How can a foreigner return to France after exiting the Schengen Area?
Verified 08 March 2022 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
If you are a foreigner no European, that you reside in France and wish to travel in a country outside Schengen Area , you must make sure that you have the right documents to return to France.
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You have a residence permit
You can return to France with your valid passport and residence permit.
Warning
to return to the Schengen area, regardless of whether your nationality is subject to a visa or not, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (e.g.: sufficient resources).
You have a temporary residence permit
The temporary residence permit with your valid passport allows you to return.
Warning
to return to the Schengen area, regardless of whether your nationality is subject to a visa or not, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (e.g.: sufficient resources).
You have a residence card application receipt
You have a 1st request receipt
General case
Warning
it is not possible to do the paperwork in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
In Paris
Who shall I contact
You have a renewal receipt
You can return with your residence permit renewal receipt, along with your expired residence permit and valid passport.
Warning
to return to the Schengen area, regardless of whether your nationality is subject to a visa or not, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (example: sufficient resources).
You have a residence card application certificate
Application certificate
General case
Warning
it is not possible to do the paperwork in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
In Paris
Who shall I contact
Statement of Extension
The certificate of extension of the instruction of a residence permit allows you to return. It must be accompanied by your residence permit or a long-stay visa (except visa "Temporary exemption of residence card") expired and your valid passport.
Warning
to return to the Schengen area, regardless of whether your nationality is subject to a visa or not, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (example: sufficient resources).
Statement of favourable decision
The certificate of approval of a residence permit application allows you to return. It must be accompanied by your valid passport.
Warning
to return to the Schengen area, regardless of whether your nationality is subject to a visa or not, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (example: sufficient resources).
- Regulation of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)Articles 2 § 15, 5 point 1(b), 7 and 13
- Regulation of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals are subject or not to Schengen visas
- General tax code: Articles 953 to 955Rule 954
- List of documents authorising return to the Schengen area
FAQ
- Schengen Area mapAll Europe