of application;
• One recent passport-sized color photograph;
• Valid return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for your stay in France;
• An invitation letter from your host in France (if applicable);
• You will also need to have proof of funds (i.e., bank statements)
• You should have a return ticket or an itinerary showing where and when you will return from France.
• Proof of lodgings in France, such as a hotel reservation or host family confirmation (within 30 days of your arrival in France). If you intend to stay with friends or relatives, you should provide their contact information and proof that they can accommodate you during your visit.

Below are the steps in applying for your France in Nigeria

Step 1: Check if You Qualify for Visa Requirements

Step 2: Complete Application Form Online

Step 3: Pay Processing Fee Using Credit Card or Bank Transfer

Step 4: Collect Your Confirmation Letter and Book Your Appointment

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment at the Embassy

Can Your France Visa Application be Denied? 

There are many reasons why your France visa may be denied. Below are some of the reasons your France visa can be rejected.

1. When your passport is not valid, if your passport is expired, ensure you renew it before getting a new one.
2. Lack of adequate funds. If your bank statement reflects up to the minimum supposed fund, you will be denied the visa.
3. Incomplete or inaccurate supporting documents
4. Criminal records. When you have a past criminal record, it can impede your success in getting your France visa.
5. When you apply for the wrong visa, each visa type has specific needs apart from the general requirements. So when you apply for the wrong type, you be denied.

How long does it take?

It takes 15 working days to get an approval letter when you submit your application. Applying for a short-stay visa (Schengen) could take up to two weeks. However, this may take longer depending on individual cases and the local workloads of embassies.

How long is the visa valid?

The visa is valid for up to three months to a year. The validity duration of the visa depends on the type of visa.

Can I travel to France immediately after getting my visa?

Yes, you can travel to France immediately after getting your visa. However, you must arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris within 90 days of the date on which your visa was issued.

What are the documents required to apply for a France tourist visa?

You should provide the following documents when applying for a French tourist visa: A completed application form (see sample on this page), a valid passport with at least one blank page, one recent passport-sized photograph; and a letter written in French explaining why you want to go there (You can find an example here).

Conclusion

France visa comes in different types. You must be sure of the type of visa you want before applying so that you won’t apply for the wrong one. Ensure your supporting documents are all accurate and valid.

All visa and service fees are made online. Before making payment, ensure you get the exact Naira equivalent at the moment. France is a lovely place, and you will surely have a great stay.