This information provided applies only to Permanent Residents in Canada

Procedure

Check first the list of countries whose citizens do not need a short stay visa to go to a French Overseas Department (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion, and French-Guyana).
If your nationality does not appear on above mentioned exempt list and you wish to visit a French Overseas Department, you need to apply for a short stay visa before departure.
This visa does not allow you to stay more than 90 days per period of 6 months in a French Overseas Department.
It is not valid to enter the Schengen region nor Metropolitan France unless you specify a need to also visit Metropolitan France and the Schengen countries in the same trip.
Explain your plans to the visa section by fax or email.

Documents required

1) The following documents must be submitted in original only :

One short stay visa application. The form must be neatly and completely filled out and duly signed; it must bear a recent original identity picture cut to the size indicated on the form and glued to it. You can use pictures done at an automatic machine as long as they are sharp and clear.

Your original passport. It must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the planned journey. Make sure you have signed it.

Your original Permanent Resident Card.

1 recent color photo, format 35mm x 45mm, with a clear plain background. The height must be between 31.5mm and 36mm from chin to crown. The person’s head must be full front view centered in the middle of the photograph. Photos with hat, caps, sunglasses, etc. will not be accepted nor digitized photos. This photo will be scanned in the visa.

2) The following documents must be presented, in original plus one photocopy of each per applicant.

Please note that the photocopies as well as the originals are mandatory. If they are missing, the file will be considered incomplete and therefore cannot be processed. If you applied by mail, the package will be returned by courier service at your own expense. If for a special reason you don't have the original, submit two photocopies of the copy you have.
All originals will be returned to you once the application is processed. You must take them on the trip for immigration authorities and also in case police require to see them. These documents will prove your legal status in the French Overseas Department.

• Supporting documents concerning the purpose of your travel :

For business travelers: a letter from your company stating the reasons for sending you abroad and also a letter of invitation from the company you are going to visit in F.O.D in addition to the detailed round-trip reservation itinerary

For tourists: a detailed round-trip flight reservation itinerary and/or proof of an organized tour issued by your travel agent

Others: a letter explaining the purpose of your visit

• Supporting documents concerning accommodation during your trip :

Reservations in a hotel or a similar establishment (faxed confirmation to the applicant stating the hotel's name, address and telephone number)

Or a Youth Hostel card

If the applicant declares he/she will be housed by a private individual or by a company, a proof of accommodation ("attestation d'accueil") must be obtained by the person offering lodging, sent to you in original then submitted with your visa application. It can be obtained free of charge from the city hall ("mairie") or police station ("préfecture") nearest his/her place of residence in the F.O.D. Faxed or e-mailed letters of invitation do not replace this document neither does it replace proof of financial resources.

• Supporting documents concerning international medical insurance :

Excess emergency medical insurance (or proof of full international medical coverage) for the French Overseas Department. It can be purchased at any travel agency. Write the policy number in section 36 of the visa application form and submit the policy brochure (original only, no need to photocopy) and the receipt (photocopy) issued by the travel agency with your application.
If your company provides you with this insurance, make sure to submit photocopy of the card with your name and policy number on it as well as the brochure with the terms, conditions and exclusions of the insurance.

 

• Supporting documents concerning financial resources:

A letter from your bank (certificate of balance) stating that you have a minimum of $70.OO CAN ($35 if you have a Proof of Lodging certificate) per day of stay in F.O.D. Your full name and account number must appear on it. Bank books and monthly bank statements do not replace the certificate of balance letter from the bank.

Or Traveler's cheques, which are also acceptable proof as long as you bring the original purchase receipts.

An international credit card (when applying by mail, send a photocopy and write the name of the card and the expiration date in section 36 of the application form)

• Additional documents:

A letter from your employer stating your seniority, the dates you are allowed to take leave and the date you are due back to work. Include the two latest salary statements.

If you are self-employed, include your business license and documents related to it bearing your name.

If you are a student, include a letter from your school and/or a copy of your student card.

 

Fees

Click here for fees and instructions for payment .

Time process

Delay Time process for a tourist visa depends on your nationality, even if you are a landed immigrant in Canada. It usually takes between 2 and 6 working days. For some nationalities it can take up to 15 working days. Applications cannot be submitted earlier than 3 months prior to departure.

If you have questions after reading this information, address them directly to the visa department either by fax (at 604 681 4287) or by e-mail: visas@consulfrance-vancouver.org