Visas and residence · Source controlled
French visa fees and processing times in the UK
Separate French consular charges from TLScontact service fees and understand the published UK submission and processing timetable before planning travel.
The immediate answer
What you need to know
A French visa application can involve a consular fee and a separate service-provider charge. Fees do not guarantee approval, and published processing periods are planning guidance rather than a promise for an individual file.
Two separate charge types
| Charge | Current official indication | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay consular fee | €90 standard adult fee | Exemptions and reduced rates can apply |
| Long-stay consular fee | €99 standard full fee | The category may change the charge |
| TLScontact basic service fee | €40 short stay / €55 long stay | Collected in local currency; optional services are separate |
Published UK timing
France-Visas currently states that an application may be submitted up to 180 days before planned travel. Its UK page advises allowing at least 20 working days. Once a file reaches the Consulate in London, the general indication is 2 to 15 working days, but additional checks and seasonal demand can extend the process.
Plan around dependencies, not the shortest estimate
- Do not book non-refundable travel solely on the shortest published period
- Allow time to obtain civil-status, corporate, employment and translated documents
- Keep appointment availability separate from consular processing time
- Treat a request for further documents as a possible timetable change
- Check post-arrival validation or permit deadlines before travel
Legal fees are separate
Government and service-provider charges are separate from any legal fee for route advice, document review or representation. A legal scope should state the work, exclusions and fee before the engagement begins.
Common questions
Questions people ask before taking the next step
Is the visa fee refunded after a refusal?
Generally no. The charge is for processing the application, not for a successful outcome.
Does paying for an optional TLScontact service speed up the decision?
Optional centre services do not change the French authority’s legal assessment or guarantee a faster decision.
Why can an application take longer?
Appointment demand, category, missing evidence, verification or additional administrative checks can all affect the overall time.
Primary sources
Check the official procedure
These sources were used for the legal and procedural baseline. Volatile requirements should be checked again before an application or transaction.
