When visiting or staying in France there are a number of different visas (les visas) available and whether or not you need one will depend a great deal on the country you come from and the length of time you are planning on staying in the country. For the latest information you need to consult your local French embassy (l’ambassade) or consulate (le consulat) as the requirements for the citizens of each country are different.

The Schengen Agreement

France adheres to the Schengen Agreement, a treaty implemented by almost all the member states of the European Union, with the exception of the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. It was originally signed by 5 member states in 1985, but was then adopted by many other members in 1997, creating a borderless ‘Schengen Area’. When determining visa eligibility, France looks first to this area as a guide to those who do not require a visa. If you have a residency document from any of the member states that have adopted the Schengen agreement you do not need a visa for France. UK residents are covered by the EU regulations on travelling, living and working in member states. This allows them freedom of movement between the countries provided they have the correct travel documentation.

Visitors from the US will not need a visa for a short stay in France, but will for a stay of more than 90 days.

Short Term Visas (visa de court séjour)

A short stay is defined as being less than 90 days in duration. This also applies if you make regular trips to the country as long as your visits account for no more than 90 days of every six months. A complete list of countries whose citizens are not obliged to have a visa for a short stay can be found on the website of the French department of immigration (l’immigration).

Those who are not French or European born may require a visa even if they are the family member of a French resident or citizen. They can apply by stating that they have a French/EU family member and this can help the application. A standard short stay schengen visa is for those who are making a trip for shopping, holiday (visa de touriste) or short business trip.

Long Stay Visas (visa de long séjour)

A long stay is defined as being more than 90 days. Those who do not require a visa for a long stay include all the member states of the European Union as well as Switzerland, Andorra and Monaco. Those who do not qualify for a visa waiver can apply for a visa depending upon their circumstances. Those who are married to a French national can apply on that basis and there is a similar visa for those who are foreign born but have a French parent. There are long stay visas for those who wish to study in the country. There is a different type of long stay visa again for those who wish to start a business in France, so the application there would be for a long stay commercial visa.

Applying for a Visa

Forms for visa applications (l’application de visa) can be obtained by calling the local embassy and asking for one to be sent out to you, or by downloading one directly from their website. Instructions on how to complete the forms will also be sent out with the form or are available to download.

Those who are applying for a short stay visa will need to provide a certain amount of documentation. This includes a passport (le passeport) which must have at least 3 months left to run on it, the completed visa application form and three passport photographs. A form that is for a child under the age of 18 must be signed by a parent or guardian and all forms must be accompanied by the relevant fees. It is important to ensure that you complete the form properly and submit all the supporting documentation that you are asked for as applications that do not include these will not be processed.

You will need to be able to supply proof of why you need the visa, as well as proof of how you can support yourself while you are in the country. For business travellers this is usually a letter from the employer confirming the relevant details. Those making a personal trip will need to show that they are either staying with family or have already booked accommodation. Travel insurance (assurance de voyage) is essential as you need to be able to get home in an emergency and the French authorities will not pay for this, and you will also need to have a return ticket back to your country of origin.

Applications are made to your local French embassy or consulate and you should be aware that there may be differences in their requirements, so checking their websites regularly is a good idea. You may also be asked for additional information or documentation in order to support your application. When you submit your application you will be given a receipt for your fees as proof that you have done so. The length of time it will take to consider an application will vary, but most consulates will deal with applications quickly, although you need to allow time in case extra documentation is requested. As a general rule, the French authorities say that if you have not heard anything about your application within two months, you should consider that it has been refused.

When a visa is issued a stamp is placed in your passport, but if the visa is refused your passport is returned with no stamp and no explanation. There is also no refund of fees. You are able to submit a new application at any time, although you will need to pay a new set of fees (les frais) and submit the same documentation. You may also be able to lodge an appeal in writing to the Consulate to ask for your application to be reconsidered.

Those who are applying for a long stay visa must have a passport that will be valid for the duration of their stay. As with a short stay visa, there is an application form that will need to be completed and sent with supporting documentation and fees to your local French embassy or consulate. You will need to provide proof of your reason for visiting France and details of your personal situation in the country; for example, if you are married to a French national you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate. All documentation that is not already in French should be translated by an officially approved translator. For further advice on this you should contact your local embassy or consulate as this is a service that they may offer themselves, or if not, they can provide you with the details of an approved translator.

All visa applications at most consulates now have to be made in person. You should be aware that you will need to make an appointment in advance as most embassies and consulates will not allow people into the building unless they have an appointment. You should ensure that all your documentation is already photocopied – these facilities will not be made available to you – and that it is presented according to the guidelines. You will be able to wait while the decision is made on your application, but you should be aware that this may take several hours. If you choose not to wait then you may be asked to make another appointment.

Postal applications are being phased out due to the requirement now for biometric data to be added to visas, although each embassy will differ in how long they will accept postal applications. Visa fees will also vary according to the type of visa that you are applying for and the embassy you are applying to. Fees can be paid in cash or by credit card when you arrive for your appointment.

There are some concessions to visa fees, and again, this will differ according to your country of origin. Children under the age of 6 may be exempt from a visa fee. Those travelling on school trips may also find that they do not have to pay. Those involved in scientific research or travelling on a diplomatic passport will find that they are also favoured. Those who are married to French nationals or dependents of EU citizens will find that they may be exempt. These exemptions are subject to the relevant evidence being presented on the day and the visa officer will determine if the evidence you have presented is adequate. Even if one of these conditions applies you may be charged if your documentation does not fully support it.

Further Information

You need to allow the right amount of time when applying for visas. There is no fast track system that can speed up the process. When confirming your travel arrangements, most embassies will accept emails as confirmation of your travel arrangements and proof that you have paid for a return ticket. All documentation must be the original paperwork, accompanied by the requested number of photocopies. All originals will be returned to you when the application has been processed. It is a good idea to keep invoices from hotels in case you need to prove at a later date that you have previously stayed in France.

Useful Resources

Visas Office
Ministry of Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Solidarity Development
11 rue de la Maison-Blanche
BP 103
44036 Nantes Cedex 01
France
www.immigration.gouv.fr
Tel: (00 33) 02 51 77 20 20