France Visa Application | How To Apply 2023?
Last Updated : 16 Oct 2023
Atlys in the news
30-Second Summary
UK citizens can enter France visa-free for 90 days in a 180-day period.
UK residents may require a France Schengen Visa based on their nationality.
Begin your France Visa application UK online.
Submit your valid travel documents and passport in person.
Schedule a Schengen visa appointment.
Upon approval, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
Applying for France visa from UK can be complex. Still, with AtlysBlack, your personal visa concierge service, it becomes a streamlined process.
Important Information
— Do UK Citizens Require A Visa For France?
— France Visa Fees
— France Visa Validity
— Processing Time
Do I Need a Schengen Visa for France?
UK Citizens
UK citizens, including British passport holders, do not require a visa for short visits (tourism, business, or family visits) to France or any other Schengen Area country.
They are allowed to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
UK Residents
The visa requirements for UK residents with passports from countries other than the United Kingdom vary widely depending on their nationality.
To determine whether people living in the UK with passports from other countries need a visa to visit France, they should check the specific visa requirements for their nationality on the France-Visa website.
France Visa Requirements For UK Residents
These are the documents that are required for the France visa application UK:
Valid Passport or Travel Document: A valid passport.
Valid UK Residence Permit or Identity Card: The UK residence permit should be endorsed in your passport (or a new biometric ID card). It must be valid for at least three months before you depart from France.
French Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the application form diligently. Please read the instructions carefully.
Passport-Size Photo: Two recent passport-sized photos that adhere to the Schengen visa photo requirements.
Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to France.
Proof of Travel Arrangements: Submit evidence of round-trip flight or travel reservations, and if your itinerary encompasses multiple Schengen States or non-Schengen countries, include a comprehensive travel plan for your visit to France.
France Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory.
Proof of Accommodation in France: You can provide accommodation with a hotel booking, host invitation, etc.
Proof of Financial Subsistence: Recent bank statements or any proof of funds.
For UK Employees: Employment contract, current UK bank statement for the last 6 months, leave permission from the employer, and Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
For the Self-Employed: Copy your business license, company bank statement for the last 6 months, and Income Tax Return (ITR).
For International Students in the UK: Proof of enrollment and no-objection certificate from a school or university in the UK.
For Retirees: Pension statement for the latest 6 months.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.
It should have at least two full blank pages—one for the visa stamp and an extra page.
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least three (3) months after leaving the Schengen Area.
Visa Photo Requirements
Size: The photo should be in the standard passport size format, typically 35mm x 45mm.
Background: The background should be light grey, light blue, or white, without any patterns or objects.
Facial Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and looking directly into the camera.
Travel Insurance Requirements
Coverage Area: It must cover all Schengen countries.
Minimum Coverage: Ensure a minimum coverage of €30,000, including medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Validity: The insurance should cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen zone.
Key Coverages: Verify that it includes emergency medical aid, urgent hospital care, and death-related repatriation.
Deductible: Opt for low or zero-deductible policies when possible.
Utilize AtlysBlack's services to simplify obtaining the correct travel insurance, eliminating stress from this requirement.
Minimum Financial Requirements
A recent UK bank account statement for the last three months shows funds of at least €65 per person per day spent in France.
If you don't have pre-paid accommodation, this amount increases to €120 per day.
If Unemployed And Married To An EU Citizen
Recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from your spouse's employer, stating the position held within the company and the starting date.
Spouse's valid passport.
An officially translated marriage certificate in English or French, certified as a true copy by the country's Embassy where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in the UK.
How To Apply For Visa To France From UK?
The France visa application is done by a visa application centre appointed by the French Embassy. Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of applying for your France Schengen Visa UK:
Book a Visa Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the visa application centre. Visa appointment waiting time can be up to a year. See in-depth details about the visa appointment for France.
Visit the Official Website: Go to the French-visa website in the UK to find the visa application form.
Complete the Application: Fill out the visa application form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate. Fill in and print the application form.
Attend the Visa Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your trip, financial situation, and other relevant details.
Pay Visa Fees: Pay the required visa application fee. Fees may vary depending on your age, type of visa, and other factors.
Biometric Data Submission: You may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) at the application centre.
Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary, so apply well before your travel date.
Apply through AtlysBlack and receive a fast-track visa appointment in a guaranteed 7-15 calendar days.
How To Fast-track The France Visa from the UK with AtlysBlack?
Regarding hassle-free visa applications, AtlysBlack offers a premium service that ensures a smooth and expedited process.
AtlysBlack, an exclusive visa concierge service provided by Atlys, offers a fast-track visa appointment service.
Here's how to apply:
Start by entering your details on the Atlys app.
Our expert will promptly reach out to you.
They will review your travel plans, accommodation in Europe, your background, job details, and passport information.
