France embassy in Beirut- 6 Steps to Apply For a Schengen Visa

France embassy in Beirut, Lebanon usually processes documents ranging from Schengen visas to Passports. France embassy in Beirut is inviting Schengen business visa applicants on priority due to Covid delays. France is one of the 26 Schengen member states in the Schengen area. Schengen visa allows to move freely in 26 Schengen states. France embassy in Beirut has an agreement with  TLS contact to process and collect Schengen Visa Applications. Although the procedure for all Schengen visa applications is almost similar but before applying for visa, it’s better to go through all the information related to that particular consulate. In this blog we are going to discuss that how we can apply for Schengen visa at France embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.

Schengen visa (2019) stats issued at France embassy In Beirut

Who can Apply Schengen Visa from France embassy in Beirut

Visa applicants who reside near Beirut and surrounding districts are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa from France embassy in Beirut. Travelers with Lebanon Visit visas are not eligible to apply and they need to apply from their home country.

All nationals of countries whose citizens are subject to Schengen visa obligation who are legally present in Lebanon can present a justification for lodging an application in Lebanon rather than in their country of residence. France embassy in Beirut has the right to evaluate the justification provided and to receive or not the visa applications.

France embassy in Beirut has now outsourced all visa processing to TLS contact and they will process visa application for France Schengen Business visa.

France Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon

Address:

Consul General Of France in Beirut, Lebanon

Espace des Lettres، Damascus, Beirut, Lebanon

Email: [email protected]  

Phone:  +9611420000
France Embassy in Beirut View Map

Website: France Embassy official website

At the TLS Contact Visa Application Centre

Address

TLS Visa Application Centre For France Embassy

TLS Visa Application Centre in Beirut

City center, Martyrs’ Square, Opera Building, ground floor
Beirut, Lebanon

View on Google maps ->

Website: TLS Beirut Website

Timings: Monday to Friday 08:30 to 15:00 hrs (By appointment)

Phone: +961 1 966 014

TLS contact visa application center at Beirut, Lebanon allows to make appointments between 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, according to availability. Access is restricted to applicants who have an appointment confirmed by the Embassy or whose interview has been scheduled through the Visa Centre. Please, always remember to print and bring your appointment confirmation received from the Embassy or from the Visa Centre. Proof of appointment will be asked both by guards at the main gate on the street and by security at the entrance of the Embassy.

Visa Application Fee Structure for France embassy in Beirut

Application fee is collected on behalf of the France embassy in Beirut, Lebanon

Visa fee can be paid in Euros only and can be paid by credit/debit card

TLS Contact Service Fee: 

The basic service fee is set by the Consulate in euros and collected in local currency Lebanese Pounds (LBP). Service fee is non-refundable, unless the applicant decides not to submit their file before the biometric data is collected. The service fee must be paid in cash in Lebanese Pound (LBP) to the Visa Application Centre when submitting the application.

Visa Application Processing time

France embassy in Beirut processes Schengen visa applications in 15 calendar days (but may take up to 60 days). It is recommended that the applicants are requested to apply well in advance to the intended date of journey.

Schengen Visa Types issued by France embassy in Beirut

Schengen visas are issued for about 90 day or less depending the reasons for applying visa which are explained below. National visa is also issued which has the duration longer than 90 days.

Visa Applicants can choose category depending on below reasons

• Visiting France- This visa is issues for tourism/vacation purposes
• Business Visa- This visa is issues for professional/work related purposes
• Family visa- This visa is issues for meeting family
• Airport transit visa- This visa is used for transit
• Medical visa- This visa is issued for receiving medical treatments
• Schengen cultural visa- This visa for attending events
• Study Visa – This visa is used for training or study purpose
• Sports visa- This visa is issued for sports person

Can Schengen Visa be Used for Single Entry or Multiple Entry?

Consulates offer Schengen visa depending on reasons applied for, documents submitted and the fees paid.  Below are categories applicants can get

Single Entry Visa – Traveler can enter Schengen country only once within 90 days

Multiple Entry Visa – Traveler can enter Schengen country any number of times within 90 days

Can a third party submit my visa application for me?

Personal appearance is mandatory for all visa applicants, unless you are exempt from biometric data entry. Exemptions from the fingerprinting requirement are provided for a limited number of applicants, including children under the age of twelve and persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible. Heads of State and members of the national government with members of their official delegation and spouses will also be exempted, if travelling for official purposes.

