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Country Guide > Europe > France | |
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Passport/Visa
Note France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area, see the introductory section, How to Use this Guide. Passports Passport valid for three months beyond length of stay required by all, except: 1. nationals of EU countries, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland holding valid national ID cards. Note: Nationals of Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands may seek employment in France on the basis of submitted national identity cards. Visas Required by all except the following for a period not exceeding three months: (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart and under passport exemptions above; (b) nationals of Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR; blue passport holders only), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Dem Rep), Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela; (c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. The following nationals always require an airport transit visa when not leaving the airport, unless they are permanent residents in the UK, EU, Andorra, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or the USA: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo (Rep), Côte D'Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and holders of Palestinian refugee travel documents issued by the Egyptian, Lebanese or Syrian authorities. Note (a) Pupils travelling on a school trip may also be exempt from visa regulations if their names are entered on a 'List of Travellers' obtainable from the British Council (tel: (0161) 957 7755), for those resident in the UK. (b) Nationals of Bermuda, although visa-exempt when entering France, may still require visas to enter other Schengen countries. (c) Visa-exempt nationals may still be required to produce proofs of financial means of support, hotel bookings or a return ticket to country of residence, either at borders of entry or within the Schengen area. Types of visa and cost A uniform Schengen visa, is issued for Short-stay visits (tourist, business and students), Airport transit, Transit and Long-validity (circulation) visits. Visa application fees must be paid at the time of application. No visa application fee can be refunded, whatever the result of the application. All Schengen visa applications are now charged at ¬35, irrespective of the duration of stay requested (except for long-stay visas: stays over 90 days). The fee remains payable in Pounds Sterling only, approximately £22-26. Cost of Visa Conversion Table
Note (a) Prices change with the prevalent exchange rate, so visitors are advised to check the exact price before travelling. Payment is by cash or by credit/debit card (excluding American Express and Diners), and in Pounds Sterling only. (b) Spouses and children of EU nationals can obtain a visa free of charge on presentation of relevant documentation. Validity Short-stay visas are valid for a maximum of six months from date of issue for single or multiple entries of maximum 90 days in total. Transit visas are valid for single or double entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time. Application to All persons wishing to apply must make an appointment by telephone before attending and submitting their documents in person at the consulate. An automated telephone appointment booking service is available; see Contact Addresses section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination). Application requirements (a) Passport valid for at least three months longer than validity of the visa with blank pages to affix visa stamp. If British, the British Residence Permit must exceed the validity of the requested visa by more than three months. An exception will be made (one month) for those returning permanently to their country on presentation of travel tickets. (b) One completed application form. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (eg a recent bank statement of less than one month or traveller's cheques; a minimum of £40 per day spent in France is required). (e) Proof of occupation with letter from employer, accountant, school or university (less than three months old), or last three payslips. If self-employed, submit up-to-date letter from solicitor/accountant/bank manager/local Chamber of Commerce; if student, submit up-to-date letter from educational institution (less than three months old), stating course, type of studies and attendance record; if inactive and married, submit letter from spouse's employer, spouse's valid passport and marriage certificate. (f) Return ticket to country of residence, and visa for next destination if required, or confirmed booking from travel agent. (g) Evidence of hotel reservations, a certificate of board and lodging to be obtained by your French host from the local town hall, means of support or proof of official invitation from host or company. (h) Evidence of medical insurance (including repatriation and covering the duration of the requested visa). (i) Fee; payable by cash or credit/debit card. If applying by post, fee may be paid in credit cards or postal orders only. (j) For business travellers: a letter of invitation from a French company. (k) For student trips: a letter from school stating dates of trip, address in France and name of persons responsible for student. Note (a) Postal applications are only acceptable for certain nationals; consult the Consulate (or website: www.frenchembassy.org.uk) for further information. (b) Each document must be presented with one photocopy. (c) Minors under 18 must present original full birth certificate, stating both parents' names with official translation if not in French or English, plus parents' original passports or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad. If travelling alone or with only one parent, nationals will need to submit a completed and signed application form granting parental authorisation, and appointing the person responsible for the minor's welfare. This letter must be duly authenticated by a solicitor or Commissioner of Oaths, or by a Consular Officer of the applicant's nationality. In cases of adoption/fostering, contact the Embassy for further advice. Working days required 24 hours to several weeks, depending on nationality. Six to eight weeks for group visas. Temporary residence A Work Permit may have to be obtained in France. For full details, contact the long stay visa section of the Consulate General; see Contact Addresses section. |