Short stay visa (Schengen visa) for medical reasons:
To receive medical treatment in France, it may be necessary (depending on your nationality) to obtain a short stay visa for medical reasons.
Who must obtain a visa?
A visa is not required for European Union citizens.
The European Union has also waived the visa requirement for citizens of certain countries (such asthe United States and the United Arab Emirates) if the length of stay(s) does not exceed 90 days in a 180-day period.
Other nationalities are however subject to short-stay visas, for example : Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, China, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Gabon, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Niger, Russia, Senegal and Tunisia.
How do you obtain a visa?
Visa requests must be made to the competent French consulate in the visitor’s home country.
How long does the process take?
A response to a visa request is usually made within two to ten days. In the event of a proven medical
emergency, the competent French consulate can expedite processing.
Is this visa different than a tourist visa?
Like a tourist visa, a visa for medical reasons is a short term visa (also known as a Schengen Visa) which is valid for 90 days over a 180-day period. It can take into account the patient’s specific situation, and therefore a tourist visa cannot serve as a substitute.
What documents must be submitted with the request?
You will need to submit all basic documentation required for any short stay visa as well as specific documentation pertaining to your medical situation, which will be handled with absolute
confidentiality.
The following basic documentation is required for all short stay visas:
★ Proof of accommodation in France ;
★ Proof of travel and repatriation insurance ;
★ Proof of sufficient personal finances to cover daily expenses while in France (payslips, bank statements, etc.) ;
★ If applicable, documentation for minors (birth certificate, parental authorization if the minor is traveling without his or her parents).
Other documentation specific to your situation may be requested, such as:
★ Written confirmation from the French healthcare facility that it will be admitting the patient, with the dates and duration of the planned hospital stay and an estimate of the cost of care;
★ A letter from a credible and trustworthy health insurance organization (in the event of a reciprocal social security agreement between the home country and France: prior approval by the health insurance company in the home country to cover the cost of care) or proof that medical fees have been paid for in advance;
★ If applicable, proof of registration on the national organ and cornea transplant list provided by the medical/surgical team that will be performing the transplant.
Is it mandatory to appear in person at the consulate to make the request?
Yes, unless the traveller’s health prevents doing so.
What procedure should be followed for those accompanying the patient on the trip?
In addition to the documentation required for a Schengen Visa, specific documentation may be requested, including:
★ Proof of a family relationship with the patient, or if no family ties exist, a letter from the visa applicant justifying the reason for coming ;
★ Proof that costs related to the applicant will be covered by the organization covering the patient’s medical costs.
It is possible to extend the visa?
An extension may be accorded on a case-by-case basis in the event that the patient’s condition requires it. A certificate of health from the healthcare facility or the attending physician must be provided. All administrative procedures must be handled at the competent prefecture in France.
For more information, contact the French Consulate.