Applying For A French Passport: Australia-Based Guide

how to apply for a french passport in australia

If you are an Australian citizen and you want to travel to France, you will need to apply for a French visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your stay. For example, if you are a student, you will need to select either Study - Student or Study - Student in mobility as your purpose of stay. You can use the Visa Wizard to verify whether you need a visa and to find out what documents must be enclosed with your application. If you are a French citizen and you want to travel to Australia, you will need to apply for an Australian eVisa. You will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

Characteristics Values
Processing Time 6 weeks
Passport Photo Requirements OACI standards, slightly coloured background, not white
Passport Photo Payment Card payment over the counter or via a payment form
Lost/Stolen Passport Call +33 1 40 59 33 00 or send an email
Visa Requirements Long-stay visa for students, working holiday visa for young Australians (18-35 years)
Visa Application Process Use the Visa Wizard to verify requirements and documents, complete the online application
Visa Appointment Within 3 months of the course start date and more than 3 weeks before departure
Visa Documents Passport, bank statements, guarantor letter, proof of income, etc.

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Required documents for a French passport

To apply for a French passport in Australia, you must submit a range of documents to support your application. The specific requirements vary depending on your situation, but here is a general overview of the documents you will need:

Firstly, you will need to provide proof of your identity. This typically includes your current passport or, if you do not have one, an official form of identification, such as a driver's licence or birth certificate. You must also submit passport photos that meet the OACI standards, which differ from Australian passport photo requirements by having a slightly coloured background instead of a white one.

Secondly, depending on your purpose for applying for a French passport, you may need to provide additional documentation. For example, if you are a student, you will need to specify your purpose of stay as "Study - Student" or "Study - Student in mobility" if you are participating in an intra-European mobility program. You may also need to provide proof of income, such as a bank statement, and a letter attesting to your intention to open a French bank account if you will be in the country long-term.

If you are a minor, your application may need to be filled out by a parent or guardian, who will also need to provide their identification and proof of income. It is recommended that you have all the relevant documents ready before submitting your application or attending your appointment, and that you bring several copies of each document to the appointment.

You can find out more about the specific documents required for your application by visiting the website of the General Consulate of France in Sydney or by contacting Campus France Australia at [email protected].

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Passport photo requirements

When applying for a French passport in Australia, it is important to ensure that your passport photos meet the specified requirements to avoid any delays in the processing of your application. Here are the detailed guidelines for the passport photo requirements:

  • Photo Dimensions and Size Specifications: The photo must measure 35mm by 45mm. This size is slightly different from the standard Australian passport photo size, so ensure that you specify the correct dimensions when getting your photos taken. The height of the head, measured from the chin to the top of the scalp, should be between 32mm and 36mm or 60% to 70% of the total image height. There should be a minimum margin of 7mm on the right and left sides of the photo and 2mm on the top. The photo must be printed on quality photo paper with a minimum resolution of 600 dpi.
  • Background and Lighting: The background of the photo should be plain white, with no shadows or patterns. Ensure that the lighting is uniform and there are no shadows on your face or behind you. The lighting should be bright and even, avoiding any harsh shadows or red-eye effects.
  • Pose and Expression: You must face the camera directly with a neutral expression, and your eyes must be open and clearly visible. Do not smile, and ensure your mouth is closed. Your head should be straight and centered in the photo, with your facial features clearly visible and not obscured by hair, clothing, or any other objects. Selfies, heavily edited photos, and photos with red eyes are not accepted.
  • Clothing and Appearance: You should wear clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid wearing uniforms, logos, or patterns that may be visible in the photo. Religious headwear is permitted as long as it does not obscure any facial features, and you must provide a signed statement that confirms that you wear it at all times for religious reasons. If you normally wear glasses, you may keep them on for the photo, but ensure that there is no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes. Tinted glasses are not permitted unless for medical reasons, and you must provide a signed statement from a medical professional to support this.
  • Children's Photos: For minors under 18 years of age, the photo requirements are generally the same. However, infants may be photographed lying down, and their eyes do not need to be open. It is important to ensure that there are no toys, blankets, or other objects visible in the photo that may distract from the child's face.

