Applying for a VLS-T visa

The General Situation 

This section comprises a number of sub-pages. Each section is discussed here

A summary about visa dates

Please see the new page added in January 2024 here.

The online process

The online process is complicated and has multiple steps on two different websites. 

• There is a summary page which includes an overall diagram here.

• There is a document to guide you through the France-Visas website (Steps 2-5) and another document for the TLS website (Steps 6-10). They are available on the Guidance page here.

• Be sure to pick the correct length visa on the France-Visas website, most people will want 3-6 months. There is more information here. 

Minimum income/resources

The visa has a minimum income requirement, sometime referenced as 'minimum resources' as savings may be taken into account.  This is set out here.

Insurance

Though EHIC/GHIC are deemed by the French Authorities as adequate medical cover for a VLS-T visa there are other insurance aspects to consider. These are discussed here. 

Documents for the appointment

The documentation pack is crucial to the success of your visa application and short-cutting can easily cause delay, inconvenience, or the application being refused.  Guidance is given here. 

Photographs taken to the appointment

1 in 4 people had their photographs rejected in the period January to September 2021. There is guidance on what is required here. 

The Appointment

For many people this will be a long day or require overnight travel. There is more information here

Special Circumstances

Married to an EU Citizen

This is discussed on the Key Facts page here.

Applying when resident of the Channels Islands

With the help of a resident of the Channel Islands we have provided a specific information here.