Obtaining a visa: what you need to know

Applying for a French visa from the UK — what you need to know

Obtaining a French long‑stay visa is not a right, but as long as you prepare and submit the correct paperwork, British citizens are generally not refused. French consular authorities assess applications to ensure, among other things, that applicants are unlikely to become a financial burden on the French state and are not likely to overstay their visa.

Since January 1, 2021, British citizens staying in France for more than 90 days must apply for a long‑stay visa unless covered by a Withdrawal Agreement residency status (see the Brexit section in the previous page). Short stays of up to 90 days in any 180‑day period do not require a visa.

Who handles UK visa applications

Visa applications from UK residents are processed by the French Consulate General in London, which makes the final decision on all visa cases.

The consulate uses TLScontact as its external service provider to:

• receive application documents

• collect biometric data

• return passports with visas

TLScontact operates three visa application centres in the UK - London, Manchester and Edinburgh - and you may submit your application at any of these locations; there are no specific consular areas restricting where you can apply.

Fees and timing

• The long‑stay visa fee set by French authorities is generally €99 (payable in GBP at the consulate’s exchange rate).

• A separate TLScontact service fee (usually between €40-€55) is payable to book your appointment and submit your documents.

• You should apply no more than three months before your intended travel date and allow at least 20 working days for processing once your application reaches the consulate.

• Appointment availability can vary, and demand may be high during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to begin early.

Who needs their own visa

Each family member must apply for their own visa, regardless of whether they are travelling with you, if they are not EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Provided the authorities consider the family’s finances and circumstances satisfactory, spouses and minor children can accompany you to France. They will often receive a visitor visa if they do not qualify under another category.

Family members of holders of certain visas - such as the Talent Passport - may be eligible for specific family visas that include the right to work.

How to start your application

1. Use the Visa Wizard on the official France‑Visas website:

   • Enter your nationality, age and basic details.

   • Indicate your country of residence (UK) and France as your destination.

   • Specify that you want a long stay and the reason (e.g., visitor, work, study). This will generate a personalised list of required documents and fees.

2. Create an online account, complete and submit your visa application form on the France‑Visas portal, and save it.

3. Print your application form and receipt once complete — these and your supporting documents must be presented at your TLScontact appointment.

4. Book a TLScontact appointment online. You will be asked to choose a centre (London, Manchester or Edinburgh) and a date. Allow at least 20 working days between your appointment and your planned travel date.

5. Attend your appointment with your passport, application form, supporting documents and any required photographs. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected at this stage.

What happens after submission

Once TLScontact forwards your application to the French Consulate, processing times vary but applications are often decided within 2 to 15 working days after submission, once all documents are complete.

If everything is in order, your passport will be returned with the visa affixed inside. If additional information is required, consular staff usually contact applicants by email.

Key reminders

• Do not apply for a long‑stay visa more than three months before your planned departure.

• Ensure your supporting documents match the requirements specified by the Visa Wizard; missing or unclear documents are a common cause of delays or refusals.

• If demand for appointments is high, plan well in advance and be flexible with appointment locations or dates.