France entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistan passport holders need a visa to enter France in 2026. You must apply at the French embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate in Pakistan. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application at least 3 weeks before travel. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone, not just France.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in France. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines often enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Border officers at French airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in France. Keep a copy of your booking confirmation or the host's attestation d'accueil handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means of support | Carry evidence of at least €65 per day of stay (or €120 per day if staying in a hotel). Bank statements, traveler's cheques, or a sponsor letter all work. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa appointments at the French embassy and VFS centres in Pakistan can fill up 3-4 weeks ahead, especially before summer and Christmas. Book your appointment as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed.
VFS Global handles applications in Pakistan
You can submit your application at VFS Global centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. They handle the paperwork and biometrics on behalf of the embassy. Check their website for appointment availability and service fees.
What happens at the border
1
Check your passport validity
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from your planned entry date into France. Also check you have at least 1 blank page.
2
Complete the online visa application
Go to France-Visas (the official portal) and fill out the Schengen visa application form. Print the completed form and sign it.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French embassy in Islamabad or the VFS Global centre in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad. Appointments can fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
4
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting papers. Make photocopies of everything.
5
Attend the visa appointment
Go to your appointment with all original documents plus photocopies. You'll submit your application, provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints), and pay the visa fee.
6
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online using the reference number you receive.
7
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the centre or have it couriered to you. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure your name, dates, and number of entries are correct.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (≈ $108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or retirement; requires specific justification.
student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈ $108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in French institutions. Requires proof of admission, sufficient funds (€615/month), and health insurance. Allows part-time work up to 964 hours/year.
Apply work visa
Long-stay work visa (VLS-TS salarié)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈ $108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in France. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Apply retirement visa
Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈ $108 USD) application fee
For retirees or financially independent individuals. Requires proof of sufficient funds (at least €1,200/month) and private health insurance. No work allowed.
Apply digital nomad visa
French Tech Visa (for tech professionals)
4 years, renewable
€99 (≈ $108 USD) application fee
For highly skilled tech workers and entrepreneurs. Requires a job offer from an eligible French company or startup. Fast-tracked residence permit.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa, non-refundable. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS/TLScontact)Additional fee for visa application center processing. | €30–40 (≈ $33–44 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines vary by duration; may include ban from Schengen area. | €30–150 per day (≈ $33–163 USD), max €3,000 (≈ $3,270 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through France
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to transit through France, even if staying airside. Apply at French consulate before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Japan, or Australia visa
- Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris · Orly Airport (ORY), Paris · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in France; risk in wooded areas of Alsace and Rhône-Alpes during spring/summer.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Paris, can have high pollution days; sensitive individuals should monitor air quality.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris – Direction de l'Immigration
12 Boulevard de la Libération, 93200 Saint-Denis
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required online.
Lyon
Préfecture du Rhône – Service des Étrangers
106 Rue Pierre Corneille, 69003 Lyon
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals and residence permits.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas). Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (around PKR 24,000 as of 2026). Children aged 6-12 pay €40. There may be additional service charges if you apply through VFS Global (around PKR 3,000-5,000).
No. You must fill out the application online at France-Visas, but you still need to attend an in-person appointment at the French embassy in Islamabad or a VFS Global centre to submit documents and provide biometrics.
Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most days. If you're spending equal time in multiple countries, apply at the one where you'll enter first. The visa allows you to travel throughout the Schengen area.
Generally no. Short-stay Schengen visas cannot be extended except in very exceptional circumstances (like a medical emergency). If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from Pakistan.
Common reasons include: insufficient funds in your bank account, weak ties to Pakistan (job, family, property), incomplete or incorrect application, previous visa violations, or not providing all required documents. The embassy wants to be sure you'll return home.
Yes, you need accommodation proof for every night of your stay in France. If you're staying with friends, they need to provide a signed invitation letter and a copy of their residence permit or ID. For hotels, a booking confirmation email is sufficient.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.