We will identify the most suitable France visa appointment time for you.
Our guide will meticulously check your documents, ensuring you're fully prepared for your appointment.
Attend your France visa appointment with confidence.
After that, we handle the waiting game while France processes your visa application.
For a visa fee of $450, our experts guarantee to secure an appointment date for you within the next 7 to 15 calendar days. You'll receive a full refund if we don't meet this commitment.
Overview Of The France Schengen Visa
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows you to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area, including France.
It simplifies travel logistics by eliminating the need for individual visas for each member state.
Benefits of Having a Schengen Visa
Having a Schengen Visa offers several advantages:
Freedom to explore all 27 Schengen countries.
Simplified border crossing and reduced paperwork.
What Is The Schengen Visa Validity?
The Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
You can use it for tourism, business trips, family visits, or other short stays.
UK citizens can enter France visa-free for 90 days in a 180-day period.
What Are The Schengen States?
France is a member of the Schengen Area, requiring you to apply for a French Schengen Visa, which not only permits entry into France but also grants access to all 27 European countries in the Schengen Zone.
These include:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
How Much Does Schengen Visa Cost?
You can expect to pay the following France visa fees:
UK Residents (Adults): EUR 80, approx. 70 pounds.
Children aged 6 to 18: EUR 40, approx. 35 pounds.
Children under 6: Free.
VAC: The visa application centre charges a service fee.
You can use the official visa wizards provided to determine your specific visa fee. Some nationalities have a different fee structures.
The visa fee in pounds is due to the current exchange rate in Oct 2023, and prices can fluctuate.
What Is The Processing Time For A France Visa UK?
For a short-stay Schengen visa to France:
The standard processing time is typically 15 calendar days from when the consulate receives your application (following your visa appointment).
In specific cases, this period may be extended to up to 30 days, especially when additional scrutiny of the application is necessary.
The processing time can be extended to 60 calendar days in exceptional cases.
Remember that you should allocate time for the visa appointment and the collection of required documents.
How To Monitor The Status Of Your France Visa UK?
You'll receive a notification when your passport is ready for pickup at the visa centre where you submitted your application.
Note: If you use AtlysBlack services, you'll receive personalized SMS and email updates regarding your visa status.
How To Decide Where To Submit Your Schengen Visa Application?
Here's how you can determine where to apply:
If you visit only one Schengen country, apply at the embassy or consulate.
If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries for varying durations, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest.
If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries for the same duration, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you'll visit first.
Arrival Procedure
When arriving at the Schengen border with a Schengen visa obtained from the UK, you can expect the following:
Document Verification: Border officials will inspect your travel documents, including your passport and Schengen visa, to ensure they are valid and match your travel details.
Purpose of Visit: You may be asked about the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and where you plan to stay during your time in the Schengen Area. Be prepared to provide this information if requested.
Entry Stamp: Upon approval, you will typically receive an entry stamp in your passport, marking the date of your entry into the Schengen Area. Ensure that the entry stamp reflects the intended duration of your stay.
It's essential to have all required documents, including your Schengen visa, readily available for inspection and to answer any questions truthfully and clearly.
While UK residents typically do not require a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area, border checks remain integral to entry procedures to ensure compliance with visa regulations and security protocols.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to embark on your journey to France from the UK.
Remember to start the visa application process well in advance, gather all necessary documents, and prepare for your visa interview. Bon voyage! Your French adventure awaits.
Make sure to check out all the information for France visa appointments in UK.
Government Sources
At Atlys, we meticulously verify all information for precision, sourcing it directly from reliable French government authorities ensuring its authenticity. We employ AI technology to present this article concisely and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
UK citizens do not require a visa for short visits to France; however, some UK residents cannot travel visa-free. If you live in the UK and your nationality requires a passport, you must apply for your Schengen visa France through AtlysBlack.
Related Articles
France Visa Appointment | How To Schedule An Appointment?
Discover how to secure your France Visa Appointment from the UK with our step-by-step guide. Simplify the process today!
Applying for a Netherlands Visa From UK 2023
Explore the essential information on Netherlands visa for UK citizens and residents: visa types, requirements, and application process covered in detail.
How To Apply For A Netherlands Visa Appointment In The UK?
Learn how to schedule your Netherlands visa appointment with our step-by-step guide for UK citizens. Plan your trip with confidence.
Portugal Visa From UK | Online Application & Requirements
Unlock Your Portuguese Adventure: Essential Visa Info for UK Citizens. Your Comprehensive Guide to Portugal Visa Requirements & Application Process.
Portugal Visa Appointment | How To Schedule An Appointment?
Learn how to book your Portugal visa appointment from the UK with our comprehensive guide. Ensure a hassle-free journey to Portugal today!