Family members of an European Union citizen (excepting French national)
Married spouses and children under the age of 21 or dependant of EU nationals are exempted from obtaining a Schengen visa to travel to France if they hold:
a valid passport;
a valid UK residence permit - issued by the Home Office - with the endorsement "family member of EEA national" (art 10 of the European council/parliament directive 2004/38 ce);
and if they are joining or travelling with the EU national.
However if they do not satisfy the above conditions, they need to apply for a visa to travel to France (for instance if their UK residency does not state those exact words/ the EU National is not going to France with them).
Caution:
This exemption does not apply to parents or unmarried/ civil partners;
Family members of French Nationals are not included in this legislation and still require visas to travel to France.
If you do not satisfy the set conditions, see below to apply:
You may either book an appointment :
Or you may be eligible to apply via the postal department
Be advised that if you are unable to provide the requested documents to obtain a visa as the spouse of an EU citizen, you will need to lodge an application for a short stay Schengen visa, i.e. pay the visa administrative fees and produce all requested supporting documents.
Original documents requested and photocopies:
Caution : failing to produce the supporting documents and/or their copies will most probably lead to the visa being refused.
The French Consulate insists on photocopies of the documents, including both passports, to be included with the application.
Please print this questionnaire, complete it and join it to your visa application.
>>> As the Spouse of an European Union Citizen:
1. A national passport or official travel document valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with at least 2 blank visa pages.
A copy of your passport (data pages) and of your resident permit are required and must be joigned to the file. Failing to do so will present a high risk of refusal.
2. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for applicants under the age of 18).
3. 2 photographs. Please read photo guidance document
4. Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
Either a self-addressed pre-paid special delivery envelope for the return of your passport - highly recommended as it is quicker,
or a 1st class stamped self-addressed envelope to be informed of your second appointment.
5. Your spouse’s European Union passport.
6. Your original civil Marriage Certificate with official translation if not in French or English.
This official translation must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy/ Consulate of the country where your marriage was celebrated.
7. If your Marriage Certificate has been issued outside the European Union, it must be stamped by the Foreign Office of the issuing country, or its Embassy in the UK.
>>> As the Dependent Child (under the age of 21) of an European Union Citizen:
1. A full national passport or official travel document valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with a blank visa page to affix the visa sticker. Your British residency must be stamped onto the passport.
2. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for children under the age of 18).
3. 2 photographs. Please read photo guidance document
4. Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
Either a self-addressed pre-paid special delivery envelope for the return of your passport - highly recommended as it is quicker,
or a 1st class stamped self-addressed envelope to be informed of your second appointment.
5. The parent’s European Union valid passport.
6. The child’s original full Birth Certificate (stating both parents’ names) with official translation if not in French or English. This official translation must be certified as a true copy by your Embassy/ Consulate or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in GB.
7. If the child, under the age of 18, is travelling to France without his parents or with one parent, a parental authorisation to travel is requested. This letter should be completed and signed by both parents or legal guardian, clearly allowing the child to travel to France and appointing the person who will be responsible for him. This letter should be duly authenticated by a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths, or by a Consular Officer of the applicants’ nationality. Both parents’ valid passports should be enclosed with the application, or a certified photocopy if the parents are residing abroad.
>>> As the Dependent Child (over the age of 21) of an European Union Citizen:
1. A full national passport or official travel document valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with a blank visa page to affix the visa sticker. Your British residency must be stamped onto the passport.
2. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for children under the age of 18).
3. 2 photographs. Please read photo guidance document
4. Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
Either a self-addressed pre-paid special delivery envelope for the return of your passport - highly recommended as it is quicker,
or a 1st class stamped self-addressed envelope to be informed of your second appointment.
5. The parent’s European Union valid passport.
6. The child’s original full Birth Certificate (stating both parents’ names) with official translation if not in French or English. This official translation must be certified as a true copy by your Embassy/ Consulate or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in GB.
7. A sworn statement from your parent stating that you are his/ her dependant or a document to that effect from your Embassy.
>>> As an Adopted Child:
The French Consulate is unable to issue a visa to children whose adoption has not been completed in the UK.
>>> As the Dependent Parent of a European Union Citizen:
1. A national passport or official travel document valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with a visa blank page to affix the visa sticker. Your British residency must be stamped onto the passport.
2. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant .
3. 2 photographs. Please read photo guidance document
4. Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
Either a self-addressed pre-paid special delivery envelope for the return of your passport - highly recommended as it is quicker,
or a 1st class stamped self-addressed envelope to be informed of your second appointment.
5. The child’s valid European passport.
6. Document from the competent registry office proving your relation ship (ie birth certifcate or court declaration).
7. A sworn statement from your child stating that you are his/ her dependant or a document to that effect from your Embassy.
8. Travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation. It must cover the duration of the requested visa.
9. Discharge form duly completed and signed by the applicant
>>> Should you wish to settle in France: Family members of EU nationals must lodge an application for a short stay Schengen visa then contact the prefecture to finalise the formalities.
Ensure that all documents requested are provided.
If deemed necessary, additional documents may be requested.
Incomplete applications will not be dealt with: applicants will need to book another appointment to provide the lacking documents.