France has always been a favourite for UK visitors, with its proximity, history, culture and food. Whether you're going for a quick break or a longer holiday, there's no shortage of things to see from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera. Since Brexit, UK visitors need to make sure they have the right visa before entering France. In this guide we'll go through the process of applying for a France Tourist Visa and some top places to visit.
France Visa from the UK
Before you start planning your trip, getting a France visa from the UK is top of the list. UK citizens can visit France for up to 90 days without a visa, but if your trip is longer than that or for specific purposes like work, you'll need a France Tourist Visa. The process is simple but does require some pre-planning. Here's what you need to do:
1. Choose the Right Visa
Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need different types of visas. For tourism, a France Tourist Visa (also known as a Schengen visa) is sufficient for up to 90 days. If you're going to work, study or stay longer than 90 days you'll need to apply for a different type of visa.
2. Apply Through a France Visa Agency
To simplify the process many applicants use a France Visa Agency. These agencies take care of the paperwork, scheduling appointments and making sure all documents are in order. For first time travellers this can be a hassle free way to do your application. But if you prefer to do it yourself you can apply for your France visa from the UK through the official French visa application website.
3. Book a French Visa Appointment
Once you have your application ready you'll need to book a French visa appointment at the nearest visa centre. London has one of the largest centres for France visas but there are others throughout the UK. At your appointment you'll submit your application, biometric data and supporting documents like passport, travel insurance and accommodation details.
4. Online France Visa Application
Another way to apply is through the Online France Visa service. This option allows you to do the initial part of your application online and reduces the time spent at the visa centre. Make sure you have all your documents ready as any errors or missing information could delay your visa approval.
4. Loire Valley: Castles and Vineyards
The Loire Valley, or as we call it the “Garden of France”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the most beautiful châteaux and vineyards in the world. There are numerous castles to explore, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château de Villandry to name a few, each with its own history and style.
Wine enthusiasts will love the vineyards here which produce some of France's best wines. From Sauvignon Blanc to Chenin Blanc, the Loire Valley is the perfect destination to indulge in history and gastronomy.
The Loire Valley is just a short train ride from Paris so it's a great day trip or weekend break.
5. Normandy: History and Coast
History lovers will be in heaven in Normandy, a region famous for its World War II landing beaches and the stunning Mont Saint-Michel. Start your visit at the D-Day landing beaches where you can visit museums and memorials to the Allied forces who liberated Europe. The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach is very moving.
After all that history head to the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey on a rocky island, one of France's most famous landmarks. At high tide the abbey appears to be floating on water, it's magic.
Travel Tip: Normandy is close to the UK so it's an easy destination to get to, by ferry or plane. Make sure to Apply Online France Visa UK in advance to avoid any issues.
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France is one of the most visited destinations for UK tourists with so many attractions from cultural landmarks to coastal towns. Make sure to apply for the right visa through a France visa agency or complete your online France visa to avoid any hassle. With a little planning you'll be soaking up the beauty, history and charm of France in no time.
