Planning a trip to the Eiffel Tower? Visiting the fashion capital of the world is exciting, but securing your France tourist visa approval is an essential step before you embark on your French adventure.
After submitting your application at a VFS center, regularly checking your France visa status online is key to staying updated on your application progress and avoiding any last-minute issues. In this blog, we will cover the steps on how to check your France visa status online and offline so you don’t miss an update.
Requirements to Check Your France Visa Status
To check your France visa application status, you’ll need a few key details and documents:
Access to the Official Website or VFS Portal
You must visit either the official France-Visas website or the VFS Global portal designed for Indian applicants. These are the only authorized channels to verify your France visa status online.
Reference Number and Last Name
You will need the reference number provided when you submitted your application and your last name to check your France visa status. The reference number is a unique identifier assigned to each application.
Captcha Verification
You must enter the captcha correctly to proceed with the France visa status check online. This security measure ensures that the request is being made by a human and not an automated system.
How to Check France Visa Status
If you have applied for a France tourist visa, you can track your France visa application status through the following methods:
- Online Portal: Visit the official France-Visas website or the VFS Global tracking portal. Enter your reference number, last name, and complete the captcha to check your France visa status online.
- Email and SMS Updates: When you submit your application, you can opt to receive updates via email or SMS. These services provide timely notifications on your France visa application status update.
- Offline Methods: You can also check your France visa processing status offline by contacting the VFS helpline, visiting the visa application center, or reaching out to the French Embassy or Consulate.
How to Check France Visa Status Online
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your France visa status online:
- Go to the official VFS Global France visa tracking portal.
- Enter your application reference number and your last name exactly as it appears in your passport and visa application.
- Complete the captcha to verify your request.
- Press the “Submit” button to view the current status of your France visa application.
How to Check France Visa Status with Passport Number
You cannot check the status of your France visa application online using your passport number. The official tracking systems, including the VFS Global portal and the France-Visas website, do not provide an option to track your France visa status using a passport number.
To check your France visa processing status, you need to use the application reference number provided to you at the time of application submission, along with your last name as entered in the visa application.
How to Check France Visa Status Offline
Here are the steps to check the status of your France visa application offline:
Through Phone Inquiries
- Contact the VFS Global support helpline number at +91 22 67 86 60 14. This number is available from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Provide your application reference number and last name to the customer support agent.
- The agent will provide you with the current status of your France visa application.
Visiting the VFS Global Visa Application Center
- Go to the VFS Global Visa Application Center where you submitted your application. You can find the addresses and contact details on the VFS Global or France-Visas websites.
- Provide your application reference number and last name to the staff at the center.
- The staff will check the status of your France visa application and inform you about the current progress.
Contacting the French Embassy or Consulate
- If you are unable to get updates through other methods, you can contact the French Embassy or Consulate directly. The consulates are located in Mumbai, Puducherry, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and the Embassy in Delhi.
- Reach out to the relevant consulate or embassy via phone or email and provide your application reference number and last name.
- They will assist you in checking the status of your France visa application.
Suggested Read: Essential France Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
When trying to track your France visa status, you may encounter a few common issues that can affect timely updates on your France visa application status. Here are some of the most prevalent concerns:
Unauthorized Tracking Portal
There are several unauthorized tracking portals associated with France visa status checks. It is easy to fall prey to one of them. If you are applying by yourself, you must visit France VFS Global to track your application status. If you are applying with an agent, please use their portal to find out the status of your application.
Delays in Processing
Processing times can vary and may be longer during peak seasons (April to July). It is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays. If your France visa status remains unchanged for an extended period, reach out to the VFS helpline or the French Embassy for assistance.
Technical Difficulties
Users may encounter technical issues such as difficulties with captcha verification or accessing the portal. In such cases, you can reset the captcha or contact the VFS helpline for assistance with checking your France visa processing status.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
Ensure that all information entered during the application and France visa status check in India is accurate and complete. Inaccurate information can lead to delays or issues in tracking your France visa application status.
