France is part of the Schengen area: EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, UK passport holders, and nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most Gulf states can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Nationals of India, China, Turkey and most African and South Asian countries need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa — EUR 90 for adults, normally issued within 15 calendar days — obtained from a French consulate or an authorised centre such as TLScontact or VFS Global before departure. Students planning to enrol in France should instead use the Type D long-stay student visa (EUR 50) via the Campus France procedure. Carry your passport at all times; entry to the fair itself is free with online registration through L'Etudiant.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply at a French consulate or an authorised centre such as TLScontact or VFS Global in your country of residence; biometrics are collected in person. The reduced EUR 50 student fee applies to the long-stay student visa; complete the Campus France file before booking the consulate appointment.
Official
