How an American Gets a French Visa
Beta Bites Post 1
You want to go to Europe.
You want to visit the Louvre in Paris, the colosseum in Rome, climb the Swiss Alps, drink tea in a London shop, see the northern lights in Norway, and more. As an American, we are afforded the privilege of one of the world's most powerful passports. We are granted free visas to 172 countries, upon arrival, without a second glance. However, before you pack your 82L backpack and organize a six month extended vacation in Euroland, you will need to get a visa.
Many of the top location destinations of European countries fall under the Schengen agreement, a concept of free movement from country to country. In America, we are allowed 90 of every 180 days without visa into these countries, no questions (mostly) asked. If you overstay, you can hop over into a non-Schengen country and wait out three months or risk being banned from entering Schengen countries. But, three months is not enough! I don't want to spend time in the eastern half of Europe, or trek down to Africa or Russia, there's so much to see! If three months if not enough, you can apply for a visa.
My time in Europe for the year 2017 will extend way beyond 90 days, so I needed to apply for a visa. I chose a tourist visa, since I'm not a student, I'm not quitting my job, and the requirements were manageable. In order to obtain the visa, I needed to chose the country I would be in the most and the country who would most likely give me one. France, Germany, and Sweden are the top three countries for obtaining a visa, and I chose France. Bonjour!
There is a list of required paperwork, but most importantly you need to register an appointment to the consulate where you will turn in all of said paperwork along with your passport. There are only a handful sprinkled across the country, and [technically] you should visit the one in your region (for example, I live in Utah so I should make my appointment in Los Angeles. However, this branch was under construction, and I'm using my parent's address for my application in Chicago, so Chicago it is).
I was given advice from a few friends who also went through the process. For the most part, it is a smooth and easy process as long as you have all the paperwork. It's no secret the somewhat disdained attitude other countries can have towards Americans, and I have to agree that we have a tendency to condescend systems we feel are unnecessary. From mid-December to my appointment in January, I killed a tree printing out all necessary forms, sometimes twice, and happily handed over the stack to the French consulate upon my arrival. Spoiler alert: I didn't have everything, so here's a breakdown of what you'll need.
One application form filled out completely and signed by the applicant
This is obvious. Fill out the form or risk embarrassing yourself.
One US passport size photo on a white background with no glasses and no hat and please do not smile
Took new passport photos, but I didn't need this as they took my picture at my appointment. I was little offended as I had to take out all my piercings for this photo, without a mirror. Alas, c'est la vie.
Questionnaire
This one is the best, because the questionnaire is only in French. I don't know French (yet, working on it), so grab your computer or phone, turn on Google translate, and have fun. The consulate rather enjoyed my form.
Original passport or travel document (+ ONE PHOTOCOPY of the identity pages)
And make sure it's a valid passport.
Status in the US - If you are not a US citizen, copy of your green card or visa
Copy of my birth certificate.
Letter explaining what you intend on doing in France
I had this form, but I didn't turn it in with the original paperwork. I was asked what I intended to do in France (travel, eat food, escape Trump America!) and that was a good enough answer for France (or any country, I suppose).
Letter promising not to engage in any employment in France (signature certified by a notary public)
France doesn't want to give you their money, they just want you to give them your money. Isn't that what we all want? Yes, it needs to be notarized (I went to my bank). Here's a copy of mine.
Letter of employment in the US stating occupation and earnings
Working for a corporation, I was able to sign-in to my employment profile and print out a piece of paper. Check.
Proof of means of income - letter from the bank, investment certificates, pension slips
Since I returned from my summer travels in August 2016, knowing I was going to return to Euroland, I've been saving. I use US Bank and they are the bomb.com. I strolled in on a Saturday morning, asked for a formal letter stating the amount in my savings (I saved $10,000. See here for what is a good monetary cushion per country), and they went above and beyond with papers and signatures to ensure it was emphasized I can afford the travel.
Proof of medical insurance : you must bring proof of a valid overseas medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 50,000 US for emergencies and repatriation and NO deductible or co-pay. The letter provided by your insurance company MUST clearly state these conditions.
Since my travels focus on paragliding and speed flying, it was paramount to have good medical insurance while in Europe. Plus, you never know what can happen. I went with IMG Patriot Medical Insurance, with a $250 deductible and $50,000 coverage, including helicopter rides off a mountain if necessary. If you plan on traveling and extreme sporting, make sure your insurance covers your sport. Not all do. IMG seems to cover all the bases.
Marriage certificate or family book + Birth certificates for children
Dodged this bullet, thank you. Though a green card marriage would make this whole process easier. Currently accepting applications. I'm adventurous, adorable, financially independent, and small, so traveling with me is easy.
Proof of accommodation in France (title deeds, lease or rental agreement)
Thanks to my awesome friends, I was able to use their address as my proof of accommodation. Here's the part I missed- I needed to provide my friend's passport and lease agreement, not just a letter saying I will be living at the premise for my stay. Easily fixed with a simple message to my friends asking for the paperwork while at the consulate. Viva la technology.
Processing fee
$108 CASH ONLY.
If you intend on staying in France for more than 6 months: One residence form duly filled out (upper part only)
My visa is for six months, so I didn't need to worry about this.
A self-addressed prepaid EXPRESS MAIL envelope from the US POST OFFICE ONLY - NO FEDEX / UPS / AIRBORNE EXPRESS accepted.You may use one envelope per family if you buy `flat rate`
This was necessary if I wasn't going to pick up my visa in person. Excited photos to follow!
Europe Invasion 2017 commence! If you've been on the fence about traveling long-term to Europe and don't know how, let this inspire you. Now get out there, adventure awaits!