hi,
and help! I need to complete my TDAC, but the site is stuck on page 2 under
Accommodation Information:
I can't fill in the "province" field—it's mandatory!
I enter Bangkok, but when I scroll down to add the address... everything disappears.
What should I do? Thanks for your help!
Elisabeth
Hi there
I’ve received my e-visa for India. Now, if I understand correctly, I need to confirm the status of my ETA. Is the ETA the same as the e-visa? Do I need to print the document? Thanks
I’ve received my e-visa for India. Now, if I understand correctly, I need to confirm the status of my ETA. Is the ETA the same as the e-visa? Do I need to print the document? Thanks
hi everyone
We’ll be applying for a retiree OA visa by September. For our part, we’ll head back to France for a bit and return a month BEFORE our current OA visa expires to renew it at immigration. We’ve emailed several immigration offices but haven’t gotten any responses. We’ve searched online for info but haven’t found anything. What we’re really interested in is knowing which documents they’ll ask for at the immigration office in Phang Nga, for example, for our renewal. We’ve seen all the paperwork needed for the initial OA visa on the official online visa application site... but for the renewal, do we need to provide ALL the same documents? Thanks in advance
We’ll be applying for a retiree OA visa by September. For our part, we’ll head back to France for a bit and return a month BEFORE our current OA visa expires to renew it at immigration. We’ve emailed several immigration offices but haven’t gotten any responses. We’ve searched online for info but haven’t found anything. What we’re really interested in is knowing which documents they’ll ask for at the immigration office in Phang Nga, for example, for our renewal. We’ve seen all the paperwork needed for the initial OA visa on the official online visa application site... but for the renewal, do we need to provide ALL the same documents? Thanks in advance
Hi there,
We’re planning to drive to Senegal by car. We’re a little nervous because it’ll be our first time making the trip with a car that isn’t ours. We’re doing the trip to deliver it to its owner. Has anyone here done this before? What documents will we need?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
We’re planning to drive to Senegal by car. We’re a little nervous because it’ll be our first time making the trip with a car that isn’t ours. We’re doing the trip to deliver it to its owner. Has anyone here done this before? What documents will we need?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone,
We’re self-drivers planning a trip through Zimbabwe in 2026—our route is Johannesburg, Zimbabwe, Mozambique.
We’ll have a rented 4x4.
We’d like to know about any difficulties at the borders between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Also, which park in Zimbabwe is the best?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
JP
JP
Hi everyone.
We’re a couple—I’m French and my girlfriend is Filipino. We’re not married yet. I’d like to bring her to France for a long-term stay so we can live there, she can work legally, and she can leave her current tough living conditions.
How do we go about this? What documents do the French and Philippine authorities require? Do we need to be married first?
Thanks.
We’re a couple—I’m French and my girlfriend is Filipino. We’re not married yet. I’d like to bring her to France for a long-term stay so we can live there, she can work legally, and she can leave her current tough living conditions.
How do we go about this? What documents do the French and Philippine authorities require? Do we need to be married first?
Thanks.
Hi,
I’m leaving for Morocco on 18/10 with my wife and daughter. I’ll be returning to France on 25/10. My daughter’s passport expires on 30/11, which is less than 90 days before we return to France.
Can I still travel to Morocco with my daughter?
Thanks
I’m leaving for Morocco on 18/10 with my wife and daughter. I’ll be returning to France on 25/10. My daughter’s passport expires on 30/11, which is less than 90 days before we return to France.
Can I still travel to Morocco with my daughter?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We’re French and we’d like to visit Algeria, especially Kabylie, for a stay of about ten days.
We’ll be renting a car
(which are the best car rental agencies?)
It seems that to get a tourist visa for less than 90 days, we need to show proof of accommodation + a flight confirmation from France to Algiers. (Which hotels in Algiers do you recommend? And which airlines?)
What should we do if the visa is ultimately refused? It’s not ideal if the response takes 2 months and we have to cancel the hotel and flight.
What do you suggest we do? What are the best practices?
Thanks in advance! Patrick from Nantes
It seems that to get a tourist visa for less than 90 days, we need to show proof of accommodation + a flight confirmation from France to Algiers. (Which hotels in Algiers do you recommend? And which airlines?)
