How to apply for a French Schengen visa from London
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомCheck your passport and itinerary first
Permission to live in the UK does not replace permission to enter France. Enter your nationality, passport type, UK residence and purpose in the France-Visas wizard. For a trip covering several countries, apply to the country of your main destination; an available appointment alone does not make France the correct consulate. France-Visas explains the allocation rules ↗.
The application and appointment are separate steps
Complete the France-Visas application and save the final form and personalised document list. Then follow the official link to TLScontact to arrange submission. An online form does not itself create an appointment. The French consulate's UK page ↗ allows UK residents to choose London, Manchester or Edinburgh without a consular district restriction.
Before confirming, compare your passport number, name spelling and travel dates across both systems. Prepare separate applications for family members and check who is included in the booking.
Prepare evidence of the trip
The French foreign ministry describes the application stages ↗. Follow the list generated for your circumstances: passport, evidence of lawful UK residence, photographs, itinerary, accommodation, funds and insurance. If staying with friends, check the invitation requirements: private accommodation and hotel stays may require different evidence.
Bring the printed appointment confirmation and the originals and copies requested. Keep your own copy of the complete application before handing over your passport.
Timing, costs and passport return
France-Visas advises allowing at least 20 working days for processing in the UK. This is planning guidance, not a promise of a decision before departure. Add appointment availability and passport return time separately. Budget for the applicable visa fee, TLScontact's basic service charge and any delivery or optional services you choose; check them before paying.
Once notified, obtain your passport using the collection method arranged at submission. Check your name, validity dates, permitted days and number of entries. A long validity period on the sticker does not permit an uninterrupted stay for that entire period.