World Country Guide

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months, except for the following:
1. nationals of Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland, who are holders of national identity cards.

Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of the EU (except 1. nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania who do require a visa) and nationals of Andorra, Chile, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, St Maarten, Switzerland and the Vatican City;
(b) nationals of Argentina, Bermuda, Brunei, Croatia, Malaysia, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela for stays of up to one month;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost
All visas, regardless of duration of stay and number of entries permitted, cost 35. In most circumstances, no fee applies to students, recipients of government fellowships and citizens of the EU and their family members.

Validity
Short-stay (up to 30 days): valid for two months (single- and multiple-entry). Short stay (31 to 90 days and double- or multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of six months from date of issue. Transit: valid for single- or multiple-entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival.

Application to
French Consulate General (for personal visas), or Consular section at Embassy (for diplomatic or service visas); see Contact Addresses section for France. All applications must be made in person.

Application requirements
(a) Valid passport with blank page to affix the visa. Minors travelling alone must submit notarised parental authorisation, signed by both parents, plus one copy. (b) Up to two completed application forms. (c) One passport-size photo on each form. (d) Fee, to be paid in cash only if paying by person. If not, fee should be paid by cheque or postal order. (e) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (two last bank statements, plus copy, or other proof of funds equivalent to US$100 for each day of trip). (f) Letter from employer, or proof of stay in country of residence. (g) Proof of address. (h) Medical insurance. (i) Return ticket and travel documents for remaining journey. (j) Proof of accommodation during stay. (k) Registered self-addressed envelope, if applying by post. (l) Detailed itinerary, including reservations and round-trip airline tickets (only required when visa is issued), plus one copy. (m) Proof of employment (eg last payslip or letter from employer). (n) Proof of valid health/travel insurance with worldwide coverage, plus copy. Business: (a)-(n) and, (o) Business invitation guaranteeing payment of travel expanses, plus one copy.

Working days required
One day to three weeks, depending on nationality.

Temporary residence
If intending to work or stay for longer than 90 days, nationals should contact the Long Stay visa section of the French Consulate General or Embassy (tel: (020) 7073 1248). Nationals of the EU may gain long-stay in New Caledonia on the condition that they have independent means and self-employed (proof must be submitted).