How long does a France family visit visa take to process?

A decision on a France family visit visa typically takes around 10 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a France family visit visa?

VFS Global or TLScontact centres depending on your country; applications for France in the UK go through TLScontact. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a France family visit visa?

The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form and receipt; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Attestation d'accueil issued by your host's local mairie; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's ID or residence permit copy; Return flight reservation; Bank statements (3 months); Proof of employment or studies; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a France family visit visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

France family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the France family visit visa — used for visiting relatives or a partner, including family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the France consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

10 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a France family visit visa

VFS Global or TLScontact centres depending on your country; applications for France in the UK go through TLScontact.

Required documents

Valid passport
France-Visas application form and receipt
2 biometric photos
Travel medical insurance €30,000+
Attestation d'accueil issued by your host's local mairie
Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate)
Host's ID or residence permit copy
Return flight reservation
Bank statements (3 months)
Proof of employment or studies
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Adult (standard)€90
Child 6–11€45
Child under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
TLScontact service fee€40
Premium Lounge€110— Optional dedicated agent and private waiting area.

Spouses, registered partners, children and dependent parents of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay nothing and are exempt from the service fee at TLScontact when the exemption is claimed correctly.

Booking an appointment

Complete the France-Visas form first, then book at TLScontact. Family-visit appointments are usually available within 1–3 weeks outside summer peaks.

Practical tips

The attestation d'accueil is issued by the mairie, not your host directly, and can take 3+ weeks — request it before booking anything else.

What is unusual about the France process

If the attestation d'accueil covers your accommodation, you still need to show around €35 per day of stay in personal funds.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — France 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.
Edinburgh — France Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
Manchester — France Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official France consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a France family visit visa cost?: For a France family visit visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; TLScontact service fee — €40; Premium Lounge — €110. Spouses, registered partners, children and dependent parents of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay nothing and are exempt from the service fee at TLScontact when the exemption is claimed correctly. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a France family visit visa take to process?: A decision on a France family visit visa typically takes around 10 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a France family visit visa?: VFS Global or TLScontact centres depending on your country; applications for France in the UK go through TLScontact. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a France family visit visa?: The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form and receipt; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Attestation d'accueil issued by your host's local mairie; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's ID or residence permit copy; Return flight reservation; Bank statements (3 months); Proof of employment or studies; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a France family visit visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Complete the France-Visas form first, then book at TLScontact. Family-visit appointments are usually available within 1–3 weeks outside summer peaks.
Can I apply for a France family visit visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇫🇷 France family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time