France visa requirements for Sierra Leoneans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Sierra Leoneans visiting France

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a French Visa.

  • A completed visa application form (Applicants must complete the right form i.e either the visa form for short stays or the other for long stays).
  • An original passport valid for at a minimum of 3 months and issued within the last 10 years.
  • Two passport-sized photos taken within the last three months and of size 45mm x 35mm.
  • Copies of the applicant's previous visas.
  • A valid travel medical insurance with a coverage of £30,000.
  • Proof of financial means to sustain self in France
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in France. 
  • Complete travel itinerary.
  • Certificate of criminal records.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit to France.
  • Proof of civil status in Sierra-Leone.  

France Visa for Sierra Leoneans

Facts about France

France is a country rich in art and culture. The art and culture on display is the top pick for tourists who visit this country. The world-famous Eiffel tower attracts millions of visitors year-in-year-out. The country’s wide range of wine and cuisines can be best enjoyed on the various Mediterranean beaches available.
 
France is the most popular tourist destination in the world as the country receives over 85.7 million foreign tourists yearly.


Tourists should try to avoid traveling during french school holidays as hotel rooms are usually overbooked and traffic is unbearable.

Types of France Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Visitor Visa 15 days As directed by the embassy.
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours

General Requirements for France Visa

  • A completed visa application form (Applicants must complete the right form i.e either the visa form for short stays or the other for long stays).
  • An original passport valid for at a minimum of 3 months and issued within the last 10 years.
  • Two passport-sized photos taken within the last three months and of size 45mm x 35mm.
  • Copies of the applicant's previous visas.
  • A valid travel medical insurance with a coverage of £30,000.
  • Proof of financial means to sustain self in France
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in France. 
  • Complete travel itinerary.
  • Certificate of criminal records.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit to France.
  • Proof of civil status in Sierra-Leone.  
France Tourist visa France Visitor Visa France Transit visa

France Short-Stay Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Schengen short-stay visa is issued to travelers who want to visit France for tourism, business, family visitation or any other short term purposes.
  • The applicant's reason for travel must be clearly stated on the visa stamped in the applicant's visa.
  • Application forms should be filled correctly and with all honesty.
  • You can also fill the France Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date.
  • When you submit your application, your fingerprints will be taken and these will remain valid for 5 years. 
  • Some applicants such as children under the age of 12 do not need to have their fingerprints taken.
  • Travelers on this visa are expected to have at least €14 to spend per day.
  • Applicants are expected to be physically present for submission of the signed application form to the appropriate embassy in Sierra Leone.
  • For accommodation, you can book hotels online.
  • There should be an invitation letter from the applicant's family or friends in France with their address and phone number in case the applicant would be hosted by them.
  • For business applicants, they are to submit an invitation letter from the French company they will be visiting and a detailed address accompanied by the dates of their visit.
  • A letter from your employer in Sierra Leone stating awareness and allowance of your business travel for the duration of your time in the country.
  • If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, proof of such events must be provided.
  • The employer or the partner company must state coverage of the applicant’s expenses for the duration of stay in France on the letter of invitation.
  • You are required to provide the original copies of all documents with clear double-sided photocopies at the embassy. You should not staple the documents together.

France Long-stay Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The National long-stay visa is issued to foreigners who intend to stay in France longer than 90 or 180 days for reasons such as work or study.
  • The purpose of the travel is always boldly stated on the traveler's visa e.g. a Sierra Leonean going to France for work will have their visa specified as a work visa.
  • The France work visa is issued to those who intend to work in the country. 
  • To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must have been employed by a company in France and meet all the France visa requirements.
  • You are to attach proof of your academic qualification such as grade’s transcription and certificates.
  • Applicants should also bring proof of their proficiency in speaking and writing French.
  • The applicant's employment contract which has been signed by the employer would be requested at the embassy.
  • A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to the Schengen country is also required.
  • Note that the embassy might request for more documents than the aforementioned.
  • There should be a signed note from the hiring company stating their intended sponsorship of the employed applicant. 
  • Students who have intentions to study in France are issued a long term student visa.  
  • Students applying to study in France must be over 18 years of age.
  • Note that you will be issued a short-stay visa for a training course not exceeding three months.
  • For a training course exceeding three or six months, you will be issued a temporary long-stay visa and a residence permit.
  • For training or a course exceeding six months, you will be issued a long-stay visa which is equivalent to a residence permit.
  • For the residence permit, applicants would be subject to further formalities on your arrival in France.
  • Foreigners on the temporary long-stay visa can take up part-time jobs in France.   
  • A certificate of recent scholarly achievement (if any) is required.
  • A certificate of bank balance is to be submitted.
  • Applicants need to pay for at least 2 terms of 10 weeks each for an academic year to get the certificate issued and sent of them by the University.

France Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The transit visa for France is referred to as the Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
  • An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required to be able to go through any Schengen state. 
  • The ATV type should be the multiple ATV that authorizes several transits through Schengen states.
  • The visa application form for the Schengen visa should be electronically filled after which the hard copy of the filled form should be printed.
  • Fingerprints are required for a Schengen Visa so the applicant has to be physically present at the embassy during the application.
  • A  passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the return date should be submitted alongside the duly completed visa application form.
  • There should be two copies of the passport photo page having the address of the applicant.
  • Two recently taken passport photos should also be attached.
  • Applicants are advised to ensure that they bring along all the required documents to the embassy as incomplete documentation could lead to a delay or visa denial.
  • On arrival at the country of transit, you are expected to remain in the international zone of the airport until you are connected to your final destination.

France Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Short-Stay visa

60.00 (EUR)

Visitor Visa

Long-stay Visa

99.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

France Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Sierra Leone

Location

Address

Freetwon

French Embassy Office. Pasdaran Boulevard Shakhid-Bakhram Street 1, Hous 2, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

franceinsierraleone@gmail.fr

(+232) (0) 66 210 1990 - 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in France?

Travelers are expected to have a monthly budget of €1,000-€2,500 to stay in France. The cost of living in France is relatively high so travelers are expected to be ready for the expenses.

Can I extend my long-stay French visa?

For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are expected to apply for a long-stay visa which will allow you to stay in France for up to a year. In order to stay beyond the validity of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit in the district of your residence.

Do I need to be fluent in French in order to study in France?

Most undergraduate studies are taught in French but the country offers a large selection of English-taught courses too. You are expected to have proficiency in either French or English. If you speak English well, it is advised that you learn the basics of French before your travel.

What are some fun places to visit in France?

Home to one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris, France is perhaps one of the best places to travel to in Europe. With such marvelous sights as the Eiffel Tower, the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral or the bustling city of Bordeaux with lots of historic sights, you are sure to experience some of the most scenic views in the world.

How can I get a study visa to study in france??