Barriers To Obtaining A French Visa

Traduction

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There are a number of barriers to obtaining a 4-6 month visa (VLST) in order to visit France for periods longer than is permitted under the Schengen 90/180-day rule.

Obtaining Medical Insurance

There is an EU requirement that visa applicants demonstrate that they have medical insurance for the whole visa period. The minimum visa period for France is four calendar months which can be 123 days

• this is not a mainstream UK insurance product and as such is expensive

• the cost becomes very much higher with age or an underlying health condition. For many, the insurance cost will be a major concern.

Proving Sufficient Income

There is an EU requirement that a visa applicant demonstrates an ability to fund their trip. The funding requirement is likely to be much higher than the UK state pension for a couple which is about £15,500. We understand that the income level for France for a couple is based on net minimum wage. This is some £26,600 depending on the exchange rate. Income needs to be demonstrated through bank statements over three months. It is uncertain as to what the French consulate will take into consideration as income. There is anecdotal evidence that the scope is quite limited. This could have a big impact on some people with a low “mainstream” income from salary or pension but have other income from, for example, property rental, self employment, bank interest or investment income.

The Interview Process

The visa requires a face-to-face interview to take place. These are held in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. A large number of UK citizens live more than 3 hours from these interview points and may need to stay overnight. For those who are already travelling this will be problematic as they must be in the UK for the interview.

The Unpredictability

People will be uncertain about planned visits until the visa is granted and so will be unable to make travel arrangements. For practical and official reasons a visa application can only be made some three months in advance. With justification, the consulate is unable to guarantee turnaround times especially as most second homeowners will apply towards the start of any calendar year.

Will it be possible to process the applications in a timely manner?

In 2018 less than 1% of the 127,163 visa applications received by the French Consulate in the UK were for a long stay visa**. That is some 1200 applications per year. A survey of second home owners indicates that in spring 2021 (the expected peak application period) the consulate will be receiving in excess of 1200 applications per week. The risk of delay appears high.