What do I need to do go to France for the summer?

Tourist visa requirements of the French Consulate General in New York

ATTENTION: please read this important announcement before preparing your file:

From April 5th 2010, the implementation of the new Schengen code for the issue of visas will take effect.

On this occasion, we would like to remind all visa applicants that each file must be presented in exact duplicate (original of each document with their photocopies, as listed on the website).

The Consulate will, in no circumstance, make any photocopies and files can no longer be completed at a later stage.

All the files presented will be carefully examined by the Visa Department. However, we wish to emphasize the fact that if you do not produce all the requested documents (originals with their photocopies), the visa will be denied.

Therefore, reapplying will mean the rescheduling of an appointment and full repayment of the visa fee.

No exception will be made.

For this reason, we do advise you to prepare your file with the utmost care in order to avoid any delays.

◙ 1 application form and 1 photo

The form must be completely and legibly filled in with black or blue ink, signed by the applicant and dated. The photo must be recent, passport size - 2" x 2" (4,5cm x 4,5cm) and showing the full face, the forehead hairline and ears on a white background.

◙ Passport or travel document (+ 1 copy of the identity page and the validity of the passport) valid for at least three months following the last day of your stay in France. It must have been issued less than 10 years ago (first issuance). Make sure the passport has at least two blank pages left for visa purpose. Only these pages can be endorsed with the visa. Amendment pages can in no way be used for visas.

◙ A U.S.A. residency card (Green Card) or I-551 stamp, or a valid USA visa with I-94 and IAP66 or I-20 were applicable or an Advanced Parole, which must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the last day in France. (+1copy)

◙ Flight reservation (+ 1 copy)

complete itinerary or round trip ticket with confirmed dates. Open tickets are not accepted. Do not purchase tickets until the visa has been approved.

◙ Proof of accommodation (if you intend to stay more than one day) (+1 copy)

confirmed reservation by fax from the hotel(s) which must be sent directly to you and not to the Consulate in France and in the Schengen countries to be visited, confirming your reservations for each night you will spend in France and the Schengen States (we do not accept emails nor online internet reservation confirmations),

or

hotel vouchers confirming your booking for a tour with names and addresses of all hotels with the number of nights stay in each (+ 1 copy),

or

- if you are staying with family or friend(s) you must present a certificate of board and lodging "Attestation d’Accueil", which has to be obtained by your relatives or friends at the city hall ("Mairie"). The original needs to be stamped by this consulate to be valid and should be presented upon arrival in France.

◙ Financial guarantee (+ 1 copy),

Proof that you have at least 100 U.S.Dollars per day for each day you will stay in the Schengen countries. To be submitted in the four following forms:

• your last 3 monthly bank statements, not a summary (+ 1 copy), Internet printed copies are not accepted

or

• your last 3 paystubs (+ 1 copy),

or

• an up-to-date letter from your employer in the U.S.A mentioning your annual salary, stating that your requested time of absence has been approved and confirming your continued employment on your return (+ 1 copy)

• if your financial means are not sufficient, you may also provide a notarized letter from your sponsor stating he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her financial means (+ 1 copy).

◙ Medical insurance

A letter from an insurance company (+ 1 copy) stating that you will be covered for any medical, hospitalization and repatriation expenses for at least $45,000 during your stay in the Schengen countries. If your current insurance company does not provide such a coverage, please find an international insurance company (and ask for the letter mentioned above).

Please be advised that visa applications by mail are not accepted.

Source(s):

http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/spip.php?artic... ..