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Travel and Business Visa for France (Schengen Visa)

Helping UK Travellers and UK Residents Obtain the France Schengen Visa

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Overview

About France Tourist / Business Visa

France is part of the Schengen Area. If your nationality is subject to visa requirements, you must obtain a France Schengen visa before travelling for a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A short-stay visa for France normally also allows travel across the wider Schengen area, subject to the conditions printed on the visa.
A France Tourist Visa is suitable for short leisure travel, holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, cultural visits, and other non-working stays in France.
A France Business Visa is used for eligible short professional trips such as business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences, supplier visits, client meetings, market research, and selected short training or corporate activities.
To obtain a France Schengen visa successfully, applicants must choose the right visa category, submit the correct supporting documents, attend the required appointment, and satisfy the French Consulate that the trip is genuine, properly funded, and temporary.

France visa requirements

Visa requirements for UK Residents with Foreign Passports

If you live in the UK but hold a non-British passport, whether you need a France Schengen visa depends mainly on your nationality and immigration status. Many non-British passport holders living in the UK do need to apply before travel.
For a short stay in France of up to 90 days in a 180-day period for tourism, business, family visit, conference attendance, or similar short-term travel, applicants who are not visa-exempt must apply for a France Schengen visa before departure.
You should also be able to show lawful residence in the UK and provide accepted evidence of your current UK immigration status at the time of application.
If France is your only destination, your main destination, or your first point of entry when time spent in Schengen countries is otherwise equal, France is usually the correct country through which to lodge the application.

Cromwell visa services for France visa application

At Cromwell Visa Services, we support travellers and professionals with careful preparation of France Schengen visa applications from the UK. Our aim is to make the process clearer, faster to manage, and less stressful for busy applicants.

France visa applications can become difficult when the wrong category is selected, the supporting documents do not match the purpose of travel, or the booking and submission steps are not completed properly. We help reduce those risks by guiding you through each stage in a practical and structured way.

Whether you are travelling to France for a holiday, a business meeting, a trade fair, a conference, or a short commercial visit, our team can assist with document review, application checks, appointment guidance, and overall case preparation.

Our service is designed to improve accuracy, avoid common mistakes, and help you submit a complete and credible application that fits current France Schengen visa requirements.

Documents required for France Schengen visa application

Valid passport
meeting Schengen validity and blank-page requirements.
Proof of UK residence / immigration status.
Passport-size photographs that meet ICAO / Schengen photo standards.
Travel itinerary, flight reservation, or onward travel evidence.
Hotel reservation, rental booking, or host invitation with supporting accommodation evidence.
Attestation d'accueil if staying with family or friends in France, where applicable.
Recent bank statements to show sufficient funds for the visit.
Proof of employment, payslips, pension evidence, student status, or self-employment documents, depending on your profile.
Business invitation letter and UK employer letter for business travel cases.
Schengen travel insurance covering at least 30,000 euros for emergency medical expenses, hospital treatment, and repatriation.
Civil documents where relevant, for example marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of relationship.
Any additional documents as requested by French Consulate, may vary on case by case basis
The exact France visa document checklist depends on your nationality, UK residence status, purpose of travel, funding arrangements, and whether you are applying for a tourist or business visa. French authorities may also request additional documents after submission if further information is needed. As document requirements can vary from case to case, a tailored document review is an important step in preparing a strong France visa application. Please click below to contact us for our document checking service.
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Step-by-step visa application process for France visa

Step 1
Contact Us
Reach out to Cromwell Visa Services by calling 0203 911 1115, requesting a callback, or emailing info@cromwellvisas.com to start your France visa application. Our visa specialists will guide you through the process and answer your initial questions.
Step 2
Eligibility Check and Visa Category Guidance
Our team will check whether you need a France Schengen visa, whether France is the correct country for your application, and which visa category matches your travel purpose. We will assess your nationality, UK residence status, travel plans and reason for travel, then guide you on the documents required for your application.
Step 3
Prepare and organise the supporting documents
Gather the full set of documents in the order requested. A complete, well-organised application is important because incomplete files can lead to delays, extra document requests, or refusal.
Step 4
Attend the TLScontact appointment
Attend your appointment in person if required. Applicants aged over 12 usually provide biometric data at their first application, although previously recorded biometrics may sometimes be reused if a previous biometric Schengen visa was issued within the last 59 months.
Step 5
Visa Processing, Tracking and Passport Return
Once accepted, your application is sent to the French Consulate for a decision. TLScontact does not decide the outcome. The authorities may request more documents or an interview if needed. After a decision is made, your passport can usually be collected in person, collected by an authorised representative, or returned by delivery where available.

