PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for three months beyond length of stay required by all,
except:
1. nationals of EU countries, Andorra, Liechtenstein,
Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland holding valid national ID cards.
VISAS: Required by all except the following for a period
not exceeding three months:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart and under passport
exemptions above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei,
Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
Hong Kong (SAR; blue passport holders only), Iceland, Countryname, Korea
(Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand,
Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland,
Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first
connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation
and not leaving the airport. The following nationals always require
an airport transit visa when not leaving the airport, unless they are
permanent residents in the UK: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh,
Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq,
Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, holders of Palestinian travel documents
issued by the Egyptian, Lebanese or Syrian authorities, and Indian passport
holders who hold a valid visa for the UK.
Note: Pupils travelling on a school trip may also be exempt
from visa regulations if their names are entered on a 'List of Travellers'
obtainable from the British Council (tel: (0161) 957 7755), for those
resident in the UK.
Types of visa and cost: A uniform Schengen visa, is
issued for Short-stay visits (tourist, business and students), Airport
transit, Transit and Long-validity (circulation) visits. Visa application
fees must be paid at the time of application. No visa application fee
can be refunded, whatever the result of the application.
All Schengen visa applications are now charged at €35, irrespective
of the duration of stay requested. The fee remains payable in Pounds
Sterling only, approximately £22-26.
Note: (a) Prices change with the prevalent exchange rate, so
visitors are advised to check the exact price before travelling. Payment
is by cash or by credit/debit card (excluding American Express and Diners),
and in Pounds Sterling only. (b) Spouses and children of EU nationals
can obtain a visa free of charge on presentation of relevant documentation.
Validity: Short-stay visas are valid for a maximum
of six months from date of issue for single or multiple entries of maximum
90 days in total. Transit visas are valid for single or double entries
of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Long-stay
visas are valid for up to three years for a maximum stay of 90 days
in every six-month period. Visas cannot be extended; a new application
must be made each time.
Application to: All persons wishing to apply must make
an appointment by telephone before attending and submitting their documents
in person at the consulate. An automated telephone appointment booking
service is available; see Contact Addresses section. Travellers visiting
just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country;
travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the
Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country
they will enter first (if they have no main destination).
Application requirements: (a) Passport valid for at
least three months longer than validity of the visa with blank pages
to affix visa stamp. (b) One completed application form. (c) One passport-size
photo. (d) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay. (e) Proof of occupation
with letter from employer, accountant, school or university (less than
one month old), or last three payslips. (f) Return ticket to country
of residence, and visa for next destination if required, or confirmed
booking from travel agent. (g) Evidence of hotel reservations, a certificate
of board and lodging to be obtained by your French host from the local
town hall, means of support or proof of official invitation from host
or company. (h) Evidence of medical insurance. (i) Fee; payable by cash
or credit/debit card. (j) For business travellers: a letter of invitation
from a French company. (k) For student trips: a letter from school stating
dates of trip, address in France and name of persons responsible for
student.
Note: Postal applications are only acceptable for certain nationals;
consult the Consulate (or website: www.frenchembassy.org.uk) for further
information.
Working days required: 24 hours to several weeks, depending
on nationality.
Temporary residence: A Work Permit may have to be obtained
in France. For full details, contact the long stay visa section of the
Consulate General
France Visa Information