If you’re traveling to France, depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa and compulsory medical insurance.
France, the most visited country in the world
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, welcoming nearly 80 million visitors to its borders; it’s hardly surprising, then, that revenues from tourism activities have reached 40 billion euros (Ministry of Tourism statistics). More generally, Europe is a destination of choice: 488 million people visited Europe in 2008 (source: Insee). Prized for its diversity of landscapes, cultures and experiences, Europe attracts travelers from all over the world.
If you need to go to France to visit your family, for language study or for any stay of less than three months, you may need a visa, depending on your nationality. To obtain this short-stay visa – commonly referred to as a “Schengen” visa, as it gives you access to countries in the Schengen area – you’ll need to obtain an attestation d’accueil and take out compulsory medical insurance.
Schengen Europe Access insurance
A travel insurance is compulsory for anyone wishing to obtain a Schengen visa.
Schengen Europe Access insurance covers you for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen area. You can subscribe up to age 75.
You can request a free quote and purchase travel insurance for the Schengen zone extended to European countries via a secure transaction on Mondassur.
The protection you need at a great price
For a fortnight’s stay, you are covered for 34 euros; for three months, 79 euros. This insurance also covers civil liability.
It’s important to take out travel insurance when you travel, to protect yourself and your loved ones against any eventuality, and make the most of your vacation. For more information on Schengen insurance coverage and rates.
Schengen countries
The Schengen area guarantees open borders between the 25 countries that signed the Schengen Convention in 1985. The Schengen area does not cover the territory of the European Union: Great Britain, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria are not part of it. On the other hand, three non-EU countries are associated with the Schengen area: Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.
Mondassur’sSchengen Europe Access insurance covers you for your stay in Schengen countries and other European countries. This broad geographic coverage makes it a particularly innovative contract.
Some countries whose nationals must obtain a Schengen visa to travel to France
The list is not exhaustive: China (with the exception of people holding visas for the special regions of Macao and Hong Kong), India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Egypt, Turkey, Congo, Thailand, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon, Senegal, Brazil… Certain countries may be exempt from Schengen visas, but it is compulsory to take out medical insurance when coming to Europe.
To consult the complete list of countries for which a Schengen visa is not required.
Useful information about Schengen visas
- You must apply for your visa in person at the French consulate in your usual place of residence. If your visa expires, you must return to your country to re-apply.
- If you are staying in more than one country, send your application to the consulate of the country where you will be staying the longest. So if your plane lands in a Schengen country where you won’t be staying, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the consulate of the country where you’ll be staying.
- Nationals of the following countries do not need a Schengen visa to enter France: Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Venezuela. However, this exemption does not apply to paid employment on French territory or in the French Overseas Territories (CTOM), and medical cover may be required.
- A Schengen visa is valid in all Schengen countries, unless otherwise indicated on the visa sticker.
- The visa application form must be completed before you come to the consulate, which is usually by appointment.
- The validity of a visa begins on a date up to three months before your departure, or on the day the visa is issued, whichever you prefer.
- A processing fee is payable for the visa application.
For more detailed information on the visa procedure for France.
