France Visa
Schengen short stay C / long stay D
Visa overview
France is one of the most requested destinations for tourism, study and family visits. Applications go through the France-Visas platform, followed by an appointment at a CAPAGO centre (the accredited centre for French visa applications from Algeria). A short-stay visa allows 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, while student files go through the Campus France procedure.
Required documents
- Signed visa application form
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond return, with two blank pages
- Two recent photos on white background (35×45 mm)
- Return flight reservation and confirmed accommodation
- Travel insurance with €30,000 cover valid in all Schengen states
- Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months
- Proof of occupation: work certificate, trade register or school certificate
- Birth certificate and proof of residence
RMDS Visa Operational Checklist
Select the visa type and the applicant's professional status.
Required documents
- Last 3 payslips (or the number required by the centre or consulate of the destination)
- Work certificate
- Leave authorisation or leave certificate
- CNAS (employee social security)
- Bank statements — last 6 months
- Foreign-currency (EUR) balance certificate
- Family record (fiche familiale) or birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Completed and signed application form
- Compliant visa photographs
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Transport reservation / itinerary
- Any destination-specific supporting documents
- RMDS recommendation: prepare Schengen file documents in French, or translated into French where applicable.
This is an RMDS Visa in-house preparation list, not an official list. The embassy, consulate or visa centre may request additional or different documents depending on the applicant's situation and the rules in force at the time of filing.
Visa application centre in Algeria
Capago
French visa applications from Algeria are lodged at Capago centres after creating the application on the official France-Visas portal.
Available centres
- Algiers
- Oran
- Constantine
- Annaba
Official & embassy links
Official authorities and accredited application centres for this destination.
Important notes
- Apply between 15 days and 6 months before travel.
- Personal attendance is mandatory for first biometrics or after 59 months.
- Visa fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.
- Any falsified document leads to a Schengen entry ban.
Frequently asked questions
Does a French visa allow visiting other Schengen countries?
Yes, if the visa is uniform and not territorially limited, entering with France as your main destination.
Can you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision belongs solely to the consulate. Our role is to help you prepare an organized, complete application based on the requirements published by the competent authorities.
What happens if I am refused?
We analyse the stated grounds for refusal with you and prepare either an appeal or a new file addressing the weak points.
How long does file preparation take?
5 to 10 days depending on how complete your documents are.