France entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Indonesian passport holders need a visa to enter France in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Indonesian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a short-stay Schengen visa (type C) before flying to France. Apply at the France-Visas portal, then attend an appointment at the French embassy or VFS Global center in Indonesia. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — apply 3–6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Indonesian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from the original. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Paris CDG and other Schengen entry points routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Your ticket must show you leave the Schengen zone within the 90-day visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in France ready. Officers at border control sometimes ask to see it, especially if you're staying at a private address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €65 per day of your stay. French border police rarely check this for visa holders, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Indonesian passport holders cannot enter France without a pre-approved Schengen visa. No visa on arrival, no e-visa. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your trip to account for appointment availability and processing time.
Schengen area rules apply
A French visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first entry must be through France or you must spend the most days there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, application form, photos, flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting papers. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Submit online application
Go to France-Visas website, create an account, fill out the Schengen visa form, and save the generated application number. Print the completed form and sign it.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French embassy in Jakarta or at a VFS Global center (Jakarta, Surabaya, or Denpasar). Slots fill up fast — book 2-3 weeks in advance.
4
Attend the appointment
Show up at the center with all original documents plus photocopies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The interview is usually brief — answer honestly about your travel plans.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30-45 days if additional checks are needed. Track your application online using the reference number.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the center or have it couriered to you. Check the visa sticker carefully — verify your name, dates, and number of entries.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months (usually)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism; must apply at French consulate in Indonesia.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
Validity1 to 5 years (based on history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of previous compliant travel.
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 other long-term purposes; requires specific justification.
work visa
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers, researchers, or investors. Requires a job offer or business plan and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in French institutions. Allows part-time work (up to 964 hours/year). Must prove sufficient funds.
Apply retirement visa
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with sufficient passive income (no work allowed). Requires proof of funds (at least minimum wage) and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children 6-12 (€40) and free for under 6. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on applicant's travel history. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period; enforced at departure. | €30 (~$33 USD) per day, max €300 (~$327 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Indonesian passport holders need an airport transit visa (VAT) to transit through France, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, US, UK, Canada, Japan, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or South Korea
- Holders of a diplomatic or official passport
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural/forested areas; vaccination recommended for long stays or outdoor activities.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety; risk is minimal but can occur from undercooked food or street vendors.
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 - Service des Étrangers
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions or residence permit issues; appointments often required.
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône - Service des Étrangers
Place Félix Baret, 13001 Marseille
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals and residence permits.
Practical information for ID 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 = 0.86 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
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from your appointment. In busy periods (summer, holidays) it can take 30 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
You fill out the application online at France-Visas, but you must attend an in-person appointment at the embassy or VFS center to submit documents and give biometrics. There's no fully online visa.
Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most days. If equal days, apply at the country of first entry. For France, you apply at the French embassy regardless of other Schengen stops.
The French embassy expects around €65 per day of stay. For a 7-day trip, that's about €455 (IDR 7.5 million). Show consistent salary deposits and a healthy balance — not just a last-minute transfer.
Extensions are rarely granted and only for exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies or force majeure. You cannot extend for tourism. Plan your stay within the visa's validity.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the French consulate or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or unclear itinerary.
Yes. The airline will check for a return or onward ticket before letting you board. Even if you have a visa, no onward ticket means no boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.