France Visa Guide for Indian Citizens in UK Complete Application Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens residing in London need a Schengen visa to travel to France. Your nationality is what matters here, not your UK residence being an Indian passport holder means you can't skip the visa process. You should apply at the TLScontact center in London, located at 240-250 Pentonville Road, N1 9JY.
Paris, France
Iconic Eiffel Tower
Lyon, France
Historic city center
Nice, France
French Riviera
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France Schengen Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indian Passport Holders in the UK
If you're an Indian passport holder living in the UK and planning to apply for a France Schengen visa, you need to meet certain UK residency requirements first.
UK Residency Requirements
- ✓ You must hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or residence visa; applications on a visitor visa aren't accepted.
- ✓ Your residence permit should be valid for the entire duration of your intended Schengen stay, ideally with some buffer time after your return. From my experience, it is better to have 6 months valid afterwards to reduce the risk of rejection.
Basic Eligibility Criterias
- ✓ There's no strict age limit, but minors must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians with appropriate documentation.
- ✓ Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- ✓ The visa application must clearly state the purpose of your visit tourism, business, or family visit; other purposes might require different visa types.
Who Cannot Apply
If you're only visiting the UK on a short-term visitor visa or your residence permit has expired, you won't be eligible to apply from the UK. Also, those with unresolved immigration issues or banned from Schengen countries should avoid applying until those are cleared.
Complete List of Documents Required for France Visa – Indian Passport Holders Applying from London
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Passport: Make sure your Indian passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from France. You’ll also need at least two blank visa pages. Always include a photocopy of the passport’s data page, and if your passport was issued within the last year, bring your old one too if you’ve still got it.
France Visa Application Form: Complete the Schengen visa application form online, then print and sign it. Double-check for missing signatures.
Recent Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm), taken against a plain white or light grey background, unstapled, with a neutral expression. Avoid glasses or headwear unless it’s for religious reasons.
Visa Fee Payment Proof: Bring proof you’ve paid the visa fee (usually a payment receipt).
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Flight Tickets: Attach a copy of your round-trip flight booking. Confirmed tickets aren’t required, but your itinerary should cover entry and exit from the Schengen area.
Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings for your entire stay (or an invitation letter if you’re staying with family/friends). Make sure reservation details match your travel dates.
Travel Medical Insurance: Valid for all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. The policy must cover medical emergencies and repatriation for the entire trip.
STATUS DOCUMENTATION
UK Residence Permit (BRP) or UK Visa: Your UK residence permit or long-term visa should be valid for at least one month beyond your planned return from France. Attach a clear photocopy.
Proof of Employment or Study: - If employed: A recent employer letter (addressed to the French consulate), your last three payslips, and bank statements showing regular salary deposits. - If self-employed: Business registration documents and recent bank statements. - If a student: A recent letter from your school or university confirming enrollment plus your latest attendance record.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Family Documents: If joining family, include relationship proof such as marriage or birth certificates (with official translations if not in English or French). Originals and copies are needed.
Document Translations: Any document not in English or French must come with a certified translation.
Cover Letter: A simple letter explaining your travel purpose and ties to the UK/India can help, especially if your itinerary is complex. Double-check dates, spelling, and that all documents are clear, complete, and up to date.
Step-by-Step France Schengen Visa Application Process for Indian Citizens in London
Follow these steps if you want to handle the application yourself
Online Application
Start your journey at france-visas.gouv.fr where you'll complete the online application form. It's pretty straightforward - just make sure you've got all your details ready before you begin.
Appointment Booking
Once that's done, you'll need to book an appointment through TLScontact. In London, there are centers in various locations, and you'll want to book well in advance since slots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Document Preparation
Gather all your documents, get translations done for anything that isn't in English or French, and make copies of everything. Organization is key.
Appointment Day
Head to your chosen TLScontact center in London. You'll go through security, document verification, and biometric collection. The whole process usually takes about 30-45 minutes if everything goes smoothly.
Tracking & Collection
After submitting, you can track your application status online. Once processed, you'll either collect your passport from the center or have it delivered to you.
Travel
Remember to travel on or after the visa start date, and always carry your supporting documents when flying. Immigration officers might ask to see them at departure or arrival.
France Visa Processing Time and Fees for Indian Nationals Applying from the UK
PROCESSING TIMELINES
If you’re an Indian citizen applying for a France visa from the UK, expect the standard processing time to be roughly 15 calendar days. However, during peak travel seasons usually spring and summer or around major holidays this can stretch a bit longer, so it’s not unusual for it to take up to 30 days or more. Keep in mind that delays can happen if additional documents or interviews are required, so it’s wise to factor in some extra time.
VISA FEES
The visa fee for a short-stay Schengen visa to France is generally €80, which is about £70. For applicants under 18 or over 60, the fee is reduced to €40 (around £35). These charges are paid in euros, so the exact pound amount might fluctuate with exchange rates.
SERVICE FEES
When you apply through TLScontact, the official visa application center, they charge an additional service fee of approximately €25 (£22). You might also opt for extra services like courier delivery or appointment rescheduling, which will add to the cost. TLScontact also offers “prime time” appointments for an extra fee if you want a more flexible or expedited slot.