What should we do if the visa is ultimately refused? It’s not ideal if the response takes 2 months and we have to cancel the hotel and flight.
What do you suggest we do? What are the best practices?
Thanks in advance! Patrick from Nantes
Hello,
My partner, who is Malagasy, would like to visit France (ideally in mid-August) and therefore apply for a short-stay visa (90 days).
I’ve heard that many applications are refused even when all the required documents are submitted, which is why I’m here—to get advice and guidance to be "almost" sure the application will be accepted.
I have a lot of questions, and your help would be invaluable to us.
She is 27 years old, has a passport with her current occupation listed as self-employed (she owns a "taxi-brousse" truck) and thus has a statistical card, a business license, and annual tax certificates. She started her business at the beginning of this year.
As for me, I am an adult with a disability. I receive disability benefits until May 2026. I’m in the process of professional reintegration and will start a job in a few days, likely on a fixed-term contract (CDD).
Here are my questions about the supporting documents to provide:
-Purpose of the trip/stay
Flight ticket reservation (round-trip) (the ticket should only be purchased once the visa is approved). Letter of commitment to return, written on plain paper. Any other document demonstrating potential family, economic, or material ties in the country of residence. Confirmation of a booked organized trip or any other document outlining the planned itinerary.
I’ve been told that for the flight reservation, my partner just needs to go to Air Madagascar in Antananarivo and pay around 50,000 ariary to get this reservation. Given that the French short-stay visa takes between 15 to 45 days (I might be wrong) to be processed and approved, I wonder if the reservation will still be valid if the visa is approved late. For the letter of commitment to return, I assume two sentences are enough, and what matters most are the documents proving ties to the country of residence (her economic activity). Do you think that will be sufficient? And for the planned itinerary, since this isn’t an organized trip, what document could work? A handwritten letter explaining a few planned visits?
-Proof of residence in the country of origin
For employees: original work certificate, original leave certificate, last 3 payslips (or bank statements). For retirees: pensioner’s card and last 3 pension statements. For traders or entrepreneurs: professional registration, professional card, and recent bank statements.
For liberal professions: professional registration, professional card, and recent bank statements. For unemployed applicants and students: sponsorship letter and copies of the sponsor’s financial documents.
For this point, she can justify her self-employed status with the statistical card, business license, and annual tax certificates. As for bank statements, she deposits her earnings in cash into her bank account—will this be an issue during the application review?
-Financial resources
Bank account statements (last 3 months). Last 3 payslips or pension statements. Foreign currency allocation certificate, whose origin must be demonstrated (recent bank statement, savings account), issued by local banks or exchange offices (minimum 32.50 € per day if staying with a private individual or 65 € per day if staying in a hotel) or presentation of an international bank card with supporting account statement.
I need help with this point because I don’t fully understand what she needs to provide as a self-employed individual, especially since she doesn’t earn 32.50 € per day. I can obviously transfer money to cover this. So, overall, what documents should be provided for this section?
-Accommodation
Confirmed hotel reservation with the hotel’s phone number and reservation number / payment confirmation for stays longer than 1 month or original hosting attestation.
For this point, do I just need to write a handwritten letter stating that I will be hosting her? Then scan it and email it to her? Is that all?
-Travel medical insurance
Insurance certificate: must specify the amount and scope of coverage (30,000 € coverage / medical expenses and repatriation).
For this, I’ll opt for AXA Schengen insurance (low-cost). Any advice is still welcome...
I have one last question about the following point:
The short-stay visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days for a continuous stay or multiple stays within the Schengen area over a 180-day period.
If we decide to leave the Schengen area during the stay (to visit the United Kingdom, for example), will the 90-day visa be paused and resume once we return to the Schengen area? And if so, can we plan a return ticket beyond the 3 months by justifying an exit/entry?
Thank you in advance for all your advice and suggestions. I may have forgotten some important points—feel free to let me know.
Best regards.
She is 27 years old, has a passport with her current occupation listed as self-employed (she owns a "taxi-brousse" truck) and thus has a statistical card, a business license, and annual tax certificates. She started her business at the beginning of this year.
