Covid-19 and Residence Permits: Frequently Asked Questions for Foreigners

CONSULATE:

Are French consulates currently issuing visas?

No, due to the Covid-19 health crisis, France has suspended the processing of visa applications and the issuance of visas until further notice (short-stay and long-stay visas). This suspension also applies to applications already submitted.

PREFECTURE: 

Can I currently go to the foreigners' services at my Prefecture?

No, in principle, the reception of residence permit applicants at the prefectures is suspended until further notice. However, some prefectures have maintained reduced services; we advise you to check their reception directly on their website.

The Prefecture informed me that my residence permit was available, can I collect it?

No, in principle, the issuance of documents is suspended and will resume at the end of the state of health emergency. However, we encourage you to check this directly on your Prefecture's website.

Do the Prefectures process applications for residence permits?

The processing of submitted applications is generally suspended and will resume after the end of the state of health emergency. However, some Prefectures are accepting and processing applications for specific types of residence permits. We encourage you to check this directly on your Prefecture's website.

DURATION OF RESIDENCE DOCUMENTS:

What happens if my residence permit expires between March 16 and May 15, 2020?

The validity of residence permits expiring between March 16, 2020, and May 15, 2020, is extended by six months . This extension is automatic and requires no action on your part. It is therefore possible to remain in France and continue working (if your permit allows it).

The residence documents concerned are as follows: long-stay visas, residence permits, temporary residence authorizations, receipts for residence permit applications and asylum application certificates.

Can I leave French territory during the extension of my residence permit?

The extension of the validity of residence permits is a measure that applies only within French territory. Holders of expired residence permits are therefore advised against leaving France.

RETURN TO FRANCE WITH A TITLE:

I have a French residence permit but I am currently outside the Schengen Area, can I enter French territory?

The following are currently allowed to enter France:

• the French, their spouses and their children;
• European citizens and British, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian, Andorran, Monegasque and Swiss nationals, their spouses and children;
• citizens of the Holy See and San Marino, their spouses and children if they reside in France or if they are transiting through France to reach their residence;
• foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit, including long-stay visas serving as residence permits, their spouses and children, members of European families, residing in France;
• foreigners holding a short-stay visa in limited cases (transport of goods).

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