Why Cromwell

Why Cromwell Visa Services for France Schengen visa?

Careful visa category guidance before you submit
Document review focused on accuracy and consistency
Support with tourism and business visa cases from the UK
Practical help with booking, preparation, and case flow
A clear, responsive, and client-friendly process from start to finish
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Processing Time

Processing time for France Schengen visa

For applicants applying in the UK, France-Visas states that visa applications can be submitted up to 180 days before the intended date of travel and strongly advises applicants to allow at least 20 working days.
Once the application is transferred to the French Consulate General in London, cases are generally processed in about 2 to 15 working days. This is a general guide, not a guarantee.
Processing can take longer during peak travel periods, when the file is incomplete, when additional documents are requested, or when extra checks are required.
The safest approach is to apply as early as reasonably possible rather than waiting until the last few weeks before travel.

Visa Validity

France Schengen visa validity & duration

A France short-stay visa does not allow stays of more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The exact validity period, number of entries, and authorised stay are decided by the French authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Some applicants receive a visa covering only the specific travel dates requested, while others may receive a single-entry or multiple-entry visa with a longer period of validity.

France also issues circulation visas in suitable cases. These can allow repeated travel and may be valid from 6 months up to 5 years, but the holder must still respect the 90 days in 180 days rule.

No agency, adviser, or applicant can guarantee the length or format of visa validity. A strong travel history, consistent documents, and a well-presented application can, however, support a better overall outcome.

Visa fees & other costs

€ 90
Official French short-stay Schengen visa fee for most adult applicants
€ 45
Reduced fee for children aged 6 to 11
€ 0
Children under 6 are generally exempt from the official visa fee, and some other exemption categories may also apply depending on the case.
€ 40 to € 55
UK TLScontact service fee is charged separately per appointment. Optional premium services can increase the overall cost.
£180
Our professional service fee can vary depending on the complexity of the case, urgency, and level of assistance required. A tailored quotation can be provided after an initial review.
Visa and service fees are normally non-refundable once the application has been formally submitted, even if the visa is refused.
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FAQ

France Schengen Visa FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

For short visits, British citizens can usually travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and certain short training or event-related purposes. Different rules apply for working in France or staying longer than 90 days.

Many do. The requirement depends on the nationality shown on the passport and the applicant’s residence status in the UK. A person can be legally resident in the UK and still need a France visa before travel.

Applications can be lodged up to 180 days before travel. France-Visas strongly advises allowing at least 20 working days, but many applicants choose to apply earlier to reduce last-minute risk.

In the UK, cases are generally processed in around 2 to 15 working days after they reach the French Consulate, but this can be longer in busy periods or where extra checks are required.

Yes. The insurance should cover the full stay, the whole Schengen area, emergency medical costs, hospital treatment, and repatriation, with cover of at least 30,000 euros.

Usually yes if you are over 12 and applying for the first time. If you gave biometrics for a previous biometric Schengen visa issued within the last 59 months, the data may sometimes be reused, though the authorities can still request appearance if needed.

Yes, if France is your sole destination, your main destination in terms of stay or purpose, or your first entry point where no main destination can be identified.

You should show enough funds to cover the trip. French border guidance refers to 65 euros per day where hotel accommodation is booked, 120 euros per day where there is no hotel booking, and 32.50 euros per day in certain hosted-stay cases backed by an attestation d'accueil.

You need credible travel and accommodation evidence. In practice, flight reservations, itinerary details, and hotel bookings or host documents are commonly used. The exact evidence should match the reason for travel.

For many short business-related activities, yes. This can include meetings, trade fairs, negotiations, conferences without pay, fact-finding visits, some training, and similar short professional visits. If the activity amounts to work or falls outside the exempt business visitor rules, a visa or permit may be required.

UK residents can normally apply through TLScontact in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, because there is no separate consular area restriction for routine visa filing in the UK.

Yes. France-Visas states that TLScontact is the authorised external provider in the UK for receiving applications and returning passports. Applicants should be careful of unofficial websites and appointment scams.

