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Schengen Visa Process (France)

Discussion in 'Travel Tips and Advice' started by subseastu, Dec 7, 2011.

  1. subseastu
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    subseastu I'm Bruce Wayne Lifetime Member

    New information was posted on the other site but I think its very useful. Unfortuantly I've told my wife about it so I can't really put off a weekend in paris any longer!!! Apologies if this has been posted before, I think its a fairly recent thing.

    TLScontact is the new service (like VFS) that the French Embassy in London are using.

    You only need to apply online and select the option whether you want to post the documents or make an appointment and go to London. I chose the first as it cost effective (no need to pay for train tickets) and time saving (no need to go to London).

    you may go to their website http://tlscontact.com/gb2fr

    and you will be asked to submit the documents:

    Below is the list of documents that you need to provide. Please prepare the following mandatory documents according to the order on this list. All the copies must be in A4 format. If many applicants share one original, one of the applicants gives the original and translation,each one of the others should provide copy and translation.

    *Two identical ID photos less than 3 months old and meeting set standards – one of which must be attached to the application form
    Size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with white background, taken within 3 months.

    *Short stay visa application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for children) in both places provided (fields 36 and 37 AND in the signature box at the bottom of the third page), original
    Download.

    *Debit note, original

    *Fully completed and signed debit note. Download.

    *Self-addressed A4 sized envelope

    *Passport, original

    *A full national private passport or official travel document valid for at least more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with two blank visa pages with the mention “visa” to affix the visa sticker. Should be issued less than 10 years ago.
    (Passport, copy)

    *2 Copies of the passport containing personal identity information including one copy containing the validity extension information, note on remarks page and all the pages which contains Schengen visas.
    (Old passports, original)

    *If you are in possession of one or more previous passports, it is mandatory to bring it.
    (Old passports, copy)

    *Copies of the passport containing personal information, and all the pages which contains Schengen visas.

    *British Residence permit, original
    Your British Residence permit (stamped in passport or in the form of an identity card) must also exceed by more than 3 months the validity of the requested visa.

    * British Residence permit, copy

    *Valid passport of your spouse, fiancé (e), unmarried partner or child, original

    *If your British residency states the name of your spouse, fiancé (e), unmarried partner or child

    *Valid passport of your spouse, fiancé (e), unmarried partner or child, copy

    *Official proof of relationship, original

    *If your British residency states the name of your spouse, fiancé (e), unmarried partner or child

    *Official proof of relationship, copy

    *Civil marriage certificate, original
    •If your Marriage Certificate has been issued outside the European Union, it must be stamped by the Foreign Office of the issuing country, or its Embassy in the UK.
    •If the marriage was celebrated in the UK by a religious authority, the marriage certificate must be paired with an official registration at the General Register Office.

    *Civil marriage certificate, copy

    *Civil marriage certificate, official translation
    in French or English, this official translation must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy/ Consulate of the country where your marriage was celebrated or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in GB

    *Valid passport of European citizen, original
    or valid national identity card; or an official document less than 3 months old from a competent diplomatic or consular representation; or any other convincing document.

    *Original requested only if your family member is not currently living in France.

    *Valid passport of European citizen, copy


    You may be asked by Consulate-General of France in London to provide further documentary evidence.
  2. Aromulus
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    Aromulus The Don Staff Member

    It seems a lot more hassle than usual..........:erm:

    It is certain, it ain't getting easier going to Europe though France...:(

    As the spouse of a EU citizen in the UK Jet can waltz through immigration, without having to undergo all this rigmarole, as long as she is traveling to meet me, or I am with her....;)

    The "meet me" can cover a multitude of various scenarios.......:oops: :like: :D

    Thanks for this Stu, it is useful info,:like:, somehow I missed reading into it too closely when it was first announced, and ignored it.:erm:
  3. Anon220806
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    Anon220806 Well-Known Member

    So we don't actually have to go to the French embassy? It can all be done from home?

    Sounds good. For Portugal we had to go to the Portugese embassy. A real pain for us.
  4. subseastu
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    subseastu I'm Bruce Wayne Lifetime Member

    Blimey john, you've dug this one up. To be honest I can't even remember anything about it but it looks like it can all be done from the comfort of your own home. Best to check though
  5. Anon220806
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    Anon220806 Well-Known Member

    Well, I was going to start a new thread but did a search to see who had been before. The wife wants to visit Paris in 2014
  6. KeithAngel
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    KeithAngel 2063 Lifetime Member

    We went to France last week just showed the French our marriage Certificate at Dover.

    EC/2004/38 Free movement although that wouldnt work if a flight carrier was involved
  7. Anon220806
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    Anon220806 Well-Known Member

    Ah, but do you (your wife) get dispensation through the Surrinder Singh route?
  8. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    I'm afraid that a personal appearance is required at the French Embassy these days.
    The postal service created undesirable issues.

    On a positive note the French Embassy have a track record of issuing long validity multi entry visa.
    Quite a saving in cost and time.
  9. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    Does your wife have a Residence Card Keith?
    Those folks with a valid residence card are free to travel around the EU without the need to secure any visa at all.

    As you say Keith, EU Freedom of Movement.
    Doesn't always work out though. I'd always strongly suggest having ALL appropriate documents with you together with copies of the relevent EU regs just in case you get denied.

    You need to know your stuff.

    I've known cases where the flight carrier has succumbed and also cases where the flight carrier has point-blank refused.

    Interesting topic. I have plenty of tips on what to do in case of a 'stand-off' at check-in or at border control.

    Most folks don't want to face such confrontation though regardless of law. Too risky.
    Last edited: Dec 1, 2013
  10. KeithAngel
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    KeithAngel 2063 Lifetime Member

    I was armed to the proverbial teeth I havnt got mate printouts etc the french were fine the brits havnt got a clue
  11. blue_acid
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    blue_acid Member Trusted Member

    Correct me if I'm wrong, if you are married to a UK citizen, does the wife have a visa free access to Europe? Or does she have to have a spousal visa?

    I have been issued a couple of Schengen visas as a single woman and as a married woman. Its a pain but then who can resist going to Paris for the weekend? :)
  12. Anon220806
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    Anon220806 Well-Known Member

    Earlier this year, my wife who was on a Spouse Visa, had to get a Schengen Visa for our holiday to Portugal. The same would apply to France. She does not have visa free access.

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