As for me, I am an adult with a disability. I receive disability benefits until May 2026. I’m in the process of professional reintegration and will start a job in a few days, likely on a fixed-term contract (CDD).
Here are my questions about the supporting documents to provide:
-Purpose of the trip/stay
Flight ticket reservation (round-trip) (the ticket should only be purchased once the visa is approved). Letter of commitment to return, written on plain paper. Any other document demonstrating potential family, economic, or material ties in the country of residence. Confirmation of a booked organized trip or any other document outlining the planned itinerary.
I’ve been told that for the flight reservation, my partner just needs to go to Air Madagascar in Antananarivo and pay around 50,000 ariary to get this reservation. Given that the French short-stay visa takes between 15 to 45 days (I might be wrong) to be processed and approved, I wonder if the reservation will still be valid if the visa is approved late. For the letter of commitment to return, I assume two sentences are enough, and what matters most are the documents proving ties to the country of residence (her economic activity). Do you think that will be sufficient? And for the planned itinerary, since this isn’t an organized trip, what document could work? A handwritten letter explaining a few planned visits?
-Proof of residence in the country of origin
For employees: original work certificate, original leave certificate, last 3 payslips (or bank statements). For retirees: pensioner’s card and last 3 pension statements. For traders or entrepreneurs: professional registration, professional card, and recent bank statements.
For liberal professions: professional registration, professional card, and recent bank statements. For unemployed applicants and students: sponsorship letter and copies of the sponsor’s financial documents.
For this point, she can justify her self-employed status with the statistical card, business license, and annual tax certificates. As for bank statements, she deposits her earnings in cash into her bank account—will this be an issue during the application review?
-Financial resources
Bank account statements (last 3 months). Last 3 payslips or pension statements. Foreign currency allocation certificate, whose origin must be demonstrated (recent bank statement, savings account), issued by local banks or exchange offices (minimum 32.50 € per day if staying with a private individual or 65 € per day if staying in a hotel) or presentation of an international bank card with supporting account statement.
I need help with this point because I don’t fully understand what she needs to provide as a self-employed individual, especially since she doesn’t earn 32.50 € per day. I can obviously transfer money to cover this. So, overall, what documents should be provided for this section?
-Accommodation
Confirmed hotel reservation with the hotel’s phone number and reservation number / payment confirmation for stays longer than 1 month or original hosting attestation.
For this point, do I just need to write a handwritten letter stating that I will be hosting her? Then scan it and email it to her? Is that all?
-Travel medical insurance
Insurance certificate: must specify the amount and scope of coverage (30,000 € coverage / medical expenses and repatriation).
For this, I’ll opt for AXA Schengen insurance (low-cost). Any advice is still welcome...
I have one last question about the following point:
The short-stay visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days for a continuous stay or multiple stays within the Schengen area over a 180-day period.
If we decide to leave the Schengen area during the stay (to visit the United Kingdom, for example), will the 90-day visa be paused and resume once we return to the Schengen area? And if so, can we plan a return ticket beyond the 3 months by justifying an exit/entry?
Thank you in advance for all your advice and suggestions. I may have forgotten some important points—feel free to let me know.
Best regards.
Hello everyone,
My partner and I would like to travel to the Philippines at the end of August for a 4-month stay. We can’t apply for a tourist visa in advance because (from what I understand) we’d need to provide proof of hotel reservations for the entire stay. But planning a 4-month trip so far ahead isn’t something we want to do.
So my question is about extensions once we’re there:
After the initial 29-day extension request, we’d like to apply for another 2-month extension. Do you know if the same supporting documents are required for this one (pre-booked hotel, 2000 € in the bank account per month requested)?
Or can we go ahead without risk and request the extension without these documents?
Thank you so much for reading, and for this forum existing. Take care,
Boris
My partner and I would like to travel to the Philippines at the end of August for a 4-month stay. We can’t apply for a tourist visa in advance because (from what I understand) we’d need to provide proof of hotel reservations for the entire stay. But planning a 4-month trip so far ahead isn’t something we want to do.
So my question is about extensions once we’re there:
After the initial 29-day extension request, we’d like to apply for another 2-month extension. Do you know if the same supporting documents are required for this one (pre-booked hotel, 2000 € in the bank account per month requested)?