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France work visa options

Transferring to the French branch of a UK-based company
If a UK employer is sending an employee to a linked company or branch in France, the route may fall under an intra-company transfer arrangement. For longer assignments, France uses ICT and Talent Passport style categories depending on the structure, contract, and duration of the move.
Providing services to a client in France
Where a UK company sends staff to France to deliver services to a French client, the immigration route depends on the duration, the nature of the assignment, whether the employee stays on UK payroll, and whether work authorisation and SIPSI posting formalities apply.
Working for a French company on a French employment contract
Applicants hired directly by a French employer may need a work authorisation followed by a long-stay visa or residence route. The exact route depends on the role, contract length, and whether the case qualifies under a standard employee route or a higher-skilled Talent Passport category.
Talent Passport routes for qualified employees and international talent
France operates several Talent Passport pathways for highly skilled employees, employees on assignment, researchers, innovative-company staff, business creators, investors, and other internationally mobile professionals. Many of these categories can lead to multi-year residence permission of up to 4 years.
Self-employed work, business creation, and liberal professions
If you want to freelance, work independently, or run your own activity in France, you may need a self-employed or entrepreneur route. The case usually requires evidence that the business plan is genuine, serious, viable, and financially sustainable.
Innovative project founder or investor
France offers routes for entrepreneurs creating a business, those leading an innovative project recognised by a public body, and certain economic investors. The supporting evidence often includes investment proof, project documents, and evidence of the project’s economic value.
Research and academic work
Researchers and certain higher-education professionals can apply through a dedicated route where a hosting agreement or formal institutional arrangement supports the application. The visa and follow-on residence process depends on contract length and project type.

Final steps required for many long-stay France visa types

If you receive a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), you must usually validate it online within 3 months of arrival in France.

If your visa states that a residence card must be applied for after arrival, you must normally complete that residence process within the required period, often within 2 months.

Some categories may involve ANEF online formalities, prefecture procedures, tax stamp payments, or additional local steps after arrival.

Top 5 must-visit cities in France

France attracts visitors with world-famous cities, food culture, art, coastline, countryside, and historic landmarks. Below are five of the most popular and culturally rich French cities for leisure and business travellers.

Paris

France’s capital remains the country’s best-known city for tourism, business, fashion, art, and global events. It is home to landmark sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Seine, and Notre-Dame, while also serving as one of Europe’s major commercial hubs.

Nice

Located on the French Riviera, Nice is popular for sunshine, beaches, Mediterranean charm, and easy access to the wider Cote d’Azur. It is ideal for leisure breaks, luxury travel, and conference-linked visits.

Lyon

Lyon is widely respected for gastronomy, culture, and business travel. The city blends Roman history, elegant architecture, and a strong food identity, and it is often seen as one of France’s best cities for both living and working.

Bordeaux

Famous for wine, refined architecture, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere, Bordeaux is a major draw for food lovers, cultural travellers, and visitors exploring southwest France.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is known for its beautiful old town, Christmas markets, Alsatian character, and European institutional importance. It offers a distinct blend of French and German heritage and is especially attractive for culture-led travel.

Attractions

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in France

Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Eiffel Tower is France’s most recognisable monument and one of the world’s most visited paid attractions. It remains a defining symbol of Paris and modern France.

Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and houses masterpieces across civilisations and centuries, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Palace of Versailles

Versailles reflects the power and ceremonial grandeur of the French monarchy. Its palace interiors, Hall of Mirrors, and formal gardens make it one of Europe’s great historic sites.

Mont Saint-Michel

Rising dramatically from the tidal landscape of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel combines medieval architecture, religious heritage, and unforgettable scenery.

French Riviera

Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, the Riviera is known for glamorous seaside towns, beaches, yachting culture, and high-end tourism. It remains one of France’s best-loved holiday regions.

Education

Top 5 Universities in France

France is home to globally respected universities and elite institutions with strong reputations in science, engineering, politics, business, and the humanities.

01
Sorbonne University, Paris
Known for excellence in the humanities, sciences, medicine, and research, Sorbonne University remains one of the best-known names in French higher education.
02
Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL), Paris
PSL brings together several prestigious institutions and is especially well regarded for research, sciences, arts, and advanced interdisciplinary study.
03
University of Paris-Saclay
Paris-Saclay is widely recognised for strength in science, engineering, mathematics, and innovation-led research, and it has built an international academic reputation in recent years.
04
Ecole Polytechnique
One of France’s leading grandes ecoles, Ecole Polytechnique is highly respected for engineering, mathematics, economics, and public-sector and private-sector leadership development.
05
Sciences Po, Paris
Sciences Po is internationally known for politics, international affairs, public policy, law, economics, and social sciences, and it attracts students from around the world.

