A few folks have asked about the process in applying for a French 180 day visa. It is quite complicated so I have laid it out in detail below. It is worth remembering once your 180 days are up you still have the 90 days in the Schengen Zone to use. Basically all the paperwork in handled by a company called TLS Contact - presumably so that the French Consulate doesn't have to!
NOTE: The Manchester TLS Contact office moved from Salford Quays to central Manchester (1 Portland Street) in Nov 2023 - parking is a now little tricky, there is a multi-story about ten minutes walk along Portland Street.
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| Happy bunnies - good to go |
French 180 day Visa Application
STRAND ONE (France Visas)
Each applicant needs to:
1 Register with the French Government Website - https://www.france-visas.gouv.fr/en/
2 Decide what type of visa you need (Long Stay More than 90 days)
3 Get your supporting documents together (See below)
Cost thus far €99 each
STRAND TWO (TLS Contact)
The lead traveller (ONLY) needs to
4 Register with TLS Contact and fill in the details for each traveller https://www.tlscontact.com/en/start-your-visa-journey/
5 Make an appointment with TLS Contact (London/Manchester/Edinburgh) - usually available in a few days
STRAND ONE
Return to the French Visa Website and confirm your TLS appointment. They will give you a checklist. You will need to present TLS with the following for each traveller
i) A travel document, issued less than 10 years ago, containing at least two blank pages, with a period of validity at least 3 months longer than the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen Area or, in the case of a long stay, at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested. You have to have copies of any pages containing visas, entry and exit stamps etc - on A4 sheets.
ii) Two recent ID photographs.
iii) Purpose of travel/stay - we just said Tourism
iv) Promise not to exercise any professional activity in France, if applicable accompanied by a letter explaining your project.
v) Proof of your socio-economic situation. We took our P60s which showed we were retired teachers
vi) Funds - Last 3 months bank statements (UK account/savers) showing your full name and address, as evidence that you have enough funds for the whole duration of the stay. If you are financially sponsored by your spouse/partner : marriage certificate and bank statements of your spouse/partner.
vii) Accommodation - proof of the first place you will staying
viii) Proof of residency of the host in France: rental agreement or property tirle or, if applicable, statement signed by the host confirming the establishment in France.
ix) Travel health insurance. For stays in France up to 6 months : UK-insured reciprocal healthcare entitlement documents (valid EHIC / GHIC). For stays over 6 months : Private Health insurance covering the entire validity of the visa (up to 1 year), except for retirees receiving a British retirement pension who may provide the S1 Form delivered by the NHS.
STRAND TWO
6 Visit TLS with your passports, passport photos and all the above supporting documentation, to get it checked. Hand it all over, pay and wait - around three weeks.
7 Have your biometrics done (iris scan and fingerprints) before you leave the office
NOTE 1 do not sign and date the forms until asked at the appointment
NOTE 2 there are photo booths inside the office - eight quid a pop!
Cost of this section £170 in total.
We used the Premium Lounge service at £50 each - judging by the queues in the main office, it was money well spent, though at the Manchester office this is no longer available.
Wait for three to four weeks (10-15 working days) for the 'collect your passport e-mail' and keep your fingers crossed.
** GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR APPLICATION **
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