How to Apply for a France Tourist Visa in Qatar

Europe has always been a popular place to visit for many of us. France, in particular, is appealing because of its culture and famous landmarks.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa in Qatar

If you’re in Qatar and want to visit France, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa. This visa also lets you travel to other nearby countries that have the same visa agreement. You can stay and enjoy your trip for up to three months.

Eiffel Tower

Visa Application for Filipinos

The Schengen visa is your ticket to entering France for a short visit. As holder of a Philippine passport, you will need to apply for this visa. 

Requirements

To initiate your application process, you will need to gather the following documents:

  • Valid passport: Should have at least two blank pages left when applying for a short stay visa. Make sure to scan all visa pages to demonstrate your travel history.
  • Passport photo: Provide a recent photograph that meets the specified requirements.
  • Qatar ID: Include a copy of your Qatar ID for identification purposes
  • Proof of accommodation: Present evidence of a hotel reservation or any other valid forms of accommodation during your stay.
  • Proposed travel arrangements: Provide documentation confirming your organized trip or itinerary
  • Proof of return ticket reservation: Include a reservation confirmation of your return ticket.
  • Employer’s letter: Obtain a letter from your employer that includes details such as your salary, job position, contract start date, contract duration, and confirmation of your planned return date to Qatar.
  • Proof of financial means: Submit supporting documents such as bank statements or payslips to demonstrate your financial capability. If you choose to present bank statements, ensure that they display your name and at least three months’ worth of salary transfers. Remember that these documents should be in English
  • Travel health insurance: Obtain valid travel health insurance coverage for the duration of your trip.

Note: You can also refer to the Visa Wizard page of the French Embassy website to know more

Procedures

Applicants need to visit CAPAGO MENA to submit their documents. The French Embassy approves or rejects the application.

Step 1: Visit the France-Visa portal to check if you need a visa. Use the visa wizard for requirements, fees, and documents. If you’ve been to another Schengen country in the last 6 months, use the online calculator for your stay duration.

Step 2: Go to the France-Visas page, fill the visa application form, and prepare the required documents. Refer to the online tutorial if you need help. Create an online account to save your form. Then, book your appointment.

Step 3: Request an appointment at CAPAGO MENA. You have up to 3 months for a short-stay visa application.

Step 4: Submit your form, documents, photo, and fingerprints on the appointment day. If you provided biometrics in the last 5 years, no need to appear in person. Pay the visa processing fee.

Step 5: Track your application using your account. Processing takes about 15 days. Collect your passport at the center or receive it by mail in some cases.

Fees

The current visa fee is QR 317 or 80 euros.

Note: 

Please note that the above information represents the current visa fees. When it is time for you to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy for any potential changes or updates regarding the fees. 

Getting to France from Qatar

The average flight time from Qatar to France is approximately 7 hours. Several airlines that operate flights to France include Qatar Airways, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines. According to a travel website, the lowest-priced flight available starts from QAR 1031. The most popular destinations within the country are Paris, Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse.

Guide for Tourists

To make your trip more memorable, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the local culture before embarking on your journey.

Do’s

Learn basic French

It is helpful to learn basic French words and phrases as some locals may not speak English. Here are a few phrases to get you started:

  • Bonjour – hello
  • Merci – thank you
  • Oui – yes
  • Au revoir – please
  • Je ne parie pas francais – I don’t speak French
  • En anglais, s’il vous plaît – In English, please?

Understanding the proper way of greeting

In France, it is common for friends to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. When bidding farewell, they often exchange kisses on both cheeks. However, when meeting strangers, it is more appropriate to simply shake hands. 

Bringing a gift for the host

When you receive an invitation to a dinner or party, it is customary to express gratitude by bringing a gift or a small token of appreciation for the host. The most recommended gifts are wine or bouquets of flowers. When accepting the invitation, ensure that you dress appropriately and arrive punctually.