Fun Facts

Interesting Fun Facts about France, its People, and Culture

01
France is often called l’Hexagone because the shape of mainland France roughly resembles a six-sided figure on the map.
02
The gastronomic meal of the French is recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, reflecting how important food, dining, and culinary tradition are in everyday life.
03
France has overseas territories and communities around the world, which means French culture and citizenship reach far beyond mainland Europe.
04
French is one of the world’s major international languages and remains widely used in diplomacy, international organisations, and global education.
05
The country is known for regional diversity. Food, accents, architecture, and traditions can vary greatly from Paris to Provence, Brittany, Normandy, Alsace, and the French Riviera.
06
France is famous for its rail network, and the TGV helped make high-speed rail a major part of modern European travel.
07
Cheese, bread, pastries, wine, and market culture are still central to French identity and daily life, especially outside the biggest tourist centres.
08
From Gothic cathedrals and royal palaces to Impressionist art and modern design, France has played a major role in shaping European culture across many centuries.

Nationalities exempted from requiring short-term France visa

Not every traveller needs a short-stay visa for France. Visa exemption depends on nationality, passport type, residence rights, and immigration status.
As a broad guide, citizens of EU, EEA, and Swiss states do not need a Schengen visa for entry into France. British citizens are also visa-exempt for short stays, subject to the 90 days in 180 days rule and all general entry requirements.
Many other passport holders are also exempt for short tourism or business stays, including nationals of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and several others.
Holders of a valid residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a Schengen state may also be exempt in relevant cases.
Because exemption rules can change and can vary by passport type or individual status, travellers should always verify their position using the official France-Visas visa wizard before making an application decision.

Visa-free travel for British passport holders (up to 90 days within 180 days period)

Visa-free travel for British passport holders for tourism

British passport holders can usually travel to France and the wider Schengen area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

This visa-free allowance generally covers tourism, visiting family or friends, attending cultural or sports events, and certain short courses or training visits.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, relocate, work, or take up a different long-term purpose, you should check the appropriate French long-stay visa route instead.

Visa-free business activities in France for short-term stays

British citizens travelling to France for up to 90 days may be able to carry out specific short business-related activities without a visa or permit, provided the trip stays within the visitor and exemption rules.

Examples commonly include attending job interviews, going to court as a witness, attending trade fairs, joining board meetings, meeting clients or customers, meeting colleagues or contractors, carrying out fact-finding visits, negotiating and signing contracts, attending or speaking at unpaid conferences, and taking part in team-building activities.

Certain classroom-based training, on-the-job training, and job shadowing within the same company or group may also be allowed on a short-stay basis.

There are also some France-specific exemptions for up to 90 days, including selected artistic, cultural, scientific, technical, and after-sales service activities.

The rules are different if the activity amounts to work in France, paid local employment, or a longer posting. In those cases, a separate visa, permit, or work authorisation may be required.

Passport validity requirements for British Citizens travelling to France

British passport validity requirements
For travel to France, a British passport should have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date of arrival in the Schengen area.
It should also have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
If your passport was renewed before 1 October 2018, double-check the issue date carefully because some older passports may still show extra months that do not count for Schengen entry purposes.
Entry/Exit System (EES) and border records
The EU Entry/Exit System is now being implemented for short-stay travel to the Schengen area. British travellers may need to register biometric details such as fingerprints and a photo on first use.
EES is replacing routine manual passport stamping for affected travellers and can add extra time at the border, especially during busy travel periods.
If you travel through Dover, Eurotunnel, or Eurostar, some EES checks may take place before you leave the UK.
Border control checks when entering France
Border officers can ask for proof of return travel, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, evidence of funds, and documents explaining the purpose of the trip.
For business travel, it is sensible to carry an invitation letter, employer letter, or other supporting evidence that clearly explains the visit.
If staying with a private host in France, an attestation d'accueil may be required.

Generic information about travelling to the EU and Schengen area

Visa-free travel for short stays
A short-stay Schengen visit normally means no more than 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen area, not 90 days per country.
If you visit several Schengen states on the same trip, all those days count together toward the same limit.
Permitted purposes during short stays
Short stays usually cover tourism, family visits, selected business activities, cultural events, sports events, and some short study or training scenarios.
Working, relocating, long-term study, and settlement normally fall outside short-stay rules and require a different immigration route.
ETIAS update for British travellers
At the time of writing, British citizens do not need ETIAS to enter France for ordinary short visits.
The UK government says ETIAS is expected to start from Autumn 2026. Travellers should wait for the official launch announcement before applying, and any website selling ETIAS before launch should be treated as fraudulent.
List of Schengen countries
The Schengen area currently includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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