Frequently Asked Questions

Table of contents

Thank you for your interest in France! Before writing to us, please consider the following list of popular topics. You will hopefully find your answers within a minute! Select the appropriate link below:

Do I need a visa to go to France? How to apply for a Schengen visa? Who can confirm a visa appointment time?

Please consult the Consulate General section

to book an appointment;
to download an application form;
to determine whether or not you need a Schengen visa to travel to France ( go to ‘Do I need a visa?’);
to determine whether you need to apply for your visa in person - go to ‘Do I need a visa?’;
to obtain general information on the Schengen visa and other visas available from the French Consulate General;
to obtain information on application procedure, including opening hours, address, processing delay and supporting documents requested.

Many questions are answered on the FAQs page.

Is my British passport valid to go to France?

There is no necessary minimum validity on a British passport. Your may therefore travel to France and return to Britain as long as your passport is valid for the entire period of your stay in France.

For further information about passports, please contact the French Consulate in London:

CONSULAT GENERAL DE FRANCE A LONDRES
21 CROMWELL ROAD - LONDON SW7 2EN
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:45 to 12:00
Friday: 8:45 to 11:30
Phone: 0207 073 12 00
Fax: 0207 073 12 56

How can I find general and tourist information about France?

For that, you should check the website of the British antenna of the French tourism office:
http://uk.franceguide.com

You also can contact them directly at:

Maison de la France
French Government Tourist Office
178 Piccadilly - W1J 9AL
LONDON - UK
Tel : 09068 244 123 (premium line number)
Fax : (020) 7493 6594
E-mail : info.uk franceguide.com

How can I find a French Company in France or in the UK?

If you are looking for a French firm in the UK, please contact the French Trade Chamber in London:

Chambre de Commerce Française de Grande-Bretagne

Lincoln House
300 High Holborn
London WC1V 7JH
Tel: 020 7092 6600
www.ccfgb.co.uk

If you are looking for a firm in France, please contact the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce in Paris:

Chambre de Commerce Franco-Britannique
31 rue Boissy d’Anglas
75008 PARIS
www.francobritishchamber.com
Phone: 01 53 30 81 30
Fax: 01 53 30 81 35

What can I import to France? How do I do it?

If you wish to import personal goods to France, click here

If you wish to import animals to France, click here

If you wish to import plants to France, click here

If you wish to import medicine to France, click here

For any information about the French customs, please send an e-mail to the French Customs Information Service.

How can I find an address or a phone number in France

You will find this kind of information on the following websites:

For commercial information: www.pagesjaunes.fr For personal information: http://www.pagesjaunes.fr/pb.cgi

I am planning to move to France. What should I know?

The French consulate has an entire section dedicated to that question. You are welcome to consult it here.

You can also contact your Consulate in Paris for further information:

www.britishembassy.gov.uk

British Consulate
35, rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
Tel.: 00 33 (0)1 44 51 31 02

I want to study in France? Who can help me?

Please visit our rubrique studying in France

I want to work in France. Where can I find information?

If you wish to work in France, you should first check this section of the French consulate website where you will find many sources to find jobs and a guide to go through the formalities:

http://www.emploi-formation.org.uk/indexev.htm