Don’ts 

  • Avoid speaking in English right away when engaging with locals. It is best to initiate the conversation with some basic French phrases. However, if you find yourself struggling with French, they may respond in limited English.
  • Avoid complaining about slow service. In many restaurants and cafes, you may notice that the service is not as fast-paced as you may be accustomed to. This is because locals value socializing and taking their time. As a guest in their country, embrace the opportunity to savor the food and immerse yourself in the culture. 

 Recommended Places to Visit

While France is widely recognized for the iconic Eiffel Tower, this European country offers much more than just a mandatory photo opportunity. It boasts a rich history evident in its ancient structures, vibrant festivities, and delectable cuisine.

If you’re still in the process of planning your itinerary, here are some highly recommended places to visit once you obtain your Schengen visa:

Paris

The capital city of the country, Paris, is famous for its Eiffel Tower and the impressive Arc de Triomphe. Art lovers can explore the renowned Louvre museum. The streets of Paris are filled with jazz clubs, stylish shops, and beautiful artwork. Don’t miss the chance to visit the happiest place on Earth, which also has a park in Paris.

Champagne

Located to the east of the capital, Champagne is where the popular fizzy drink originated. You can take tours of the vineyards and enjoy tasting their products. This region is also home to the Gothic Cathedrale Notre Dame, which you may recognize from the famous novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Normandy

Though a bit far from the capital, Normandy is worth a visit for its breathtaking beaches and views of the English Channel. You can also appreciate the charming rural architecture and gardens in the area.

Foods that Originated from France

While the popular snack known as French fries carries the country’s name, it surprisingly did not originate there. However, there are other delightful foods that have their roots in France and are worth exploring:

Croissant

A delectable pastry in the shape of a crescent. It is a common breakfast treat. Nowadays, you can find frozen croissants in stores, which eliminates the need for baking them from scratch.

Crepes

Thin and delicate, crepes resemble thin pancakes and can be filled with either sweet or savory fillings. They are versatile and make for a delightful snack or dessert.

Baguette

A long and slender French bread that is a staple in most French meals. It is often used to make sandwiches or enjoyed on its own. Some even enjoy dipping it in their coffee or hot chocolate for a unique culinary experience.

France has a rich culinary history, and these are just a few examples of the mouth watering delicacies that originated from this gastronomic powerhouse. Exploring the diverse flavors and tastes of French cuisine is a delightful experience for food enthusiasts.

Embassy of France Address and Contact Details

  • Address: West Bay Diplomatic Area, PO Box 2669, Doha
  • Phone number +974 440 21 777
  • Website: qa.ambafrance.org
  • Email address: contact@ambfrance-qa.org

Map of the Embassy of France

Video 

In a YouTube video by JASTravel, the process of applying for a tourist visa to France for Filipinos is discussed. The video offers valuable insights, including a comprehensive list of requirements that need to be prepared. Of utmost importance, the YouTuber emphasizes that during the visa application process, your passport cannot be used for travel to other destinations.

You can watch the full video here:

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the vlogger shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the vlogger by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long can I get my visa?

The processing time for a visa typically ranges from 15 to 60 days. During this period, your passport will remain with the embassy for the entire duration of the process.

  • Can I extend my stay in France as a tourist?

Although a Schengen visa permits a stay of up to three months in France, it is possible to apply for an extension if needed. To do so, you would need to visit a local Prefecture in the country and apply for a residence permit. This will enable you to prolong your stay beyond the initial three-month period.

Summary

For Philippine passport holders planning to visit France, obtaining a Schengen visa is essential. To initiate your application, ensure you have the following documents ready: your passport, photo, Qatar ID, bank statement, itinerary, hotel and flight reservation, and travel insurance. Additionally, you will need to create an account on the France-Visa platform and schedule an appointment with the embassy.

The processing time for your visa application typically ranges from 15 to 60 days. Once approved, the visa allows you to stay in France for a maximum period of three months. It’s worth noting that the Schengen visa also grants you the opportunity to explore other neighboring countries during your visit.

READ NEXT: How to Register for OFW Pass in DMW Mobile App