World Country Guide

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond applicant's last day of stay required by all except the following:
1. nationals of Belgium, France, 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 countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela for stays of up to three months;
(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.

Note
(a) Nationals of the EU and EEE, and of the Holy See, Liechtenstein and Monaco do not need a a Long Stay visa (trips exceeding three months). (b) Nationals of Canada, Cyprus, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, USA and Venezuela should apply for a visa if they are to receive a salary, even if their trip is a Short Stay. (c) US nationals need a visa if they are crew members, or journalists on assignments, or students enrolled at schools and universities in any of the French Overseas Departments.

Types of visa and cost
Visas cost 22-26 and must be paid for in cash or with a credit card (certain cards are not accepted). Prices may change due to fluctuation in the exchange rate. In most circumstances, no fee applies to students, recipients of government fellowships and citizens of the EU and their family members.

Validity
Short-stay visas (up to 30 days): valid for two months (single- and multiple-entry). Short stay visas (31 to 90 days and double- or multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of six months from date of issue. Transit visas: 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 expenses, 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 Consulate General or Embassy (tel: (020) 7073 1248).