Or can we go ahead without risk and request the extension without these documents?
Thank you so much for reading, and for this forum existing. Take care,
Boris
Hi,
I’m arriving soon in southern Laos and the 4000 Islands, with plans to head to Cambodia next.
The latest news I got this morning (Paksé, La Boulange) isn’t great—the Cambodian border is also in a latent conflict with Laos for the same reasons as with Thailand...
So, what’s the best site to check for updates on the border opening? Since the situation isn’t stable right now and could change from one day to the next?
Thanks for your input.
So, what’s the best site to check for updates on the border opening? Since the situation isn’t stable right now and could change from one day to the next?
Thanks for your input.
Hello,
I applied for a passport renewal at the beginning of November, and my town hall told me it would take about a month to get it. However, I still haven’t received it, and it’s been over a month now. When I checked the ANTS website to track my passport application, I saw that its status changed to "In production" on November 27th. Today is December 18th, and I still haven’t heard anything about receiving it, even though I’ve read everywhere that once the status is "In production," it usually takes about a week to get the passport. I’m starting to worry about not having received it yet...
Do you know what the current processing time is after it reaches "In production" in 2025? Is there a risk that the passport was made but lost in transit?
I’m concerned because I have a trip planned for 2026—admittedly not until April, so there’s still time in theory—but my application seems to be stuck.
Either way, I’ll contact the town hall soon, though I don’t think they’ll have more information...
Thanks, Have a good evening
I applied for a passport renewal at the beginning of November, and my town hall told me it would take about a month to get it. However, I still haven’t received it, and it’s been over a month now. When I checked the ANTS website to track my passport application, I saw that its status changed to "In production" on November 27th. Today is December 18th, and I still haven’t heard anything about receiving it, even though I’ve read everywhere that once the status is "In production," it usually takes about a week to get the passport. I’m starting to worry about not having received it yet...
Do you know what the current processing time is after it reaches "In production" in 2025? Is there a risk that the passport was made but lost in transit?
I’m concerned because I have a trip planned for 2026—admittedly not until April, so there’s still time in theory—but my application seems to be stuck.
Either way, I’ll contact the town hall soon, though I don’t think they’ll have more information...
Thanks, Have a good evening
Hi, what’s the amount to pay for the proof-of-income certificate for a visa extension, to make the payment?
Thanks
Thanks
Hi everyone!
What a joy to be back on this forum where I’ve spent so many hours traveling and gathering info—let’s get started! 👋
Almost everything’s in the title, but just to clarify: As far as I know, you currently need a full French motorcycle license (A) to legally ride a scooter in Thailand, since they don’t recognize A1 or A2 licenses. Yes, I know most rental places only ask for an international car license (B), or sometimes nothing at all… but that’s not what I’m asking. What I’d like to know is whether you think this might change in the future, allowing A1 licenses (which are easier to get) or even car licenses (B), since you can ride a scooter in France with one. I don’t want to get a motorcycle license—I’m scared of motorcycles, even though I’m comfortable on a scooter. I’m a bit confused by their regulations. Thanks for any insights you can share!
Lulu56😅
What a joy to be back on this forum where I’ve spent so many hours traveling and gathering info—let’s get started! 👋
Almost everything’s in the title, but just to clarify: As far as I know, you currently need a full French motorcycle license (A) to legally ride a scooter in Thailand, since they don’t recognize A1 or A2 licenses. Yes, I know most rental places only ask for an international car license (B), or sometimes nothing at all… but that’s not what I’m asking. What I’d like to know is whether you think this might change in the future, allowing A1 licenses (which are easier to get) or even car licenses (B), since you can ride a scooter in France with one. I don’t want to get a motorcycle license—I’m scared of motorcycles, even though I’m comfortable on a scooter. I’m a bit confused by their regulations. Thanks for any insights you can share!
Lulu56😅
Hi everyone,
Four questions: - What is the official website of the Egyptian Embassy in France? - What is the official procedure for obtaining a multiple-entry visa (non-E-visa for French citizens) for someone residing in France who is not an EU citizen (on the list of countries required to obtain a visa before departure)? Is the Marseille Consulate authorized to handle this? - Finally, what’s the cost and processing time? 79 € or more?
