I am an Indian living in UK with a valid UK business visa. I learnt that it is not possible to get a France on-arrival visa from this question.
Can I walk in to the French embassy in UK and apply for a Schengen visa using my Indian passport?
asked Feb 23 '15 at 16:36
-
One option: do it and see, then return here and tell us. :) – CGCampbell Feb 23 '15 at 16:42
-
Are you on a 'business visa' that was issued for more than 6 months in duration? And more than 3 months unspent leave? – Gayot Fow Feb 23 '15 at 21:14
-
1Exactly what UK visa do you have? – Michael Hampton Feb 23 '15 at 23:14
-
@MichaelHampton: It is a business visa valid for 6 months :) – now he who must not be named. Feb 24 '15 at 5:38
-
2@nowhewhomustnotbenamed. That means you cannot qualify as a UK resident under Schengen rules. France does not offer discretionary latitude on this point, so you need to find another Schengen member to make your application. Or apply remotely in India. – Gayot Fow Feb 24 '15 at 6:12
It looks like you cannot apply for a Schengen visa in London.
To apply for a visa from the French Authorities in London:
- You must be resident in the UK
Your UK residency must have at least 3 months validity after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area. As per the decree 2008-1176 of the 13th of November 2008, the French Consulate, London, is not competent in processing visa applications of people not resident in the UK, i.e. holders of ’C-Visit’ visas or of a British visa valid for 6 months or less. People who are not resident in the UK must apply for their Schengen visas at the French Consulate in their country of residence.
-
The OP clearly stated that he is an indian living in UK, so this should not be a problem, right? – gmauch Feb 23 '15 at 20:02
-
He said he's on a business visa. While I do have a US mindset, that implies to me non-resident. Perhaps it's a work visa instead. Gayot Fow has asked the OP about the visa length. – mkennedy Feb 23 '15 at 21:18
-
Well, perhaps. He said he's living there on a working visa, I supposed it's not a temporary work, but a permanent one. The answer to Gayot Fow comment will clear that up. – gmauch Feb 23 '15 at 21:42
-
@mkennedy: It is a business visa valid for 6 months – now he who must not be named. Feb 24 '15 at 5:40
