France
Western Europe · Schengen area
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Fees & exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11Reduced€45
- Child under 6FreeFree
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree
Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Free - TLScontact service feeService fee+€40
- Premium LoungeOptional
Optional dedicated agent + private waiting area.
+€110
Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. VFS/TLScontact service fee is added on top of the consular fee.
Where to apply
VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago depending on country.
Appointment system
Slots released daily on the France-Visas platform. Reasonably available in most locations but Paris-bound tourists during summer may face 4–6 week waits.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- France-Visas application form
- 2 biometric photos
- Travel medical insurance €30,000+
- Flight reservation
- Hotel bookings for entire stay
- Attestation d'accueil (if staying with family)
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Proof of employment
- Cover letter
Editor tips
The France-Visas online form pre-fills much of the process. Use it before booking.
Country-specific quirks
If staying privately, your host must obtain an attestation d'accueil from their local mairie — this can take 3+ weeks.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for France are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local France mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the UK
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in France visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the France mission covering your country of residence.
- LondonTLScontactFrance Visa Application Centre – London
Suite 18, Exhibition House, Ground floor, Addison Bridge Place, London W14 8XP
No consular districts — UK residents may use any of the three centres. Submission by appointment 08:30–15:30.
Official page - EdinburghTLScontactFrance Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
Official page - ManchesterTLScontactFrance Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.
Official page
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago depending on country.
Appointment system
Slots released daily on the France-Visas platform. Reasonably available in most locations but Paris-bound tourists during summer may face 4–6 week waits.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for France are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in France visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- LondonTLScontactFrance Visa Application Centre – London
Suite 18, Exhibition House, Ground floor, Addison Bridge Place, London W14 8XP
No consular districts — UK residents may use any of the three centres. Submission by appointment 08:30–15:30.
Official page - EdinburghTLScontactFrance Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
Official page - ManchesterTLScontactFrance Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.
Official page
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for France
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Paris and attach the confirmations to your application.
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