Thanks in advance
Four questions: - What is the official website of the Egyptian Embassy in France? - What is the official procedure for obtaining a multiple-entry visa (non-E-visa for French citizens) for someone residing in France who is not an EU citizen (on the list of countries required to obtain a visa before departure)? Is the Marseille Consulate authorized to handle this? - Finally, what’s the cost and processing time? 79 € or more?
Thanks in advance
Hi
Has anyone been to Rwanda recently and gotten a 3-month visa on arrival easily?
Thanks
Hi,
I applied for a visa to go to Great Britain soon (May, Manchester) via the official app on February 22.
I haven’t received any response yet... normally the processing time is 3 days... and there’s no way to contact them (unless you pay).
Has anyone already applied through this app? If so, how long did it take to get a response?
Thanks
I applied for a visa to go to Great Britain soon (May, Manchester) via the official app on February 22.
I haven’t received any response yet... normally the processing time is 3 days... and there’s no way to contact them (unless you pay).
Has anyone already applied through this app? If so, how long did it take to get a response?
Thanks
Salam Aleykoum/Hello everyone
I need help renewing my passport as well as those of my wife and children. I can't reach the consulate for my district (Besançon).
I already have my biometric Algerian passport, but it expired in March 2024. Do I need to provide a 12S form for passport renewal? If so, what documents are required for the 12S?
Thanks for your help
I need help renewing my passport as well as those of my wife and children. I can't reach the consulate for my district (Besançon).
I already have my biometric Algerian passport, but it expired in March 2024. Do I need to provide a 12S form for passport renewal? If so, what documents are required for the 12S?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m spending a few days in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and would like to cross the Argentine border to make a loop toward Salta and then return to Chile to drop off the rental car.
I’ve heard that crossing the border can be tricky!
Is it possible with a rental company’s authorization? Which company, and at what cost?
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Best regards,
Arnale
Hi everyone. I’m currently in Jordan for a month. If you stay more than 14 days, you’re supposed to register at a police station or risk a fine. However, I’ve been to three police stations today, and none of them will process the registration. For those who registered in Amman, which station did you go to, please? Or has anyone *not* registered and left without any issues at the airport? It’s a bit of a hassle. Thanks everyone, and long live Jordan—such an amazing country!
I'm heading to Guinea at the end of January 2026 for 15 days.
I applied for my visa through their website.
My application is registered (it says "saved"), but I don’t see what comes next.
Should I have received an email about them reviewing my application?
What’s the usual processing time after that?
Thanks for your help!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning my trip to Madagascar for the fall and starting to think about getting my visa. After reading through different posts, I’m a bit unsure about the best way to go about it. Is it better to apply for an e-visa (and if so, which official website?) or just queue up on arrival? It seems there are "unofficial"—and therefore fraudulent—sites out there, and that you’ll have to queue either way (which I’m not thrilled about since I’m arriving at 11 PM). What do you think?
Hello fellow travelers,
I’m planning my trip to Madagascar for next March and I’m looking for info on how to get a visa and its cost for 13 days in Mada.
I’ve read that you can get the visa directly at Ivato, but what’s the price for the length of my stay?
Also, can you pay in euros?
Thanks for your tips and advice—they’re always welcome and super helpful.
Hi everyone! I’m planning to retire in Agadir in 2026, preferably in a furnished rental not too far from the souk and the sea. I’ll be bringing my two African grey parrots and two cats. I’d like to know what formalities I need to take care of, and if I transfer my pension to Agadir, which bank would you recommend? What about health insurance? Is the healthcare system good there? I’ll have around 2000 € in retirement income. Do you know of any rental agencies that work with French expats? Any advice would be greatly appreciated—I’m planning to visit for a week next year to check things out. Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best regards, Lorraine
Best regards, Lorraine
Hi,
Currently, it's possible to travel for 180 days in Mexico without a visa (just with a valid passport for French nationals). Could you please tell me, when a traveler leaves Mexico after staying for 180 days, how long they need to wait before re-entering by air? Thanks so much for your feedback. liza
Currently, it's possible to travel for 180 days in Mexico without a visa (just with a valid passport for French nationals). Could you please tell me, when a traveler leaves Mexico after staying for 180 days, how long they need to wait before re-entering by air? Thanks so much for your feedback. liza
Hi there,
Let me explain. I’m cutting it close for arriving around Chinese New Year in Guizhou. There are very few options to maximize (30 days) my stay—otherwise, it’s more like 25 days. I’ve found a "possibility," but for the return flight, the plane is scheduled at 12:50 AM, which is 50 minutes after midnight. So my question is: at what point am I considered "to have left China"? Is it when I clear customs or something else? Thanks.
