Short stay schengen visa
Short stay Schengen visas are visas that allow the holder to travel freely within the Schengen space, including France, and spend a maximum of 90 days over 6 months. Those are issued for various purposes such as tourism, shopping, business or family visits.
Validity: 1 to 90 days (over 6 months)
Numbers of entries authorised: 1 or multiple
To apply:
You may either book an appointment
Or you may be eligible to apply via the postal department
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 to be included with the application.
Please print this questionnaire, complete it and join it to your visa application.
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. Your British Residence permit (stamped in passport or in the form of an identity card) must also exceed by more than 3 months the validity of the requested visa. If your British residency states the name of your spouse, fiancé (e), unmarried partner or child, please bring this person’s valid passport when you apply for your Schengen visa as well as an official proof of your relationship.
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 children).
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. Proof of financial means of support: a recent statement of your UK current account or traveller’s cheques. A minimum of €56.20 - i.e. £55 - per day spent in France per person is required.
6. Proof of travel: A confirmed return ticket to France (plane, ferry, bus, etc.) or booking fully paid from your travel agent (including itinerary if participating in a tour). If you are visiting several Schengen states please join to your file a travel plan (download a model of travel plan)
7. Proof of accommodation: A reservation confirmation issued directly by the hotel clearly stating your full names, the dates of check-in and out, the hotel address and contact details or a Certificate of Board and Lodging ("Attestation d’Accueil") to be obtained by the person you are visiting in France from the local Townhall ("Mairie").
8. Travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation with a 30000€ limit, valid for the Schengen area. It must cover the duration of the requested visa.
8bis.Discharge form duly completed and signed by the applicant
> > > Proof of Activity - to be produced according to the applicant’s current occupation:
If employed:
9. An official up-to-date letter from your employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date;
10. And last 3 payslips.
If self-employed, person of independent or private means:
9. An up-to-date letter from your solicitor;
Or an up-to-date letter from your accountant;
Or an up-to-date letter from your Bank Manager;
Or an up-to-date letter from your local Chamber of Commerce.
If studying:
9. An official up-to-date letter from your school, college or university stating the type of studies, details of course and attendance record.
If you are a scientist visiting France for professional purposes for a stay less than 3 months:
9. An official invitation ’protocole d’accueil’ to be obtained by the research company inviting you. This form must be fully completed, signed by the director and must carry the official stamp of the company as well as of the prefecture.
If you are an ’au-pair’:
9. A letter from your host family confirming the placement and describing the arrangements such as hours worked and pocket money details;
10. Employer’s valid passport or certified copy.
If you are a domestic worker - nanny, housekepper, carer, cleaner, etc.:
9. Work permit in the UK;
10. Your contract of employment;
11. Last 3 payslips;
12. Employer’s valid passport or certified copy;
13. Form E101 to be obtained from HM Revenue & Customs.
For further information, visit http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/osc.htm
You may download the forms to apply by clicking on the following links :
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/ca3821.pdf
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/ca3822.pdf
Both forms need to be completed to apply for the E101 and you will need to apply for this form well in advance of your intended date of travel.
The completed forms should be sent to:
HMRC, National Insurance Contributions Office, International Caseworker, Room BP1301, Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ or via fax on 0191 2253708 or 2259570
If you are enable to get the E101 on time, you’ll have to provide the proof that you have applied for this form and present your NHS medical card.
For information on healthcare visit http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Health…
If unemployed and dependant:
9. An up-to-date letter from your spouse’s employer, as above;
10. Spouse’s valid passport;
11. Your 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 or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in GB.
Church Members going to France to visit a religious congregation must provide, in lieu of the Certificate of Board and Lodging, this form, downloadable here, completed and signed by their host in France. This document will need to be produced when entering France.
If travelling to France on a business trip:
9. Letter of employer as above, confirming health insurance cover (medical cost + repatriation);
10. Formal invitation letter from the French company, stating purposes and frequency of the business trip(s).
The Visa Section may issue ’circulation visas’ to people who can prove their frequent trips to France for professional purposes.
If minor (under 18) :
9. 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. ;
10. Parents’ valid passports or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad.
If under the age of 18 and travelling to France without the parents or with one parent:
9. A parental authorisation to travel form, completed and signed by the parents or legal guardian authorising the child to travel and appointing the person 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;
10. Parents’ valid passports must be enclosed with the application, or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad;
11. 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.
If under the age of 18 and fostered:
9. An official up-to-date letter from the British social services authorising the trip to France. This letter must indicate the full name of the child, full name of the carer and the address and length of stay in France;
10. Carer’s valid passport
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.
Link to "How long will it take to get the visa?"
The French Consulate may request that you attend the Visa Section after expiration of your Schengen visa.
Group application:
Groups of more than 10 applicants travelling together (school/ university/ churches) should contact the Visa Section in writing (French Consulate General, Visa Section, Group Application, PO Box 57, London SW7 2EW). Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with the list of names, nationalities and UK residency status (date of arrival in the UK and expiry date of the British visa) for each applicant. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the processing of the applications. Note that the French Consulate reserves the right not to take on a group application.