Extensive Guide for Apply French Schengen Visa from Cambodia

Planning a trip to France from Cambodia involves more than securing your flights and accommodation it begins with obtaining the correct visa. As one of the world’s most visited destinations, France welcomes millions of travelers each year for leisure, business, cultural programs, or family visits. Whether you are dreaming of strolling along the Seine, attending a trade fair in Paris, or reconnecting with relatives in the French provinces, the journey starts with a well-prepared Schengen visa application.

Because France does not process short-stay visa applications directly through its Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodian residents must submit their files through TLScontact, the Embassy’s official external service partner. Understanding the precise steps along with the required documents—is essential for avoiding delays and ensuring your plans remain on schedule.

This comprehensive guide has been created especially for travelers using our booking platform. It provides a clear overview of the French Schengen visa procedure, practical recommendations, and a meticulously organized document checklist. With proper preparation and accurate information, you can approach your visa application with confidence and focus on planning the rest of your journey.

In recent months, the French visa authorities have recorded a noticeable rise in short-stay visa requests originating from Cambodian nationals. This upward movement aligns with wider global mobility patterns observed across multiple regions, including Central Asia, East Africa, and several countries such as Djibouti, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Bolivia, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Russia.

France’s enduring cultural, educational, and economic significance continues to attract a broad spectrum of Cambodian travelers ranging from tourists and students to business visitors and individuals wishing to reconnect with family members. As the volume of applications increases, so does the importance of clear, accurate, and country-specific guidance to help applicants in Cambodia navigate the French Schengen visa procedure with confidence and precision

Applying for a French Schengen Visa From Cambodia

Understanding the French Schengen Visa

The French Schengen Visa (Type C) authorizes Cambodian nationals to travel within France and all Schengen member states for stays not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. This visa is suitable for a wide range of purposes, including tourism, business engagements, short courses, private visits, and participation in international events or conferences.

Applicants should apply for a French visa only if France is their primary destination or the country where they will spend most of their planned trip. This helps avoid complications arising from incorrect filing of applications under the Schengen rules on the “main destination principle.”

Where Cambodian Residents Must Apply

Cambodian citizens cannot submit a French visa application directly at the Embassy. Instead, all short-stay visa requests must be filed exclusively through TLScontact Phnom Penh, which manages appointment booking, verification of documents, fee collection, and biometric enrollment. TLScontact then forwards the application to the Embassy of France for examination and decision.

This centralized model ensures that every application follows a standardized format. However, it also requires applicants to be meticulous in preparing documents exactly as stipulated by France-Visas and TLScontact guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to the French Schengen Visa Application Process

Step 1: Register on the France-Visas Portal

The first stage begins on the official France-Visas website. Applicants must create an account, select the purpose of their trip, and complete the online form. It is essential that all passport details match exactly to avoid discrepancies that may delay processing. Once the online stage is completed, the system generates a personalized checklist along with a receipt confirming that the application has been created.

Step 2: Print and Sign the Required Forms

After successfully completing the online process, you must download and print the visa application form and the France-Visas receipt. Both documents must be signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, signatures must be provided by a parent or legal guardian. These signed documents must be presented on the day of your submission at TLScontact.

Step 3: Create a TLScontact Account and Secure an Appointment

Once your France-Visas profile is finalized, you will be redirected to the TLScontact platform. Here, you must create a separate account to book your appointment. Your chosen date and time will only be confirmed once you finalize the appointment request through your TLScontact dashboard. Applicants are advised to schedule their appointment early, particularly during busy travel seasons, when availability may be limited.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application File

Applicants should prepare their documents according to the personalized checklist generated by France-Visas. It is recommended to organize your file neatly and ensure that all photocopies, supporting documents, translations, and proofs are complete. Missing or outdated documents often lead to delays or even refusal of the application.

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment and Submit Your File

On the day of submission, applicants must arrive at TLScontact with their appointment confirmation, printed France-Visas documents, and the full set of supporting materials. During the appointment, biometric data fingerprints and a digital photo will be collected unless the applicant is exempt. Children under 12 years of age are not required to provide fingerprints but must still be present. Once the file is accepted, TLScontact forwards it to the Embassy for processing.

Step 6: Track Your Application

After submission, applicants may track the progress of their application through their France-visas account. Processing usually takes around 15 calendar days but may take longer when additional verification is required or during peak travel periods. Notifications regarding the status of the application will be sent via email or SMS.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once a decision has been made, applicants may pick up their passport directly at TLScontact or arrange for collection by an authorized representative. Courier services may be available depending on the applicant’s preference. It is strongly recommended to inspect the visa sticker immediately to verify accuracy in name spelling, validity dates, and the number of permitted entries. Any discrepancies must be reported without delay.

Document Checklist for French Schengen Visa From Cambodia

Below is a fully organized and easy-to-follow list of required documents. All items must be provided as originals accompanied by photocopies. Any document not issued in English or French must be submitted together with a certified translation.

Application and Identification Documents

Completed and signed France-Visas application form
Printed France-Visas receipt
Valid Cambodian passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 months’ validity after departure and two blank pages
Photocopies of all passport pages, including blank pages
Previous passports, if available
Two recent passport-sized photographs (EU specifications)

Civil Status Documents

Cambodian National ID card
Birth certificate (mandatory for minors)
Marriage certificate, divorce judgment, or spouse’s death certificate, if applicable

Proof of Travel Arrangements

Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area
Proof of accommodation for the entire stay, which may include:
- Hotel reservation
- Invitation letter from a host in France with a copy of their ID or residence permit and proof of address

Travel Health Insurance

Policy covering at least €30,000, valid for the Schengen Area
Coverage must include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
Policy must clearly display the applicant’s name

Proof of Financial Means

Applicants must provide evidence demonstrating the ability to cover expenses during their stay.

Acceptable forms include:

Bank statements for the last three months, printed and stamped
Documents demonstrating income according to your occupation

For employees:

Employer letter confirming job position, salary, and approved leave
Recent salary slips

For business owners or self-employed applicants:

Business registration certificate
Tax declarations
Company bank statements

For students:

Enrollment certificate from their educational institution
Letter confirming authorized absence

If financially supported by a sponsor:

Completed sponsorship declaration
Sponsor’s ID or residence permit
Sponsor’s financial documents, including bank statements or employment proof

Proof of Professional or Educational Status

Employment certificate, contract, or HR letter for employed applicants
Business documentation for entrepreneurs
Student enrollment certificate for academic applicants

Requirements for Minors

Birth certificate
Parental authorization signed before a competent authority
Copies of parents’ passports or national ID cards
If traveling with only one parent, signed consent from the non-traveling parent

Visa Fees

Visa fees are set in euros but payable in Cambodian riel according to the consulate’s daily exchange rate.

Applicants aged 12 and above: €90
Children aged 6–11: €45
Children under 6: free
Additional TLScontact service fees apply separately

Final Thoughts

Applying for a French Schengen visa from Cambodia requires careful preparation, strict adherence to France-Visas guidelines, and timely submission through TLScontact. With an organized approach and a complete document file, the process becomes significantly more efficient and predictable. As you finalize your travel plans and book your accommodation through our website, this guide ensures you are fully informed and ready to move forward confidently.