Groupement FLE: Association of French language schools in France
Getting a passport to visit France
Passport or ID card?
Any foreigner wishing to cross the French border must have a passport from their country whilst all EU nationals may enter France with an ID card alone. Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay.
Who needs a visa?
If you are are an EU national (not French), from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or a family member of an EU national, EEA national or Swiss national (not French), the following European Union rulings apply:
- EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need an entrance visa or long stay visa, whatever the length of their stay;
- family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss national (spouse, children or dependents) are subject to the same rules as those of their nationality.
If you do not belong to the aforementioned groups, you will require a visa to enter France.
How to get a visa?
You need to contact the French Consulate closest to your domicile. You may be sent to a CampusFrance agency dealing with visa requests for studying in France. Usually you need to have:
- a valid passport
- a pre-booking confirmation
- documents detailing financial means of support whilst in France,
- and you may be asked for accommodation confirmation with the host family’s ID card details or student residence accommodation confirmation.
Warning! You are not entitled to a visa. The visa may be refused even if you believe you have supplied the necessary documents. Issuing visas is a “government act” which does not need to be justified or subject to legal proceedings.
Short or long stay?
1. Short stay study visa
You can study and stay in France for up to three months with this visa. Students who wish to take a language course or any other short training course can request this visa without a residency permit being required. This visa cannot be extended.
2. Long stay study visa:
2.1.Temporary long stay study visa
You can study and stay in France for up to three months with this visa. Students who wish to take a language course or any other short training course can request this visa without a residency permit being required. This visa cannot be extended.
2.2. Long stay study visa
This visa is issued to foreign students who wish to study in a state or private higher education facility for over six months. Two months after arriving in France, you can request a residency permit for a year which can be extended at the Préfecture closest to your residence.
Please visit the following website for further information: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-formulaires_831/espace-etudiants_12793/etudier-france_12794/demarches-administratives_12818/visas-etudiants_27131.html