Journalist / Foreign Correspondent Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 99
- Validity
- Up to 1 year (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For foreign journalists, correspondents, and media professionals assigned to work in France for more than 90 days. Short-stay assignments (under 90 days) may use a standard Schengen business visa. For long stays, a VLS-TS is issued with the mention 'profession liberale / non-salariee' or specific journalist status. Foreign press correspondents must register with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs press service. Freelance journalists may need to apply under the Talent - Artist/Creative Professional category.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals working as journalists or media professionals
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Employment
Must be employed or contracted by a media organization and assigned to work in France
Required status: Employed by media organization
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Purpose of visit
Journalism, media correspondence, or press activities in France exceeding 90 days
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Employment contract, bank statements, media organization sponsorship; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover living expenses
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 99
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: France; Minimum coverage: Full medical coverage
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Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.
Accreditation type: Press card, media accreditation, assignment letter from media organization; Media organization: Home country press authority or employing media organization
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain press credentials and assignment letter from media organization. Gather proof of professional journalism experience.
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Online application
Start visa application on France-Visas.
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Appointment booking
Book consulate appointment.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit application with press credentials, assignment letter, and financial proof.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect VLS-TS visa. Register with French MFA press service upon arrival.