Applying for a French schengen visa from the UK

Planning a trip to France and wondering how to get your visa sorted from the UK? Whether you're a British resident or an expat living here, applying for a French Schengen visa from the UK doesn't have to be stressful, as long as you know what to expect.

In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of the application process and improve your chances of success.

We'll also explain how to save money with a Wise account when paying for your visa application.

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Who needs a French Schengen visa?

Since Brexit, UK travellers no longer benefit from EU freedom of movement, but they still enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, thanks to the 90/180 rule.

This rule allows up to 90 days of stay within any rolling 180-day period¹. That means before you return to the UK or visit another Schengen state, you must check your travel dates in the past six months to ensure you don't exceed the 90-day limit. Exceeding this can result in fines, deportation, or even a ban on re-entry.

If you're living in the UK but aren't a British or EU/EEA citizen, you may need a Schengen visa from the UK to France to visit for tourism, business, or short stays.

A French Schengen visa lets you travel not only to France but also to other countries in the Schengen Area – as long as France is your main destination or first point of entry.

Do you need a visa for France with a UK BRP card?

Having a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)² does not exempt you from needing a visa to enter France. However, the UK BRP card has now been replaced with an eVisa.

This eVisa only confirms your right to live and work in the UK, but it doesn't replace a Schengen visa. If your nationality requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you'll still need to apply for a France Schengen visa from the UK, regardless of your eVisa status.

According to France-Visas, UK residents from over 100 nationalities, including those from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines, are required to obtain a Schengen visa for entry into France¹ for tourism, business, or short stays.

Even if you hold a UK residence permit (eVisa)³, your nationality is what determines whether you need a Schengen visa, not your address. So it's important to check the current requirements for your country of citizenship before booking your trip.

What documents do you need for a French Schengen visa?

To apply for a French Schengen visa, you'll need a few important documents. These show who you are, why you're visiting, and that you plan to return to the UK after your trip.

Here's what most applicants need:

• A valid passport (must be less than 10 years old and valid for at least 3 months after your trip)
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• UK residence permit or BRP card (valid for at least 3 months after your return)
• Proof of travel (flight bookings or travel plan)
• Proof of accommodation in France (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
• Travel insurance (covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements from the last 3 months, showing you can afford the trip)

You may be asked for more documents depending on your reason for travel, for example, a work letter or a school certificate. It's always best to double-check the latest list on the official France-Visas website.

Applying for a French Schengen visa from the UK

Although a French visa isn't listed as the easiest Schengen visa from the UK to obtain, it's certainly possible to do it. So, once you've confirmed you need a visa and have gathered your documents, it's time to apply.

The process is fairly straightforward, but it's important to follow each step carefully. Below is a simple breakdown of how to apply for a France Schengen visa from the UK, whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons.

Step 1: Determine your visa type

The first step is to figure out what kind of visa you need. Most short-term travellers apply for a Type C visa, which covers tourism, business trips, family visits, and short study programs⁴.

If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need a French long-stay visa⁵, but that's a different process. Always choose the visa that matches your reason for travel.

Step 2: Complete the online visa application

Go to the official France-Visas website and fill out the online application form. This will ask for personal details, your travel plans, and supporting documents.

Once completed, you'll receive a confirmation and a document checklist. Print these out – you'll need them for your appointment.

Step 3: Book your visa appointment

After submitting your application online, you'll be directed to book an in-person appointment.

Most UK residents will attend their appointment at TLScontact⁶, the official visa partner for France in the UK. This is where you'll submit your documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), and pay your visa fee.

Appointment slots can fill up quickly, especially in summer, so try to book early.

Step 4: Attend your visa appointment

On the day of your appointment, arrive on time and bring all your documents – both originals and copies.

The staff will check your paperwork, collect your biometrics, and take your payment. The whole process usually takes about 20–30 minutes. If any documents are missing or incorrect, your application could be delayed or refused.

Step 5: Track your application

After your appointment, you'll get a reference number to track your visa application online through the TLScontact portal. Processing time usually takes between 5 and 20 working days, depending on the season and your situation. Once your passport is ready, you'll be notified to collect it, or you can choose delivery.

Tips to improve your Schengen visa application for France

Getting a Schengen visa approved isn't guaranteed, and visa rejections do happen. But in many cases, applications are refused simply due to small mistakes, missing documents, or lack of preparation.

