Visa website of the French Consulate General in London

Welcome to the Visa homepage of the French Consulate General in London.

LATEST VISA NEWS

People in possession of an appointment letter for the 10 and 11 June 2009 will not need to book another appointment and will be allowed to apply at the visa section any working day (at 8.30, 10 or 11.30 am) until the end of June 2009.

 Juin 2009 - Visas exemption

As from June the 1st 2009, nationals from Mauritius, Seychelles, Barbados, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Christopher and Nevis are exempted from visa for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen States and the european territories of France. Visas are no more issued except if the destination of the travel is situated in a oversea territory of France or if the purpose of the travel in France is to have a paid activity.

 May 2009 - New long stay visas equivalent to a residence permit

As from June the 1st 2009, holders of long stay visas for France (3 months +) will be exempted from applying for a residence permit (carte de sejour) at the Prefecture (…)

 April 2009 - The "Compétences et Talents" Card

If you have a project, the three-year, renewable “Compétences et Talents” card allows you to exercise the professional activity of your choice in connection with your project (…)

 April 2009 - Hotel bookings:

As from the 27th of April, people travelling to France for tourism will have to provide a reservation confirmation issued directly by the hotel clearly stating the visa national’s full names, the dates of check-in and out, the hotel address and contact details. Bookings made via a reservation centre or travel agencies will no longer be accepted. To ensure that visa nationals comply with the legislation in regards to the reality of stay in France, controls will be made prior and after the visa has been granted.

 March 2009 - FAO the foreign spouse of a EU national (except French national):

The foreign spouse of a EU national (except French national) may enter France without visa if they are holding:

 a valid travel document, i.e. a passport;
 a valid UK residence permit with the endorsement "family member of EEA national" (this endorsment is compulsory to be visa exempted);
 and if they are meeting up or travelling with their EU spouse.

However 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. Read more…

 January 2009 - FAO Colombian Nationals:

Please note that Colombian Nationals may, at from Monday 12 January, expect a delay of a few hours for the processing of their applications.

 January 2009 - Incomplete applications:

Visa applications lodged without all requested supporting documents will now be refused.

 December 2008 - FAO people travelling to the DOM or COM:

 For the attention of people travelling to the DOM or COM:

As from the 2nd of Dec 2008 are allowed to enter without a visa in the DOM (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guyana & Reunion) and COM (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthelemy) cruise passengers who are travelling with renowned cruise lines:
  Holder of a valid French Schengen visa
  Holder of a valid residency permit issued by a EU member state, by an EEE member state or Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and saint-Marin
  Holder of valid residency permit issued by the Canada, Japan or USA

 November 2008 - FAO people visiting the UK:

 For the attention of people visiting the UK:

As from the 17th of November 2008 and as per the decree 2008-1176 of the 13th of November 2008, the French consulate, London, is no longer competent in processing visa applications of holders of ’C-Visit’ visas or of a British visa valid for 6 months or less. People must apply for their Schengen visas before travelling to the UK in their country of residence.

Should you meet an unpredictable and urgent need to travel to France whilst visiting the UK, please send a mail to visas.londres-fslt diplomatie.gouv.fr exposing the situation. Please note that in case of an exception, there will be a delay of a few weeks for the processing of your application.

 October 2008 - Envelope compulsory:

 For the attention of Nationals who must expect a delay of a few weeks for the processing of their applications:

You may provide, in lieu of the ordinary enveloppe, a self-addressed pre-paid special delivery envelope for the return of their passport and therefore avoiding a second appointment at the Visa Section.

If you wish to do so, please note that:

You must provide all requested documents at the time of your initial appointment (including evidence of your trip – tickets, accommodation & insurance);

You should allow at least 4 weeks between the day you lodge your application and your date of travel;

The French Consulate will keep your passport for the duration of the consultation - which will not happen if you provide an ordinary envelope;

If you request your passport back in the meantime, your visa application will be cancelled;

The French Consulate will not be held responsible for the loss of your travel arrangement should the consultation takes longer than expected/ the loss or damage of documents returned by post.

 WARNING

Any false statements may lead to your application being rejected or to the annulment of a visa already granted and may also render you liable to prosecution under the law of the Schengen state which deals with the application.

Be advised that the legislation may be amended between the day you book your appointment and the day you attend the Visa Section. Please consult this website to check any updates.

Booking an appointment is free of charge on our website. The French Consulate condemns companies that charge visa nationals for this service. We therefore reserve the right of cancelling those appointments.

Original documents and photocopies are requested. Please note that photocopies cannot be made at the Consulate.

The visa administrative fees CANNOT be paid by using PAYPAL.

To find out if you need a visa issued by the French Consulate General in London:

 Do you need a visa? How long will it take to obtain it? Do I need to attend the Visa Section?
 Do you need a visa from the French Consulate General, i.e. is France your main destination?

To apply for your visa:

 You need to book an appointment to attend the Visa Section: appointment system
 You may be eligible for a postal application: postal application

To consult the list of requested documents:

 Different types of visa issued by the French Consulate General and supporting documents requested
 Application forms and «parental authorisation for a minor to travel»
 Visa application fee

Further information:

 What is a Schengen visa?
 Frequently Asked Questions
 Contact us