Visa for family of an European national
The foreign spouse of a EU national (except French national) may enter France without visa if holding:
a valid travel document;
a valid UK residence permit with the endorsement "family member of EEA national" (this endorsement is compulsory to be visa exempted);
and if they are joining or travelling with the EU national.
If you do not satisfy the above conditions, you will need to apply for a visa to travel to France (for instance if your residency is not explicit or if you are travelling to France for business).
Note that children and parents of EU Nationals still require visas to travel to France. It’s also the case for the spouses of British citizens as their residence permit does not bear the endorsment " family member of EEA national" as required by the art. 10 of the European Council/Parliament Directive 2004/38 CE.
Be advised that if you are unable to provide the requested documents to obtain a visa as the spouse of an EU citizen, you willneed to lodge an application for a short stay Schengen visa, i.e. pay the visa administrative fees and produce all requested supporting documents.
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 (Up to 500gr) with his/her name and address, as all passports and documents will be only returned by post. Please take note of the tracking number on the envelope for your own reference.
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.
1. As the Spouse of an European Union Citizen:
A photocopy of each document must be included with the application.
1. 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.
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. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for applicants under the age of 18).
3. Two photographs. (1 glued or stappled on the application form and 1 left loose for scanning purpose) Please read photo guidance document
4. Proof of travel to France.
5. Your spouse’s European Union passport.
6. Your original 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.
8. A pre-paid special delivery envelope with your name and address, as passports and documents will be only returned by post.
Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
2. As the Dependent Child (under the age of 21) of an European Union Citizen:
The French Consulate insists on photocopies of the documents to be included with the application.
1. 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.
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. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for children under the age of 18).
3. Two photographs. (1 glued or stappled on the application form and 1 left loose for scanning purpose) Please read photo guidance document
4. Proof of travel to France.
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.
8. A pre-paid special delivery envelope with your name and address, as passports and documents will be only returned by post.
Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
3. As the Dependent Child (over the age of 21) of an European Union Citizen:
The French Consulate insists on photocopies of the documents to be included with the application.
1. 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.
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. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for children under the age of 18).
3. Two photographs. (1 glued or stappled on the application form and 1 left loose for scanning purpose)Please read photo guidance document
4. Proof of travel to France.
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.
8 . A pre-paid special delivery envelope with your name and address, as passports and documents will be only returned by post.
Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
4. As an Adopted Child:
Please write to the Visa Section stating the nationality of your child as well as his/her British residency status for further information.
5. As the Dependent Parent of a European Union Citizen:
The French Consulate insists on photocopies of the documents to be included with the application.
1.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.
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. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant.
3. Two photographs. (1 glued or stappled on the application form and 1 left loose for scanning purpose) Please read photo guidance document
4. Proof of travel to France.
5. The child’s valid European passport.
6. Official proof of relationship.
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. A pre-paid special delivery envelope with your name and address, as passports and documents will be only returned by post.
Nationals who must expect a delay for the processing of their applications delay?
>>> 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.