All visa applications for France submitted in the United Arab Emirates are exclusively processed by the Consular section in Abu Dhabi.
In the UAE, there is only one visa application center (VFS) dedicated to France which is located in Abu Dhabi. This center welcomes the public by appointment only (please check here for address and opening hours) and also serves the 7 Emirates through the "Visa At your doorstep" / "VAYD" service.
This optional fee-based service enables applicants to apply directly from their home or workplace, without having to travel to the VFS center. Applicants therefore have the choice of submitting their application at the VFS center in Abu Dhabi or using this optional fee-based service ("VAYD" service).
Visa applicants residing in the United Arab Emirates will have to apply to the VFS Center in Abu Dhabi regardless of the emirates they live.
For general information and for preparing, submitting and tracking your application, log on to France-visas, the official website for visa application to France.
France-visas is a single portal with all the information you need for the visa application process. It will help you every step of the way (preparing the application, entering details, submitting and tracking the application).
What are the steps to apply for a visa for France ?
1. Verify if you actually need a visa to enter France : https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard#/
2. Create your account on France Visas website (
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/online-application)
3. Fill your application form , print it and sign it
4. Gather all the required documents
5. Set up online your appointment at VFS center Abu Dhabi regardless of the place you live in the UAE ( https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/emirats-arabes-unis)
6. Come in person at the appointment to submit your application at the scheduled appointment
I need more information on the process
In case you need more information (such as “do I need a visa?”, “which supporting documents have to be attached to the application?”, “how to book an appointment”, “difference between long term and short term visa” ...), please check the France visas portal and if you indeed need a visa, complete the online application form.
How long to get an appointment?
Attention :
Delay for granting an appointment in VFS center in Abu Dhabi are more than 2 months unless the purpose of the trip is related to a medical emergency, death or judiciary issue (only with a proof by email).
Walk’ins are not allowed in the VFS center. The applicants must have an appointment. One appointment is for one person only and the applicant must submit in person.
Your appointment has been confirmed for the date and time reflecting against your name and reference number. You must arrive on time and no more than 15 minutes before or after the appointed time mentionned on your appointment letter. If you do not respect the appointment time, you will either have to book a new appointment online or you might be received, depending on the availability, by the PREMIUM services of the service provider, causing additional costs.
Exceptions:
These two below categories can submit without appointment at VFS center in Abu Dhabi :
Spouse/ Husband of a French citizen : provided that you present a French marriage certificate or “livret de famille”, you can go to VFS center in Abu Dhabi without an appointment. Foreign marriage certificates with a French citizen are not accepted and they must take an appointment.
Return visa for a foreigner living in France : in case of loss/theft of French residency card ( “Titre de séjour”/ “carte de séjour”), current renewal for a residence permit and only upon presentation of a proof, you can go to VFS center in Abu Dhabi without an appointment.
UE Family members ( other than French) : provided that you present proof of the nationality of the European citizen, proof of family ties and, where applicable, proof of the “dependent” status of the child over 21 years old or ascendants. (Family members of an EU citizen are considered to be: The married spouse, the partner with whom the Union citizen has entered into a registered partnership (PACS type), direct descendants (of the EU citizen EU, his or her spouse or partner) aged under twenty-one or dependent, dependent direct ascendants (of the EU citizen, their spouse or partner).
Long Stay Visa : You can submit your Long Stay visa application (for any stay in France exceeding 90 days – must be between minimum three months and one year) directly at the VFS visa center in Abu Dhabi without booking an appointment online.
How long does it take for the application to be processed ?
Applications are processed within 15 business days. There is no need to contact the Consular Section or VFS before 15 days to check the status of your application.
The visa process cannot be speed up: The visa processing time is linked to computer exchanges for security background check and it cannot be expedite.
My visa was refused, I don’t understand why
When you received your passport back, there was a notitification letter attached mentioning the reason of the refusal. There is no need to contact the Consular section to have further information.
However, an applicant who has been notified a visa refusal may challenge the decision within 30 days of being officially informed by lodging an appeal:
For a short stay visa, please send your appeal to the “Sous-Directeur des Visas” (Head of the French Central Visa Department (BP 83609 44036 Nantes Cedex 01); this prior appeal, which must mention on which grounds the refusal is challenged, be written in French and signed, is mandatory before lodging an appeal before the administrative judge.
For a long stay visa, before the Visa Refusal Appeal Commission : please send your appeal to « Commission de Recours contre les Décisions de Refus de visa » (CRRV – BP 83609 – 44036 NANTES CEDEX 1) ; this appeal, which must mention on which grounds the refusal is challenged, be written in French and signed, is mandatory before lodging an appeal before the administrative judge.