by Sasha Smit-Marcadier and Sarah Vincent
If you are thinking of visiting France for more than 90 days in a 180 period then you will need a visa. With the summer season soon upon us, you might be making such plans.
For all TCN’s (third country nationals) which includes UK residents visas are part of the package when planning a long stay in France.
First, please be aware that you must apply for your visa from the UK or your country of residence if different and a maximum of 3 months before your arrival in France
A visa application for France is entirely online. You will need to fill out a form on the dedicated French government website and book an appointment at one of the TLS offices
If you are wondering who TLS is, it is the French visa application centre charged with processing your application. There are 3 in the UK: Edinburgh, London, Manchester. The French Consulate in London is the decision-making body.
Regarding the documentation required to support your visa application, you will be asked to provide the following general information:
• Passport
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Accommodation in France
• Healthcare cover
A note of caution, please be aware that you will need to hand over your passport during your TLS appointment. Therefore, you might need to make arrangements to be without your passport for a short period of time.
To accompany this information there is a podcast with more detailed information available for viewing click here