France entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders need a visa to enter France in 2026. The standard short-stay Schengen visa allows up to 90 days of travel within a 180-day period. You must apply at the French embassy or consulate in Nepal before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the French consulate or VFS Global centre in Nepal | You need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) before you travel. Apply at the France-visas.gouv.fr portal, then submit your biometrics at the nearest VFS Global centre in Kathmandu. Processing takes 15 calendar days — apply at least 3 weeks before your flight.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stickers and entry stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — if your passport expires sooner, the visa officer will reject the application. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border control | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight out of the Schengen area when you submit your visa application and when you land in France. The airline at Kathmandu will also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or an invitation letter for the entire stay | The visa application requires confirmed hotel reservations for every night in Schengen, or a signed attestation d'accueil from your host in France. Immigration officers rarely ask for this at the border, but the visa officer will reject without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements showing at least €65 per day of stay | The French consulate expects to see bank statements from the last 3 months with a daily minimum of €65 (around 9,500 NPR per day). Cash, traveller's cheques, or a sponsor letter also count — just show you can cover your expenses without working. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Visa appointment slots at the French consulate in Kathmandu can be booked weeks in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Schengen visa covers 27 countries
A French Schengen visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (including Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland) without additional visas. Just make sure France is your main destination or first point of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, travel insurance, and a completed Schengen visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French consulate in Kathmandu or the visa application centre (VFS Global). Slots fill up fast, especially in peak travel season (May–September).
3
Attend the interview
Go to your appointment with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and possibly answer a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during busy periods. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
6
Arrive in France
At the airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The border officer may ask about your plans.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (may vary)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in French institutions. Requires proof of admission, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply work visa
Long-stay work visa (VLS-TS salarié)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a French employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications.
Apply digital nomad visa
French Tech Visa (for tech professionals)
4 years, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For highly skilled tech workers and entrepreneurs. Requires a recognized French startup or innovation project. Fast-tracked process.
Apply retirement visa
Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (no work allowed). Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa, non-refundable. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Long-stay visa (over 90 days)Required for stays exceeding 90 days, e.g., work or study. | €99 (~$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €30/day (~$33 USD), 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
Nepal passport holders generally need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change planes in France, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Japan, or Ireland visa (for some airports)
- Holders of a valid visa from a Schengen member state
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural/forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter; vaccination recommended for vulnerable groups.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices suffice; risk from undercooked food.
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
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Lyon
Préfecture du Rhône – Service des Étrangers
106 Rue Pierre Corneille, 69003 Lyon
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
For long-stay visa renewals and residence card applications.
Practical information for NP 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
No. Nepal passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival for France.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak seasons. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Additional service fees may apply if using a visa application centre like VFS Global.
No. The short-stay Schengen visa does not allow extensions for tourism. You must leave the Schengen area before your visa expires. For longer stays, you need a different visa type (e.g., long-stay visa).
Immigration officers can ask for proof of funds at the border. It's wise to carry bank statements or a sponsor letter showing you have at least €65 per day of your stay.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into France.
Yes, if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by France, you can travel to any Schengen country (e.g., Germany, Italy, Spain) for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
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.