High Volume of Applications
The French consulates and VFS centers in India often experience high volumes of applications, which can lead to longer waiting times for appointments and processing. This may impact the frequency of updates on your France visa status online.
Over the Attempt Limit
If you enter the wrong information too many times, the portal will temporarily lock you out. You’ll need to wait a few hours before you can try again.
What to Do if Your France Visa is Delayed?
If your France tourist visa application is delayed, here are the steps you can take:
- Track Your Application: Regularly check the status of your France visa application using the VFS online application tracking tool or the France-Visas website.
- Contact the Visa Centre: Reach out to the VFS Global center where you submitted your application for an update on your France visa processing status. You can contact them via phone or email for more information.
- Check for Updates on the Official Website: Visit the official France-Visas website or the French Embassy website in India for any updates or announcements regarding visa processing times and delays.
- Plan Ahead: Apply well in advance of your planned travel date to accommodate any potential delays. It is advisable to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel dates.
What Should You Do After a France Visa Rejection?
For Indian applicants, here are the steps to take if your France tourist visa is denied or rejected:
Sticker Visas and Permits
- If your sticker visa or permit application is rejected, you will need to address the specific issues mentioned in the rejection letter before reapplying.
- Gather additional documents and ensure you meet all the requirements before submitting a new application to avoid another rejection.
Understand the Reason for Rejection
- The rejection letter will typically include the reasons for the denial. Understanding these reasons is crucial for reapplying successfully.
- If needed, try to speak to immigration officials to get more details on why your France visa application status was updated as “Rejected.”
Suggested Read: France Visa Rejection for Indian Tourists (The Basics)
France Visa Appeal Process
If your France tourist visa is rejected, you can file an administrative appeal through the French Consulate or Embassy. Here’s how the appeal process unfolds:
- Submit an appeal letter explaining why the decision was wrong, along with any additional supporting documents not included in your original application.
- The appeal will be reviewed, and you’ll be notified of the decision, which can take several weeks.
- During this time, you can check the status of your visa.
- For more detailed guidance on the process and how to strengthen your case, refer to our help article on the France visa appeal process.
Filing a New Application (Re-Application)
To reapply for a France tourist visa after rejection, address the reasons stated in the rejection letter by gathering necessary documents.
- Complete a new visa application, fill out the form, and book a new appointment.
- Submit the required and additional supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
- Schedule a new appointment at the French Consulate or VFS Global center.
- Finally, monitor your application status regularly to track progress.
FAQs
1. How to track your France visa application?
VFS is the official France visa tracking portal. To know your France visa application status, visit the official online portal for France visa status. Enter your application reference number and last name in the required field.
2. Can you check the France visa status online?
Yes, you can check your France visa status online through the VFS Global tracking portal or the France-Visas website. Both platforms require your application reference number, last name, and captcha verification to access the status information.
3. Can you track your France visa application using your passport number?
No, a France visa check by passport number is not an option. The official tracking system only supports visa status checks using the application reference number and last name.
4. What information do you need to check your France visa application status?
To check your France visa application status, you need the application reference number and your last name (as mentioned in the application).
5. How long does it take to process a France visa application?
The processing time for a France tourist visa application for Indian citizens is generally around 15 working days, but it can extend up to 45 days in certain cases.
6. What should you do if your France visa application gets denied?
If your France tourist visa application gets denied, you have two options:
- Appeal the Decision: If you believe the rejection was incorrect, you can file an administrative appeal with the French Consulate or Embassy that made the decision. Submit an appeal letter, supporting documents, and wait for the review.
- Re-Apply: If you cannot or do not wish to appeal, you can submit a new application. Address the reasons for rejection, gather the required documents, complete a new form, pay the fees, and book a new appointment.
7. What is the difference between a France visa and a Schengen visa?
A France visa is a Schengen visa that allows entry into France and other schengen countries. If your main destination is France, you should apply for a Schengen visa through the French Embassy. If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, a Schengen visa may be more appropriate.
