What is the difference between France Visa and Schengen Visa?

A France visa and a Schengen visa serve different purposes and have distinct features, though they can sometimes overlap in function depending on the type of visa being issued. The purpose of your travel should determine the type of visa you should apply for.  Here's a breakdown of the differences:

France Visa

1. Scope of Travel

• A France visa is specifically for entry into France. It may also allow for limited travel within the Schengen Area, but its primary purpose is to allow the holder to stay in France.

2. Types of France Visas

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Typically valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be used for tourism, business, family visits, and other short-term purposes.

• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): Issued for stays longer than 90 days for purposes such as studying, working, or joining family in France.

3. National Visa

• The France long-stay visa (Type D) is considered a national visa, which means it is specific to France. However, holders of this visa can travel within the Schengen Area for short periods (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).

Schengen Visa

Scope of Travel

A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the entire Schengen Area. The Schengen Area consists of 27 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders.

Types of Schengen Visas

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): This is the most common type of Schengen visa, typically valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV): This type of visa is valid only in the specific Schengen countries indicated on the visa sticker, and does not allow travel to other Schengen states.

National Visa (Type D): Although primarily a long-stay visa for a specific country, it allows the holder to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Issuing Authority

Schengen visas can be issued by any of the Schengen member countries. If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for the visa at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or if the duration of stay is equal in each country, then at the consulate of the country you will enter first.

Key Differences

• Primary Purpose

A France visa is focused on entry and stay in France, while a Schengen visa is for travel across multiple Schengen Area countries.

• Travel Flexibility

A Schengen visa offers more flexibility for travel within the Schengen Area, whereas a France visa (specifically the long-stay visa) primarily targets extended stays in France with limited travel within Schengen countries.

• Application Process

For a Schengen visa, the application can be made at the consulate of the main destination or first entry point in the Schengen Area. For a France visa, the application is specifically through the French consulate.

In summary, while there is some overlap, particularly with short-stay visas, the primary difference lies in the scope and purpose of the travel allowed by each visa.