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, Israel, 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
