Key facts
To get a France Schengen visa from the UK you apply through TLScontact (London, Manchester or Edinburgh): complete the France-Visas form, book a TLScontact appointment, and attend to give biometrics and submit documents. France is the most popular Schengen destination from the UK, so book early.
| France Schengen visa (from the UK) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK visa application centre | TLScontact |
| Application cities | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45) |
| Official portal | France visa info ↗ |
How to apply, step by step
- Check France is the right country to apply to. It must be your main destination (most nights), or your first entry on an evenly split trip; see which country to apply to.
- Create a France-Visas account and complete the online form on the official France-Visas portal. The wizard also generates your personal document checklist.
- Create a TLScontact account and get an appointment. Centres are in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and France states there is no consular area inside the UK: "Residents in the UK can apply freely in any of those 3 centres" (france-visas.gouv.fr). Since 1 August 2026, the London (Wandsworth) and Manchester centres allocate short-stay appointments automatically: you register, join the queue, and TLScontact emails you a slot to confirm and pay for. Edinburgh is not named in that notice. Full detail in the TLScontact France appointment guide.
- Prepare your documents: passport, France-Visas form, photos, €30,000+ insurance, proof of UK residence, accommodation, return travel, bank statements and a status letter. Full detail in the France documents checklist.
- Attend your appointment to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo), submit your file and pay the fees: €90 consulate fee (about £81) plus TLScontact's service fee of around £35-48 (estimate; the exact UK figure is not published).
- Wait for the decision. Standard processing is 15 calendar days, occasionally up to 45; see the France processing time guide.
- Get your passport back by courier or by collecting it from the centre.
What it costs
| Cost line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Consulate fee (adult) | €90 (about £81) |
| Consulate fee (child 6-11 / under 6) | €45 / free |
| TLScontact service fee | Around £35-48 (estimate) |
| Travel insurance | From about £12 |
| DIY total per adult | Around £138 |
| Our done-for-you service | £199 all-in |
Full breakdown in the France visa cost guide.
Why France, and when to apply here
Apply to France only if it's your main destination, where you'll spend the most nights, or your first entry if your trip is evenly split (see which country to apply to). France is the UK's most common Schengen destination, which also means TLScontact appointments are in high demand: register as early as you can (applications open up to 6 months ahead), and remember any UK resident may use any of the three centres (see getting an appointment).
What you'll need
The standard Schengen document set: passport, France-Visas form, photo, proof of UK residence, travel and accommodation bookings, an itinerary, bank statements, €30,000+ travel insurance, and strong evidence you'll return to the UK. Weak UK-ties evidence is the leading reason these applications are refused. The full France-specific list, including the passport rules that catch people out, is in the France documents guide.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator: your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor: assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before your TLScontact appointment? See the done-for-you Schengen service. For the overview, see the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
More France guides
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How do I apply for a France visa from the UK?
France's UK visa applications are handled by TLScontact. You complete the France-Visas online form, create a TLScontact account, book an appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and attend to give biometrics and submit your documents. You must be a legal UK resident to apply from the UK.
- 02
Who handles France visa applications in the UK?
TLScontact is the official external service provider for French Schengen visas in the UK, with centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The decision is made by the French consulate; TLScontact runs the application centre and biometrics.
- 03
How much is a France visa from the UK?
The consulate fee is €90 for adults, €45 for children 6-11, and free for under-6s, the same as every Schengen country. TLScontact charges its own service fee on top (around £35-48; the exact figure is not published openly), and you'll need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover. Budget around £138 DIY per adult.
- 04
When should I apply for a France visa from the UK?
You can apply up to 6 months before travel and should apply early. France is the single most popular Schengen destination from the UK, so TLScontact appointments fill quickly, especially before summer. Allow 15 calendar days for standard processing, sometimes more.
- 05
Should I apply to France if I'm visiting several countries?
Only if France is your main destination (where you'll spend the most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split equally. Applying to France when you'll actually spend most of your trip elsewhere is a common refusal reason.
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