TIMELINE PLANNING: You should apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned travel date. Starting early helps you avoid stress from possible delays, especially in busy months. Remember, applying too early more than 3 months ahead won't speed things up, as visas can only be issued within 3 months of your trip. So, timing is key to a smooth process.
Financial Requirements for France Visa: Proof of Funds for Indian Citizens in the UK
DAILY FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
First thing’s first: if you’re applying for a France visa from the UK as an Indian citizen, you’ll need to prove you can support yourself. The French authorities usually expect you to show at least €120 per day if you’re staying in a hotel, or about €65 per day if you’ve got proof of prepaid accommodation. If you’re relying on someone to host you (with an attestation d’accueil), the minimum drops to about €40 per day. Add up your daily amount by how many days you plan to stay, and be sure you’ve got a little extra as a buffer consulates don’t like seeing applicants barely scraping by.
BANK STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS
They’re strict about bank statements. You’ll need to provide originals (not just online printouts) for at least the last 3 months, though 6 months is safer. These statements should clearly show regular activity not just a sudden deposit right before you apply. The closing balance should be enough to cover your total trip costs, plus return travel and daily expenses. If your account’s been inactive, or you’ve transferred funds in suddenly, expect questions.
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL PROOF
Don't stop at bank statements. Attach salary slips for the last three months, recent tax returns, or employment letters. The more evidence you show of ongoing income and financial stability, the better your chances. This is especially important if you're self-employed get your CA to provide a summary or certificate where possible.
- We strongly recommend having atleast £1,000 in your bank account for significantly better chances of visa approval
SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS
If a family member or friend in France is covering your costs, you’ll need to submit a formal sponsorship letter, the host’s recent bank statements, proof of their legal residency in France, and the attestation d’accueil (official accommodation certificate). Only rely on sponsorship if you genuinely need it if your own funds are sufficient, it’s simpler to stick with that.
Success Tips: How to Increase Approval Chances for France Visa Applications from London
COMMON REJECTION REASONS
Insufficient financial proof is the biggest culprit - consular officers need to see you can genuinely afford your trip and won't overstay. Incomplete documentation comes next, followed by unconvincing travel plans that seem vague or unrealistic. Poor ties to the UK also raise red flags about your intention to return.
PREPARATION STRATEGIES
Start your application at least 4-6 weeks before travel - rushed applications often contain errors. Organize documents chronologically and create a checklist to avoid missing anything. Bank statements should show consistent activity over 3-6 months, not sudden large deposits right before applying. Double-check every form field and ensure photos meet exact specifications.
SUCCESS TIPS
Present a compelling case for why you'll return to the UK - highlight your job, property ownership, family commitments, or ongoing studies. Your itinerary should be detailed but realistic, showing you've actually researched your destination. Keep financial documents consistent across all paperwork - any discrepancies will be questioned. Most importantly, be honest throughout the process. Consular officers are experienced at spotting inconsistencies, and getting caught in even small lies can result in automatic rejection and future application difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions about France Visa for Indian Citizens in the UK
Q: Do Indian citizens in London need a visa to visit France?
Yes, Indian passport holders living in London have to get a Schengen visa before heading to France. France doesn’t do visa-on-arrival or e-visas for Indians, so you really do need to sort this out before you travel. You’ll need to apply at a VFS Global France Visa Application Centre – don’t go to TLS or BLS, as they don’t handle France visas for Indian citizens in the UK. - Double-check you have all your documents ready before booking an appointment; missing paperwork will get your application rejected fast.
Q: What documents do I need for my France Schengen visa application?
You’ll need your Indian passport (valid for at least 3 months after your return), a completed application form, recent passport photos, proof of your UK residence, travel plans, hotel bookings or an invitation, travel insurance, proof of funds, a cover letter, and proof of employment or student status. All documents should be in original with photocopies, and your UK bank statements need to show you’ve got enough to cover your stay. - Make sure your travel insurance covers at least €30,000 for emergencies and is valid for all Schengen countries.
Q: How long does it take, and what does it cost?
Processing usually takes about 15 calendar days, but it could take longer if it’s busy. The standard visa fee is €80 (payable in GBP at VFS), plus a separate VFS service charge. There’s no official express service for France Schengen visas, so apply early don’t leave it until the last minute. - Try to book your appointment at least a month before your trip, especially in peak travel seasons.
Q: How much money do I need to show for my visa?
You’ve got to prove you’ve got enough funds: generally, at least €120 per day if you’re staying in hotels, or €65 per day if you’ll be with family or friends. UK bank statements from the past three months are usually fine make sure they’re up to date and show consistent income. - If someone in France is sponsoring you, include their invitation and proof of relationship along with their financial documents.
Expert Review & Official Sources
Expert Verification & Official Sources
This comprehensive guide has been reviewed and verified by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visa requirements and UK-based applications, on September 09, 2025.
All information is cross-referenced with official embassy sources and current immigration policies as of September 06, 2025.
Official Source
We strongly recommend that you always check the official source: https://uk.ambafrance.org/Applying-for-a-French-visa-in-the-United-Kingdom