Any foreigner going to France, whether they require a short stay visa or not, should be able to present to the immigration officer and/or the police if required, in addition to a valid passport, the following documents :

Proof of the reason of the trip:

• for tourism : a hotel reservation or proof of an organized tour.

• for business trips: a letter from the employer stating the reason of the trip to France and/or a letter of invitation from a business contact in France (company, institution, or individual).

• private visits: lodging certificate (proof of accommodation) from the host in France, issued by the city hall and stamped by the French consulate. This document might not be available in the French overseas departments and territories. Provide a letter from your host or hotel reservations instead. A valid youth hostel card is also accepted.

Proof of financial resources: cash, traveler checks, and/or valid international credit card.

Proof of repatriation: round-trip ticket or sufficient financial means to buy a return ticket - Entry visa to the country where you are staying temporarily or to your final country of destination.

The consulate general also recommends the travelers to be provided with documents proving the date they entered France: flight ticket, train ticket, or stamp on the passport by the immigration officer at the border.