6 Steps to apply Schengen Visa Application from France embassy in Beirut

Applying for Schengen visitor Visa is a simple and quick process if you prepare documentation carefully. If you follow steps below you can apply visa without any worries. You need to apply atleast 2 -3 weeks prior to travel date so that you give enough time for consulate to process your application

Step 1: Choose right visa category and Complete Schengen visa application

Applying for a France Schengen Tourist Visa, your main destination should be France. Depending on your reason for trip select the right Schengen visa type for traveling to France. Create an account by going to France-Visas by entering personal email address and password. Once account is active you can fill the application online. Print the form and attach a photo. Note that these documents will be requested when submitting your visa application to the TLS contact center.

Step 2: Prepare for supported documents

One of the most critical steps for getting visa is to get all required documents which need to be submitted along with your visa application. Below is the list of documents needed which may be needed depending on visa type.

1. Passport size photo
2. Schengen Visa application form
3. Valid Passport – with at least 6 months validity having 2 blank pages
4. Round trip flight ticket
5. Proof of Hotel Bookings
6. Proof of available funds
7. Invitation letter
8. Travel medical Insurance policy
9. No Objection letter
10. Address proof
11. Employment certificate

Step 3: Make an appointment with the TLS contact Visa Application center, Beirut, Lebanon

Go to the TLS contact website , create an account by providing required details. Fill in the requested personal data and book an appointment by selecting day and time at your convenience to submit your application at our France Visa Application Centre, Beirut, Lebanon. Don’t forget to print your appointment confirmation letter, as it will be required at reception area.

Step 4: Attend Schengen Visa Interview at TLS contact Visa application for France embassy in Beirut

Go through few important and most frequently asked question by visa officer during interview. Below is the list of frequently asked questions

• Purpose of Your Trip?
• Is anyone sponsoring your trip?
• How long do you stay?
• Do you regularly pay your income tax?
• Can you provide your bank statement?

To refer detailed interview questions, check out Schengen visa interview questions

What To Do on the Date of Visa Interview

Go to TLS contact Visa application center for France embassy in Beirut, Lebanon on the date of interview atleast 30 min before your interview so that you can relax and have an overview of the location to get yourself comfortable. Ensure you got all required documents along with photocopies for your visa application. During the interview process you may be required to give biometrics data depending on consulate requirements. After the biometrics is done you need to pay the required Schengen visa fee & service fee and submit your application.

Step 5: Processing the visa Application

At TLS contact center, you will be taken care of by an agent who will check that all the documents necessary for your application are present in your file. A fact sheet will be given to you. If your file is complete, your application will be forwarded to the consulate authority. Note TLS contact does not make any decision related to your visa application

If documents are missing or do not meet the requirements of the Consulate General of France in Beirut you can:

• Request the shipment despite everything the application, at the risk of losing the visa application fee and being refused by the Consulate;
• Withdraw your application and recover the visa application fee. You will be able to re-file a complete application at a later date.

If you decide to send your file to the Consulate, you will proceed, after payment of the fees, to deposit your biometric data directly with the TLS contact center.

Step 6: Return of Passport

After the Consulate General of France reviews visa application and has made a decision, passport will be sent to visa application center. Applicants can come in person with photo ID to collect the passport. If you have opted for Express Courier Return service then passport will be delivered to your mail address. You will be notified to collect your passport either in person or through a representative. In some cases, due to incomplete/insufficient supported documents provided, visa application can be rejected. 

What happens if Schengen Visa is refused

Negative decisions on applications are notified to the applicant. In the refusal letter reasons on which refusal decision was taken are clearly stated. Visa applicants whose applications are refused can decide to apply again or to appeal.

Below are some of the reasons of Schengen Visa Rejection

• Inadequate explanation of the traveling purpose
• No travel medical insurance covering trip
• Invalid passport or Passport expiring in 2 months
• Lack of financial proof to support trip cost
• Did not provide proof of accommodation
• Missing documents

If your Schengen Visa is rejected for some reason then you can re-apply Schengen Visa by following the article Help With Schengen Visa Rejection

Sum Up:

Apply Schengen Visa process at France embassy in Beirut Lebanon is simple and you need to work with TLS contact to submit your application by following this article. Hopefully your visa will be approved and you can enjoy your trip with family, friends & others. Holders of a new Schengen visa, or of a Schengen visa still valid, therefore, are not automatically allowed to enter France and Schengen territory and must comply with the travel restrictions in force at Schengen level and at the level of the country of first entry into the Schengen area because of Covid pandemic. It is indeed the responsibility of each traveler to check the travel restrictions in place before departure