It is always recommended to review the most up-to-date requirements on the French government or embassy website, as these requirements may change from time to time. Taking note of these guidelines will help ensure that your passport photo meets the necessary standards for your French passport application in Australia.

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Processing time

It is important to note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times or even refusal of the visa, so ensure that your application is complete and includes all the necessary supporting documents. You can refer to the official website or the Campus France Australia page for a detailed list of requirements.

Additionally, the time taken to secure an appointment for visa applications can vary, especially during busy periods. It is recommended to book an appointment well in advance, considering the suggested time frames provided by the Consulate-General of France in Sydney. For short-stay visas, the appointment should be made between 3 weeks and 6 months before the scheduled departure date, and for long-stay visas, it should be between 3 weeks and 3 months before your arrival in France.

Once your visa application is approved and your passport is ready for collection, you can expect to receive it within 5-6 business days if delivered via postage. However, if you require your passport urgently, you can opt for faster processing services by paying an additional fee. The Australian Passport Office offers a Priority (2-day processing) service for a cost of $300, excluding postage time. Alternatively, you can choose to collect your passport directly from your nearest passport office to expedite the process.

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Application fee

The application fee for a French passport in Australia is payable upon lodgement of the passport application and can be paid in Australian dollars via card payment. They do not accept payments in cash or by cheque. The fees applicable for passport applications are set in Australia in accordance with the Australian Passports (Application Fees) Act 2005.

The website of the General Consulate of France in Sydney provides information on the list of required documents and other general information about the procedure to apply for a French passport. You can also email them at [email protected] for further information.

Additionally, the Visa Wizard can be used to verify whether you need a visa and what documents must be enclosed with your application, along with the relevant fee. It is important to note that the Visa Wizard procedure does not yet apply in Australia, so you should leave this field blank.

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Visa requirements

The visa requirements for France depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Here are the visa requirements for Australian citizens or residents planning to travel to France:

  • Schengen Visa: As France is part of the Schengen area, Australian citizens can enter France without a visa if they don't intend to stay longer than 90 days. This is also applicable if you're transiting through France to another Schengen country.
  • Long-Stay Visa: If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. This applies to students, workers, and those seeking to join family members in France. The type of long-stay visa you need depends on your purpose of visit. For instance, if you're an Australian student planning to study in France, your purpose of stay will be "Study - Student."
  • Working Holiday Visa: If you're an Australian citizen between 18 and 35 years old, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, which allows you to stay in France for up to one year with the right to work. This visa is intended to supplement your financial resources while on holiday.
  • Documentation: Regardless of your visa type, you will need to provide certain documents, including a valid passport, proof of income or financial support, and passport-sized photographs that comply with French guidelines. You may also need to provide additional documents, such as proof of enrolment in a French educational institution or a signed guarantor letter from your parents or carers.
  • Visa Application Process: You can use the France-Visas website to verify if you need a visa and to determine the required documents and fees. The website will guide you through the application process and provide an official list of required documents. It's important to book your appointment well in advance, ensuring it's within three months of the start of your course or trip and more than three weeks before your departure.
  • Visa Processing Time: It typically takes around six weeks to receive a new passport or visa. However, it's recommended to apply as early as possible, as governments do not guarantee processing times.

Frequently asked questions

It takes around 6 to 8 weeks to receive a new French passport in Australia.

The photo must meet the OACI standards, which means having a slightly coloured background, not white as in an Australian passport.

Yes, adults can renew their French passport by mail using the one-page PC7 Australian Passport Renewal Application form.

The fees for applying for a French passport in Australia are set in accordance with the Australian Passports (Application Fees) Act 2005 and can be paid in Australian Dollars.

The list of required documents can be found on the website of the General Consulate of France in Sydney. Additionally, the France-Visas website will provide information on how and where to submit your application.

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