Maldives

Applications are submitted by appointment only via the VFS platform : https://visa.vfsglobal.com/mdv/fr/fra.

Applicants are advised to consult the appointment calendar for the current year and to submit their application at least two months before the intended date of departure.

On the day of your appointment, please remember to bring:

• Your valid passport
• Your appointment confirmation letter (printed)
• The application file containing all required documents, arranged in the order of the document checklist
• Means of payment for visa fees and VFS service fees

All visas issued by France are biometric visas.

Any visa applicant over the age of twelve (12) is required to appear in person when submitting their first application. The following biometric identifiers are collected: a photograph (scanned or taken at the time of application) and ten (10) fingerprints, digitally recorded.

Biometric data may be reused if a previous biometric Schengen visa was issued less than fifty‑nine (59) months ago. In such cases, the application may be submitted by a third party holding a signed authorisation letter from the applicant.

Children under the age of twelve (12) are exempt from biometric data collection. Their application must be submitted by one of the parents or the legal guardian. The child's photograph, compliant with ICAO standards, will be scanned.

Only visa applicants are authorised to enter the Embassy. No accompanying persons are allowed unless prior written authorisation has been granted by email.

All persons entering the Embassy are subject to security checks.

For security reasons, the following items are strictly prohibited inside the Embassy premises:

• Any battery-powered or electronic devices (cameras, video cameras, laptops, tablets, audio devices, etc.)
• Any bags, except a plastic folder containing the visa application documents and a small handbag
• Any sealed packages or envelopes
• Flammable items such as lighters or matches
• Sharp objects such as knives or scissors
• Weapons or explosive materials

This list is not exhaustive. Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of the security service.

The VFS Centre does not provide a storage facility for prohibited items. Applicants must therefore make the necessary arrangements before arriving at the Centre.

Passports may only be collected by the visa applicant.

A representative may collect the passport on behalf of the applicant provided that the following documents are presented:

• The receipt
• A copy of the applicant's identity card or passport
• The original and a copy of the representative's own identity document
• A signed authorisation letter from the applicant stating the full name and identity number of the authorised representative

Family members of an EU / Swiss national

You are considered a family member if you are:

• The spouse
• A direct descendant under the age of twenty‑one (21) or dependent
• A dependent direct ascendant
• A dependent direct ascendant or descendant of the spouse of a national of Switzerland, a Member State of the European Union, or the European Economic Area

Family members benefit from an exemption from visa fees.

Countries represented by the Embassy of France in Colombo

In Maldives, France represents the following countries:

• Monaco: Schengen visas and long‑stay visas.
• Portugal: Schengen visas (tourism, private and family visits, professional visits). For long‑stay visas, applicants are invited to contact the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi.

Groups

Travel agencies or visa applicants wishing to benefit from a group appointment (minimum 10 persons) may submit a request directly to VFS. An email must be sent 30 days before the intended date of departure to this address attaching the list of passengers (full name and passport number).

In case of issues related to your visa application project, VFS is available to assist you :

• By phone : +960 400-0341 (Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• By email : info.francesl@vfshelpline.com.