Visas informations / How to get to France
Rules
Every foreign national wishing to come to France must have ready for presentation at the border documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit, means of support for the duration of the stay and accommodation arrangements. In some cases, a visa is required. It must be requested from the French consulate before departure.
Schengen Convention
As of March 25th 2001 the Schengen Visa is valid for the following countries :
Austria (A) Italy (I) Belgium (B) Luxembourg (L) Denmark (DK) Norway (N) Finland (FIN) The Netherlands (NL) France (F) Portugal (P) Germany (D) Spain (E) Greece (GR) Sweden (S) Iceland ©
The purpose of the Schengen Convention is to eliminate controls at common borders and to promote free movement of people within the Schengen area.
The relevant Schengen Embassy/Consulate will issue a uniform visa for a short stay which will allow the holder to travel freely within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in a six month period.
As a general rule the applicant should present his/her request at the Embassy/Consulate of the Schengen country which is the main destination (longest stay, most amount of days), if the main destination cannot be determined, the country of first entry.
The fees for the main types of visa :
As of the 1st of January 2007, the visa administrative fees will be 60€ (transit, airport transit, short stay, DOM-TOM), which must be paid in SAR only. The fee is accorded to the exchange rate.
Requirements
The French Embassy in Riyadh will accept applications from residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia only.
The Consular Administration has full authority to evaluate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant. Submitting the following documents, while required, does not guarantee issuance of a visa. Also note that the visa does not in itself grant you the right to enter a French or Schengen territory. It is necessary that you carry with you, at all times, the original documents used to obtain the visa.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply at the consulate of the country that is your main destination meaning the country where you will be staying the most amount of days.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination or will be staying the same amount of time in each of them, you must apply at the Consulate of the country you will enter first.
Please note that all documentation listed below must be submitted in english or french, in original and 1 copy per applicant.
ATTENTION The Visa Section does not make any copies, you must bring your documents and the required copies when you enter.
Documents requested :
1 application form duly completed and signed by the applicant. To get this application form please check this document
original passport (signed by the holder), and its copy, valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with a blank visa page to affix the visa sticker
2 recent passeport-size photographs in colour (3,5 x 4,5cm) taken against a light background with good contrast
copy of recent visas (Schengen, american, british…)
Additional documents
In case of a business trip :
Employer’s letter mentioning the reasons and dates of the trip, stating the position held within the company as well as the salary. This letter must be certified by the local chamber of commerce.
Official invitation from the French company
Air ticket or confirmed print out
Hotel reservation
Medical insurance for Europe that covers illness’ charges for a minimum of 30 000€.
In case of a pleasure trip or tourism :
An official up-to-date letter from your employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date and mentioning the salary and the dates of holidays
Proof of travel : A confirmed return ticket to France or booking fully paid from your travel agent (including itinerary if participating in a tour).
A confirmed hotel reservation for the whole of your stay in the Schengen space
Bank statement (last 6 months)
Medical insurance for Europe that covers illness’ charges for a minimum of 30 000€.
In case of a trip to visit a relative or a friend :
An official up-to-date letter from your employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date and mentioning the salary and the dates of holidays
Proof of travel : A confirmed return ticket to France or confirmed print out
Proof of accommodation : « attestation d’accueil » to be obtained by the person you are visiting in France from the local Townhall ("Mairie") or Police Station ("Gendarmerie" or "Commissariat de Police").
Bank statement (last 6 months)
Medical insurance for Europe that covers illness’ charges for a minimum of 30 000€.
IMPORTANT : check your files carefully before applying. All the documents presented to the Consulate might be requested by the border Police before entering the Schengen State.