France Schengen Visa Documents: Complete Checklist for UK Applicants 2026

Applying for a France Schengen visa from the UK requires careful document preparation. Most refusals happen because of missing or incorrect papers. France also has a few stricter rules compared to other Schengen countries, especially for accommodation and financial proof.

This guide explains exactly which documents you need for a France visa when applying from the UK. It follows official France-Visas and TLScontact rules and is written for UK residents.

Complete Document Checklist for France Visa

Applying for a France Schengen visa from the UK requires strict compliance with France-Visas official requirements. Missing even a single required document can result in refusal without a refund.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet French Schengen validity standards before your application can be accepted under Schengen visa code requirements.

• Issued within the last 10 years

• At least 2 blank pages

• Valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area

• Copies of all pages with visas, entry, or exit stamps

Incomplete passport copies are a common reason for applications being marked as incomplete.

Visa Application Form

France requires the official France-Visas application to be completed accurately.

• Completed and signed France-Visas application form

• France-Visas registration receipt

Any mismatch between the form and your supporting documents can delay processing. You can complete the application on the official France-Visas portal.

Photo Requirements

Your photo must comply with Schengen biometric standards.

• 1 recent passport photo

• Clear image with neutral expression

• Standard Schengen size

Photos that do not meet technical requirements may be rejected at submission.

Proof of UK Residence

Non-UK nationals must clearly prove legal residence in the UK.

• Printed UKVI immigration status

• Printed share code

Right to Work or Right to Rent documents are not accepted for visa purposes.

Travel Proof

France requires confirmation of your travel plans.

• Confirmed return ticket (plane, ferry, bus, or train)

• Or organised trip programme or itinerary

Your travel dates must match your accommodation and insurance documents.

Accommodation Proof

You must show where you will stay during your entire visit to France.

• Hotel booking or rental agreement

• OR original Attestation d’accueil (Cerfa form) issued by the French town hall

• OR booking confirmation from a travel agency

Photocopies of the Attestation d’accueil are not accepted.

Financial Proof

Applicants must prove they can cover all costs of the trip.

• Last 3 months of UK bank statements

• Statements must show your full name and address

• Sponsorship allowed with spouse or partner documentation

According to French government requirements, the daily minimum ranges from €32.25 (with Attestation d'accueil) to €120 (without accommodation proof).

Insufficient or unclear funds often lead to refusal.

Employment or Study Proof

Your current situation must be clearly documented.

• Employer letter and last 3 payslips

• OR accountant, banker, or solicitor letter for self-employed applicants

• OR school or university letter for students

These documents demonstrate strong ties to the UK.

Travel Health Insurance

Insurance is mandatory for all France Schengen visa applicants under EU Schengen visa regulations.

• Minimum coverage of €30,000

• Valid in all Schengen countries

• Covers medical treatment and repatriation

Insurance must cover the full duration of your stay.

Common Document Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Many France visa refusals are caused by simple errors.

Incomplete Documentation

Missing hotel bookings, missing signatures or missing copies are common reasons for refusal.

Expired or Damaged Passport

Passports that do not meet validity rules or show damage are often rejected immediately.

Insufficient Financial Proof

Applicants often fail to meet the daily minimum funds requirement or submit unclear bank statements.

Invalid Travel Insurance

Insurance that does not clearly state €30,000 coverage or does not cover the full stay is a frequent rejection reason.

How Visard Simplifies the Process

Booking a France visa appointment is often the hardest part. TLScontact slots for France visas from the UK are released in limited numbers and fill within seconds.

Visard monitors France TLScontact availability every few seconds and alerts you when a slot opens. With auto-booking, the system can secure the appointment for you automatically. Average booking time is around one week for UK applicants.

Conclusion

Preparing the correct documents is essential for France Schengen visa success. France has stricter requirements than many other Schengen countries, particularly for accommodation proof (Attestation d'accueil) and financial evidence.

Start gathering your documents early and ensure everything matches your travel dates exactly. Once your documents are ready, Visard helps UK residents find France visa appointments by monitoring TLScontact 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for a France visa from the UK?

You need a valid passport, UK residence proof, bank statements, travel insurance, flight reservation, accommodation proof, visa photos, and supporting documents as specified by France-Visas.

How much bank balance is required?

France requires between €32.25 and €120 per day depending on accommodation type.

Can I use hotel bookings or an invitation letter?

Hotel bookings are accepted. If staying with friends or family, France requires an official Attestation d'accueil, not just a personal invitation letter.

What if I do not have all documents ready?

It is better to wait until all documents are ready before booking your TLS appointment. Incomplete applications are commonly refused. You can return to the UK France visa overview page for guidance (/uk).