How can a foreigner return to France after leaving the Schengen area?
Verified 10 April 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You are a non-European foreigner, you reside in France and you want to travel to a country outside the EUSchengen area ? You must make sure before leaving that you have the necessary documents to return to France. We present you with the information you need to know.
The possibilities to return to France vary depending on the documents you have in your possession:
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You have a residence permit
You can return to France with your valid passport and residence permit.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
You have a temporary residence permit
The temporary residence permit accompanied by your valid passport allows you to return.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
You have a receipt for your residence card request
You have a receipt for the 1st application
You must apply for a return visa at the French consulate in the country where you are staying, in order to be able to return.
In exceptional situations (humanitarian cases, force majeure, etc.), a prefectural return visa can be granted. You have to ask for it before you leave and pay €6 by tax stamps.
The issue of this visa is at the discretion of the Prefect.
The prefectural visa allows you to returnonly by a French border.
Who shall I contact
Warning
It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
You have a renewal receipt
You can return with your receipt for the renewal of your residence card, accompanied by your expired residence permit and your valid passport.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
You have a certificate of application for a residence card
Certificate of submission of application
If you have a proof of lodging a residence card application, you will have to submit a return visa application to the French consulate in the country where you are staying, in order to be able to return.
In exceptional situations (humanitarian cases, force majeure, etc.), a prefectural return visa can be granted. You have to ask for it before you leave and pay €6 by tax stamps.
The issue of this visa is at the discretion of the Prefect.
The prefectural visa does not allow you to return only by a french border.
Who shall I contact
Warning
It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
Certificate of extension of investigation
The certificate of extension of the processing of a residence permit application allows you to return. It must be accompanied by your residence permit or a long-stay visa (except visa mentioned "Temporary exemption of residence card") expired and your valid passport.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
Certificate of favorable decision
The certificate of a favorable decision on an application for a residence permit allows you to return. It must be accompanied by your valid passport.
FYI
To return to the Schengen area, whether or not your nationality is subject to a visa, you have to prove that you fulfill the entry conditions (e.g. sufficient resources).
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service
For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.
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The informants who answer you belong to the Ministry of the Interior.
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Articles 2(15), 5(1)(b), 7 and 13
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