The good news is that with a bit of planning, you can significantly improve your chances of getting approved on the first try. Here are a few simple ways to make your application stronger:

• Double-check your documents – Make sure everything is correct, up to date, and translated if needed. Even small errors can delay or reject your visa.
• Apply early – You can apply up to six months in advance, and at least 15 working days before travel. Don't wait until the last minute because the appointments fill up fast.
• Have clear travel plans – Include return tickets, full accommodation details, and a day-by-day itinerary if possible. This shows you're serious and organised.
• Prove financial stability – Bring recent bank statements showing you can cover your stay. If someone else is sponsoring you, include their proof of income and a signed letter.
• Use the right visa type – If you're unsure, check with the consulate or use the visa assistant on the France-Visas website.

Which agencies can assist with Schengen visas?

If you'd like extra support or don't have time to handle the process yourself, there are agencies that can help with document review, appointment booking, and even travel insurance. Here are some that offer help with a French Schengen visa appointment from the UK:

• TLScontact – Official French visa processing partner in the UK
• VisaHQ – Offers full Schengen visa services for UK residents⁷
• CIBTvisas UK – Business and tourist visa support, with document help⁸
• France-Visas support – Official site with FAQs and application guides
• VFS Global – While not used for France in the UK, it handles Schengen visas for other countries

Making a French Schengen visa appointment in the UK

Once you've completed the visa application on the France-Visas website, the next step is to book your appointment. In the UK, France uses TLScontact as its official visa service provider.

After submitting your form online, you'll be directed to the TLScontact portal to choose a location, date, and time for your appointment.
Centres are available in major cities including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, so you can select the one most convenient for you.

During the appointment, you'll need to submit your documents, provide biometric data (a photo and fingerprints), and pay the visa fee if you haven't already.

It's a good idea to book your slot well in advance, especially during holiday periods or summer, when demand for Schengen visas spikes.

A visa agency can handle the appointment process as well

If you find the process confusing or want someone to handle it for you, you can also use a visa agency.

Reputable services like VisaHQ, CIBTvisas, or even specialised travel agencies can help book your appointment, prepare your paperwork, and make sure everything's in order before you visit the visa centre.

Just keep in mind that these services charge a fee in addition to the official visa cost.

How to pay for your French Schengen visa?

The standard fee for a short-stay French Schengen visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12⁹. Children under 6 can apply free of charge.

These fees are set by the EU and are usually paid in euros, even when applying from the UK.

You'll pay the visa fee during the appointment at the TLScontact centre. Most centres accept debit or credit card payments, and some may allow cash, but it's best to check in advance.

Keep in mind that if you pay in pounds, your bank may add conversion fees or provide a poor exchange rate. Using the Wise multi-currency card to pay in euros will provide you with the mid-market rate, avoiding exchange rate mark-ups.

This clever international debit card works in 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to local currency with only a small, transparent conversion fee*.

Save on application costs and avoid exchange rate mark-ups

Visa fees may seem simple, but if you're paying in euros from the UK, the hidden costs can add up fast. Banks and credit card providers often add extra fees or offer poor exchange rates, meaning you pay more than you need to. That's where Wise can help.

With a Wise account, you get access to the mid-market exchange rate, so you don't lose money on currency conversion. Whether you're paying your France Schengen visa fee from the UK or booking your stay in Paris, Wise makes it easier to manage your money across borders.

You can hold and convert over 40+ currencies, and spend in 150+ countries with the Wise card - perfect for when your trip begins.

Many visa fees are charged in euros, even outside of the eurozone countries¹⁰. So if you're based in the UK or another European country that doesn't use the euro, using Wise can help you avoid extra costs when paying for your Schengen visa from the UK to France.

Sources used in this article:
1. GOV.UK - travel to EU Schengen area
2. GOV.UK - Biometric Residence Permit information
3. EUROPA.EU - who needs a visa
4. France Visas (GOUV.FR) - French short stay visa information
5. Worldwide Walkies - French long stay visa information
6. TLScontact - applying for a French visa appointment
7. VISA HQ - Schengen visa services for UK residents
8. CIBTvisas UK - business and tourist visa support
9. Fab Expat - paying for your visa and difference in fees
10. Ministry of Foreign Affairs- visa fees often charged in euros
Sources last checked on 15-Jul-2025