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Non-EU visitors to France, including those from the UK and US, must obtain a visa for stays of more than three months, or to move as a retiree or for work. The experience can prove frustrating for many despite a slight majority finding the process relatively straightforward. 

We invited readers to complete a and to share tips. Here are the results.

Common application issues

Few readers said their visa applications were formally rejected, but many encountered obstacles that derailed or delayed the process. 

Frequent issues included being unable to book appointments via the TLS website, lack of confirmation for paid services, and difficulty reaching customer support. Some applicants abandoned their efforts entirely out of frustration.

Where refusals did occur, common reasons included insufficient proof of health insurance, unclear purpose of stay, missing GHIC cards, or suspicions of intent to work. One reader was told to apply from within France because their spouse holds an EU passport.

Other cases remained in limbo, with applications marked as 鈥渦nder review鈥� for months, only to be suddenly cancelled, leaving applicants unsure how to proceed. 

Conflicting advice from French authorities was also reported, particularly for those with family ties to EU nationals, leading some to give up and revert to the 90/180-day rule.

Nonetheless, most feedback on the application process was positive, with a slight majority describing it as 鈥渆asy鈥� or 鈥渧ery easy鈥�, both with regards to the website and providing the required documents.

Tips from readers

Many readers advised others to expect difficulties with the TLS website, reporting frequent crashes, login issues, rejected email addresses, and a confusing booking process that often required several attempts or switching browsers.

Careful preparation of documents was consistently recommended, including bringing originals and multiple copies. Several applicants warned that additional paperwork - such as tax bills or marriage certificates - can be requested, even if not listed on official guidance.

Booking an appointment was described as one of the most challenging steps, with limited slots, long wait times, and some having to travel to other cities or pay extra for walk-in appointments.

The process overall was widely seen as stressful, costly, and unnecessarily bureaucratic, with complaints about duplication between different online systems and the annual collection of biometric data despite no changes in personal details.

Once at the TLS Contact centres, however, many readers found staff to be helpful and efficient, although long waits and cramped conditions were not uncommon.

Please continue to share your experiences of getting a visa for France at this .

For more on applying for visas (and residency cards) see our guide .