Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- The French Consulate in Manchester is at Claytons House, Piccadilly, M1 2BE
- The catchment covers the North of England, with parts of Scotland routed via Edinburgh
- Applications begin on the France-Visas portal before booking the Manchester slot
- Schengen short-stay and Long Stay (D) visas are both handled in Manchester
- The consulate phone is +44 (0)161 228 9898, with separate visa-section hours
The French Consulate General in Manchester serves residents of the North of England who need Schengen or Long Stay visas, alongside birth, marriage and certification services for French nationals. Visa workflow runs through the France-Visas portal, which routes applicants to the Manchester biometric centre or, in some cases, to TLScontact partners. The information below covers the Piccadilly address, contact channels, visa categories, booking workflow and current fee bands.
Address and Contact Details
Claytons House is in the heart of central Manchester, a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens. Visa applicants are admitted through the consulate's visa section once a France-Visas appointment is confirmed.
Address: Claytons House, Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2BE
Phone: +44 (0)161 228 9898
Website: https://manchesterconsulat.ambafrance.org
Visa booking portal: france-visas.gouv.fr
Manchester Piccadilly station is the nearest major rail hub, with the consulate around 10 minutes on foot. The visa section keeps its own opening hours, separate from the general consulate switchboard.
Visa Services Available
Manchester handles the same core French visa categories as London, applied to the Northern catchment.
- Schengen Visa: short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day window in the Schengen area
- Long Stay Visa (Type D): covers students, workers, family routes and Talent Passport sub-categories
The consulate also handles civil status work for French citizens, including birth, marriage and death registrations, identity card renewals and notarial certifications. Visa applicants from the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands are commonly routed here when France-Visas builds the appointment list.
How to Book an Appointment
The booking flow mirrors the London process and is driven by the France-Visas portal.
- Open france-visas.gouv.fr and complete the eligibility questionnaire
- Fill in the personalised application form online
- Receive a tailored document checklist
- Choose a Manchester appointment, either at the consulate or at the linked TLScontact centre
- Attend in person to provide biometrics and submit documents
Manchester slots can release in waves through the year. Applicants planning summer travel often start the France-Visas process several months in advance to secure a workable slot.
Documents and Requirements
France-Visas issues a personalised checklist, but a standard set applies to most applications filed in Manchester.
- 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 residence in the North of England, such as a Council Tax bill, share code or tenancy agreement
- Travel medical insurance with at least 30,000 EUR cover for Schengen routes
- Proof of accommodation in France, including hotel bookings or a host attestation
- Evidence of funds for the trip or stay
- Return travel reservation
Long Stay categories ask for additional documents tied to the route, including university acceptance letters, employment contracts or family certificates as appropriate.
Processing Times and Fees
Processing standards follow the French federal framework, with seasonal load shaping real-world timelines.
- Schengen Visa: typically 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days where extra 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
Does Manchester handle Talent Passport applications?
Talent Passport sub-categories are filed through France-Visas, with biometric appointments in Manchester or at a linked TLScontact centre. The checklist confirms exactly where to attend on the day.
Can French nationals living in Manchester renew passports here?
Yes. Civil status work for French citizens in the North of England is handled by the Manchester Consulate General, including passport renewal appointments where slots are available.
What if my address is in Yorkshire or the Midlands?
France-Visas allocates the appointment based on the applicant's UK postcode. Yorkshire and parts of the Midlands often route to Manchester, although the portal makes the final call.
How early can applications be filed?
Schengen rules allow applications up to six months before travel. Long Stay applicants commonly start the process two to three months ahead of the planned move to allow time for documents and biometrics.
Does the consulate charge separately for legalisation?
Certifications, apostilles and notarial services are billed under a separate consular tariff. The consulate's website lists the current fee per document type.
How We Verified This
Address, phone and visa category details were cross-checked against the official Manchester consulate site at manchesterconsulat.ambafrance.org and the France-Visas portal at france-visas.gouv.fr. Fee figures reflect the published Schengen and Long Stay fee schedules.
