Transit visa
Transit Schengen visas are visas that allow the holder to pass through one or more Schengen member states on the way to a country outside the Schengen Space.
Validity: 1 to 5 days Numbers of entries authorised: 1 or multiple.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply in person
Provide the documents requested + 1 set of photocopies + fee (when applicable).
Each visa applicant must include a pre-paid special delivery envelope with his/her name and address, as all passports and
documents will be only returned by post.
Before coming at the consulate your visa application should be organised as per the following check list.
- CHECK LIST
Documents must be less than a month old. Bank statements must be recent, less than 10 days old. Please see the list of documents.
Make sure you follow the instructions as this reduces the risk of your application being refused. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a community code on visas , please be aware that FROM 5th APRIL 2010, VISA APPLICATIONS LODGED WITHOUT ALL REQUESTED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND COPIES WILL LEAD TO A VISA REFUSAL.
List of documents :
A photocopy of each document must be included with the application.
A national passport or official travel document : (+ complete copy except for blank pages). Valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with 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.
From 5th April 2010 only passports that have been issued (not extended !!!) during the past ten years can be endorsed with a visa. If your passport was issued longer than 10 years ago, please apply for a new passport at your Embassy
2 application forms (one can be photocopied) duly completed and signed by the applicant or the legal guardian for children.
3 recent passeport-size photographs per person ( 1 glued or stappled on each application form and 1 left loose for scanning purpose); in colour (3,5 x 4,5cm); The size of the face must not exceed 30mm; taken against a white background with good contrast / clear / good quality, printed on normal photographic paper, unmonted and full face without sunglasses or head covering.
Proof of financial means of support: Bank statements; 3 last months. (Bank statements bearing address, name, account number, certified by the bank for anything printed at the desk.) / Travellers cheque/Proof of sponsorship if relevant. A minimum of £40 per day spent in France per person is required.
Proof of travel: A confirmed return ticket to France or booking fully paid from your travel agent (including itinerary if participating in a tour).
A visa for your onward destination country, if required.
Travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation. It must cover the duration of the requested visa. Available amongst others from any post office or travel agencies. (Please provide : the Policy number, the date of covers, the details of the insurance and the receipt - if bought online, please come with a proof of payment from your bank statement).
Documents to be produced according to the applicant’s current occupation:
If employed:
- An official up-to-date letter from your employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date;
Last 3 payslips.
If self-employed:
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:
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:
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 ’au-pair’, nanny or domestic help:
An up-to-date letter from your employer, as above;
Employer’s valid passport or certified copy.
If inactive and married:
An up-to-date letter from your spouse’s employer, as above;
Spouse’s valid passport;
Your 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.
If travelling to France on a business trip:
Letter of employer as above, confirming health insurance cover (medical cost + repatriation);
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 travelling to France for a conference:
Recent letter confirming your registration with the conference organisers, which must name the location and dates of the conference and provide the postal address of your hotel if this is provided for you.
If minor (under 18) :
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. ; - 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:
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;
Parents’ valid passports must be enclosed with the application, or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad;
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:
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;
Carer’s valid passport.
Applicants from the countries listed below:
The French Consulate advises these applicants to wait for their second appointment to finalise any travel arrangement. You will however need to indicate your address of stay in France. People applying for a visa to travel to France to visit family or friends must produce the Certificate of Board and Lodging when they lodge their applications.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF COUNTRIES
Also note: that the British Certificate of Identity (brown document) is not recognised by the French authorities as a valid travel document. Holders of such documents can therefore not be issued with a visa to France.
The French Consulate may request that you attend the Visa Section after expiration of your Schengen visa.