Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- The French Consulate in Edinburgh is at 11 Randolph Crescent, EH3 7TT
- The catchment covers Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Applications begin on the France-Visas portal, then a biometric slot is booked locally
- Schengen and Long Stay categories are both processed via this consulate's network
- The consulate phone is +44 (0)131 225 7954, with separate visa-section hours
The French Consulate General in Edinburgh serves residents of Scotland and Northern Ireland for civil status, certifications and visa applications to France. Visa workflow runs through France-Visas, with biometrics taken either at the consulate or at the linked TLScontact centre depending on the route. The information below sets out the Randolph Crescent address, contact details, visa categories, booking process and current fee structure.
Address and Contact Details
The consulate occupies a Georgian terrace in Edinburgh's West End, around 15 minutes on foot from Princes Street. Entry is by appointment only, with the visa section publishing its own opening windows.
Address: 11 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7TT
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 7954
Website: https://edinburgh.consulfrance.org
Visa booking portal: france-visas.gouv.fr
Haymarket station, on the mainline and tram network, is the nearest transport hub. Edinburgh Waverley is a 20-minute walk through the city centre.
Visa Services Available
The visa section in Edinburgh handles the full French visa range for Scottish and Northern Irish residents.
- Schengen Visa: short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day window in the Schengen area
- Long Stay Visa (Type D): covering students, employed and self-employed routes, family and Talent Passport categories
The consulate also manages civil status work for French nationals across its catchment, including passport renewals, identity cards, marriage and birth registrations, and certifications. Visa appointments are tracked through the France-Visas portal once the questionnaire is complete.
How to Book an Appointment
Booking starts with France-Visas and ends with a biometric slot at the consulate or a TLScontact centre. Edinburgh slots can release in waves as demand patterns shift through the year.
- Open france-visas.gouv.fr and create an account
- Complete the eligibility questionnaire to identify the right visa
- Fill in the personalised application form online
- Book the available biometric appointment near the applicant's address
- Attend in person to provide biometrics and submit documents
Travelling applicants from Northern Ireland can also use the TLScontact centre that is allocated by the portal, where this avoids a journey to Edinburgh.
Documents and Requirements
Document checklists are generated by France-Visas, but a core set applies to most applications filed through the Edinburgh catchment.
- Printed France-Visas application form and receipt sheet
- Valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond planned return and two blank pages
- Two biometric photographs to French specification
- Proof of UK residence, such as a Council Tax bill, share code or tenancy agreement
- Travel medical insurance with at least 30,000 EUR cover for Schengen visas
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Evidence of funds for the trip or stay
- Return travel reservation
Long Stay routes add documents specific to the purpose of stay, including university acceptance letters for student visas, employment contracts approved by French labour authorities for work routes, or marriage and birth certificates for family routes.
Processing Times and Fees
French federal visa standards apply, with Edinburgh sharing the same fee and processing framework as London and Manchester.
- Schengen Visa: typically 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days where additional checks apply
- Long Stay Visa: commonly 2 to 8 weeks, depending on category
- Standard Schengen fee: 90 EUR for adults, 45 EUR for children aged 6 to 11
- Long Stay Student fee: 50 EUR under the special tariff
- Long Stay (general) fee: 99 EUR for most adult Long Stay routes
- TLScontact service charges apply where the appointment runs through their centre
Featured Immigration Adviser - Paid Placement
This placement is reserved for a regulated immigration adviser specialising in France visas. OISC-registered firms only. Enquire about this slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Northern Irish residents apply through Edinburgh?
France-Visas routes Northern Irish applicants through the Edinburgh catchment, often booking the biometric appointment at the linked TLScontact centre rather than a Belfast walk-in service.
Is the visa section open the same hours as the consulate switchboard?
No. The visa section publishes its own opening windows, which can be limited to weekday mornings. The consulate site lists the current hours.
Can I file a visa application without a personal appearance?
Biometric capture for first-time applicants requires a personal appearance. Where existing biometrics are still on file and within the valid window, the consulate may waive that step.
What happens after a Long Stay visa is issued in Edinburgh?
VLS-TS holders complete an online validation within three months of arriving in France. The validation records the residence and underpins later renewal applications.
Are fees payable in pounds or euros?
Visa fees are set in euros and charged in pounds sterling at the consulate's published rate. Service charges levied by TLScontact are separate and non-refundable.
How We Verified This
Address, phone and visa category details were cross-checked against the official Edinburgh consulate site at edinburgh.consulfrance.org and the France-Visas portal at france-visas.gouv.fr. Fee figures reflect the published Schengen and Long Stay fee schedules.