Let me explain. I’m cutting it close for arriving around Chinese New Year in Guizhou. There are very few options to maximize (30 days) my stay—otherwise, it’s more like 25 days. I’ve found a "possibility," but for the return flight, the plane is scheduled at 12:50 AM, which is 50 minutes after midnight. So my question is: at what point am I considered "to have left China"? Is it when I clear customs or something else? Thanks.
Hi there,
Since April 2025, Namibia has been requiring a visa for many nationalities.
I have a French passport and I’d like to know if the paid visa granted is for 60 or 90 days?
I can’t seem to get a clear answer.
Thanks!
Bourlingueurs.com from Eswatini (Swaziland)
Hello everyone,
I’m going on a tourist trip to Canada (Quebec) on September 1st. I filled out an eTA application 10 days ago but made a mistake on my passport number. I submitted a new application and had to send a copy of my passport, which I did correctly (unfortunately, I didn’t take a screenshot as proof). The next day, my eTA was refused! I made a third application this past Saturday, August 16th, and they confirmed receipt, but it’s now Monday evening and I still haven’t heard anything! I’m starting to seriously panic. It’s absolutely impossible to get help from a real person online! The Canadian Embassy in Brussels doesn’t handle eTA applications at all! I don’t know what to do. Can anyone help me, please? Thanks in advance 😢
Hey Fellow Travelers,
I was caught off guard when the Malagasy consulate in Scandinavia informed me they don’t issue entry visas for Madagascar—what’s the point of a consulate, I wonder! They advised me to apply at the Malagasy embassy in London. So, I started filling out the online form, but the price for the visa made me do a double-take: nearly 200 €!
But apparently, you can also get it on arrival! Has anyone tried this before? I’d love to know if the process takes a long time (I’ll be landing in Nosy Be, exhausted after nearly 15 hours of travel), what the cost is, and—since corruption isn’t just a word—whether you absolutely have to grease the palm of the official(s). This is because I almost took the next flight back when I arrived in a country I won’t name. Even though all my documents were in order—passport, visa, vaccinations, hotel reservation—the immigration officer initially refused to stamp my passport. I later found out I was supposed to slip at least $10 into the document when presenting it... Thanks! /d
I was caught off guard when the Malagasy consulate in Scandinavia informed me they don’t issue entry visas for Madagascar—what’s the point of a consulate, I wonder! They advised me to apply at the Malagasy embassy in London. So, I started filling out the online form, but the price for the visa made me do a double-take: nearly 200 €!
But apparently, you can also get it on arrival! Has anyone tried this before? I’d love to know if the process takes a long time (I’ll be landing in Nosy Be, exhausted after nearly 15 hours of travel), what the cost is, and—since corruption isn’t just a word—whether you absolutely have to grease the palm of the official(s). This is because I almost took the next flight back when I arrived in a country I won’t name. Even though all my documents were in order—passport, visa, vaccinations, hotel reservation—the immigration officer initially refused to stamp my passport. I later found out I was supposed to slip at least $10 into the document when presenting it... Thanks! /d
Hi everyone,
I visited Thailand as a French tourist for a month without a visa, and this country is amazing. I’d like to move there for a long time to start with, and permanently if everything goes well. I’m disabled, recognized at 80% by the MDPH with a maximum pension of 1,100 € per month. I’m not in a wheelchair—I should mention I have one completely paralyzed arm—and I’ll be turning 51. My question is:
What visa could I get for my expatriation?
Thanks to everyone for your future advice!
