Schengen

I agree with galloper48, that the public forum can be misleading, please always check with the embassy. All I can say is that , the french emabssy issued a visa for me when I visited portugal ( some time ago), as they were designated to issue it, regardless if I was visiting france first. Insurance is required for the period of stay, you can get it at most travel agencies, or if you company provides it, and it covers europe, a copy of that is sufficient. Indian nationals generally get it within 2-3 working days, ALL passports are necessary for issuance, so your son must be here in the country.

we are going for a short holiday, 3days in france,around 10 days in lisbon. The problem is my son is studying in india and will only come around 1st june,hence i cannot apply before that

What is the purpose of your visit? Do you have any invitation in this regard. French Embassy will ask for an invitation from a French Company or Organization if you are applying Schengen visa.

Please also do a search since the topic SCHENGEN visa has had several discussions in the past in QL.

Check this one for example

http://www.qatarliving.com/node/17936

Regards!!

Hello, the presence of your son is needed. You need not to apply to the Portugal Embassy if you are landing in France.

takes 7 to 10days

better apply now because later it will be crowded

fill the forms get travel insurance along and get appointment on their website.

Dear, the public forumc could be "misleading" in some issues and "really helpful" in others.

In this case I would suggest you to contact the french embassy

http://www.ambafrance-qa.org/france_qatar/spip.php?rubrique2

http://www.ambafrance-qa.org/france_qatar/spip.php?article405

And ask them for proper information on : procedures, paperwork, restrictions, conditions, timmings and fees.

I'm sure it will be helpful

Regards!!