French Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa) Requirements for Ethiopian Citizens

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       Applying for a French tourist visa (a Schengen visa) requires careful preparation. As an Ethiopian citizen, you must submit your application in person at the Embassy of France in Addis Ababa or through their official service provider, which is currently VFS Global.

I. The Application Process - Step-by-Step

  1. Online Application: Start by completing your visa application form on the official French government visa website, France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr). The website will guide you through the process, and upon completion, it will generate the necessary application form and a specific list of required supporting documents for your situation.

  2. Book an Appointment: Once your online application is complete, you must book an appointment to submit your documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). As of recent updates, appointments are typically booked through the VFS Global website.

  3. Document Submission & Biometrics: Attend your appointment in person at the French Embassy or VFS Global center in Addis Ababa. You will submit your complete file and have your biometric data collected.

  4. Processing Time: Note a recent update: Due to the lack of cooperation with readmissions from Ethiopia, the processing time for a Schengen visa for Ethiopian citizens is currently extended to 45 calendar days from the date of submission. You must apply well in advance of your planned travel date (at least 45 days is mandatory).

II. Mandatory Documents Checklist

Here are the common and essential documents for a tourist (short-stay Schengen) visa:

A. Personal and Travel Documents

  • Visa Application Form: The printed and signed application form generated from the France-Visas website.

  • Passport:

    • Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.

    • Must have been issued within the last 10 years.

    • Must have at least two blank visa pages.

  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos that meet the Schengen photo standards (usually 3.5 x 4.5 cm with a light background).

  • Proof of Travel:

    • Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary (do not purchase a non-refundable ticket until your visa is approved).

    • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay in the Schengen area (e.g., confirmed hotel reservations, or an Attestation d'accueil if staying with a host in France).

  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel medical insurance covering:

    • The entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

    • A minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.

  • Cover Letter/Itinerary: A personal letter detailing the purpose of your trip, your intended itinerary, and your commitment to returning to Ethiopia before your visa expires.

B. Proof of Financial Means

You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in France and the Schengen Area.

  • Bank Statements: Original copies of your personal bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months.

  • Proof of Income: Recent pay slips (if employed), or business registration and recent tax returns (if self-employed).

  • Sponsor Letter (if applicable): If a person in France is covering your expenses, you need a signed sponsorship letter, a copy of their ID/residence permit, and their bank/income statements.

C. Proof of Socio-Professional Status (Ties to Ethiopia)

This is crucial to show your intent to return home.

  • For Employees:

    • An original employment letter from your employer stating your position, salary, date of hiring, and explicitly granting you leave for the travel dates.

    • A "No Objection Statement" from your employer regarding your planned trip.

  • For Business Owners/Self-Employed:

    • Business license, certificate of registration, and/or ownership documents.

    • Company bank statements and tax records.

  • For Students:

    • Letter of enrollment from your Ethiopian educational institution confirming your student status and approved leave.

  • For Minors (Under 18):

    • Original birth certificate.

    • Consent letter signed by both parents/legal guardians (often notarized).

    • Copies of the parents' passports.

III. Visa Fees and Important Notes

  • Schengen Visa Fee (for Short Stay):

    • Adults: €90 (euros)

    • Children (aged 6 to 12): €45 (euros)

    • Children under 6: Free

    • *Note: All fees are paid in the local currency (Ethiopian Birr - ETB) at the official exchange rate at the time of your appointment.

  • VFS Global Service Fee: There is typically an additional service fee charged by VFS Global, which is collected in ETB.

  • Single-Entry Only: As per recent updates related to Ethiopia, only single-entry visas can be granted to Ethiopian citizens.

  • Verification: Always cross-reference the required documents on the official France-Visas website's document list, as requirements can change.

Disclaimer: The information above is based on publicly available data and is intended as a guide. Visa requirements and regulations are subject to change by the French Embassy. Applicants must consult the official France-Visas and VFS Global websites for the most current and accurate list of requirements before submitting their application.

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