Planning a trip to France? Whether you're looking to walk the streets of Paris or taste the Bordeaux wine, the first thing you need to do is get your visa.
France welcomed over 101 million visitors in 2024, surpassing the previous year and the pre-pandemic peak of 2019.
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, making visa processing an essential part of travel planning.
This guide will walk you through the France visa tracking process so that you can track your application status effortlessly.
Why is France Visa Tracking Important?
Knowing the status of your visa application is necessary for peace of mind, especially for memorable trips.
Here are a few reasons why visa tracking is indispensable:
- Know When to Expect Your Next Move: Status updates give you an idea about what to prepare for in the coming days.
- Avoid Delay: The moment something is wrong with your application, it will be brought to your attention so you can quickly act on it.
- Plan Your Trip Better: Once your visa gets approved, you can get flights, accommodation, and activities booked assuredly without doubts.
Whether you are seeking a visitor's visa to see the famous landmarks in France or want to get a business visa for professional purposes, knowing what tracking means and how it is done could save time and reduce worry.
VFS France Visa Tracking
The most common and reliable method of tracking your visa is through VFS Global, a trusted partner that provides visa application services in India.
Simply follow these steps to track your France visa:
- Go to the official VFS France Visa Tracking Portal.
- Enter your reference number that you must receive during submission and your date of birth.
- Submit the details to get the status of your application.
This process applies to all types of France visas: tourist, business, or transit.
Documents Required for Tracking France Visa
Following are the documents that you will require to follow the application status of your visa:
- Application Reference Number- This is a unique ID which is generated when you submit your application to the VFS centre.
- Passport Number- used for identification during tracking.
- Registered Email ID- exactly filled up during the visa application process.
Without these details, it may be challenging to track your application accurately.
What to Expect During Visa Processing
The processing time for a France visa ranges from 7–15 working days.
However, processing times may take longer during peak travel times. Here's what's going on:
- Application Submittal: Your documents are collected and forwarded to the French Embassy or Consulate.
- Processing: The authorities screen your application. These include background checks and validation of documents.
- Decision Taken: Once the decision is taken, your status will be updated online.
- Passport Delivery: Once approved, your passport with the visa will be dispatched or made available for collection.
If you are travelling urgently, expedited processing may be available for an extra fee.
Travel Tips for France
Must-Visit Destinations
France is a traveller's paradise, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Some must-visit places include:
- Paris: Beyond the Eiffel Tower, explore Montmartre, the Seine River, and world-class art museums like the Louvre.
- Provence: Famous for its stunning lavender fields, charming villages, and local markets.
- French Riviera: Visit Nice and Cannes for luxury beaches, glamour, and Mediterranean vibes.
- Loire Valley: Known for its fairy-tale castles and lush vineyards.
Best Time to Visit
France is beautiful all year round, but picking the right time to visit can make your trip even more special.
The season you choose can help you fully enjoy its stunning landscapes, lively festivals, and perfect weather.
- Spring (April–June): Witness the flowers in bloom and comfortable weather.
- Autumn (September–November): Experience fewer crowds, with temperate temperatures, glorious autumn leaves, making it an excellent time to travel.
Cost-Saving for Indian Visitors
- Flights: Book ahead for best deals; round trips from India to France cost from ₹40,000.
- Accommodations: Budget hostels are €25–€40 per night, mid-range hotels €70–€120.
- Local Transport: Utilise the Paris Métro or regional trains to save your travel costs.
- Dining: Try boulangeries if you are looking for very affordable dining, priced in the €5–€10 range.
How Visa2Fly Simplifies Your France Visa Experience
Visa2Fly helps you avoid the hassles of your visa application to France. Here's how we can help:
- Quick Application Tracking: Monitor the real-time status with our easy-to-use dashboard.
- Affordable Price: Best price of all types of France visas, including tourist, business, and transit visas.
- Travel Insurance Plans: Protect your journey with travel insurance options covering every aspect of your trip.
- Professional Help: We simplify the otherwise complicated visa process, and ensure that your documents are correct and comprehensive.
FAQs About France Visa Tracking
1. Is France visa tracking applicable for all visa types?
Well, regardless of whether you are applying for a tourist, business, or transit visa, you can track your application either via VFS Global or Visa2Fly.
2. How does Visa2Fly assure me my visa is being tracked correctly?
Visa2Fly offers streamlined tracking through our site as updates are received from the primary sources.
3. Can I track my France visa without a reference number?
No, not really. The reference number is required to check your status on both the VFS and Visa2Fly platforms.
4. What does "Under Processing" mean for my visa status?
This status means that the embassy or consulate is still reviewing your application. The time may vary depending on the type of visa and how complex your case is.
5. If several days pass with no update on my visa tracking?
If your status stays the same within more than 10 working days, it is best to contact the VFS centre or the French Embassy for help. Delays may be caused by incomplete submissions or a large volume of applications.
6. Is VFS France visa tracking available for all Indian states?
Yes, VFS France centres in all the cities in India process visas for France and use their universal tracking system.
Conclusion
France visa tracking is one of the most integral parts of a hassle-free trip to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Whether you're wandering through the romantically charming streets of Paris or basking in the scenic appeal of Provence, getting your visa in order allows you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Having Visa2Fly help you with professional visa assistance, quick tracking for your application, and travel insurance options that are intended to make your trip go smoothly, you will be able to experience France like never before.