This new visa centre will be operated by VFS Global. In an official statement, the outsourcing company said that they would offer priority and super-priority visa services so that applicants could receive a faster response to their applications.

The opening of the new centre is good news for all foreigners in France who are required to obtain a UK visa in order to be permitted entry into the country. The new centre will also benefit EU citizens who need a UK visa when reaching the country for work, study, or other purposes that require them to obtain a visa.

Applicants Will Be Directed to VFS Global to Book Appointments & Complete Their Visa Applications

Since VFS Global is now in charge of receiving UK visa applications, the company informed that everyone will be automatically directed to VFS Global to book an appointment and complete their visa application.

Commenting on the opening of the new centre, the Chief Operating Officer, Europe & CIS at VFS Global, Anirudh Singh, said that they are ready to welcome clients. The same stressed that they would help them have a seamless and hassle-free UK visa application journey.

Data show that more than 3.2 million French people visited the UK last year. This number ranks France among the top countries whose citizens choose the UK as their destination for business, study, and tourism purposes.

However, numbers could change next year since starting from April 2, 2025, all citizens of the EU will need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. The requirement to obtain an ETA will apply to all EU citizens who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK or who do not have permission to live, work, or study in the country.

To obtain an ETA, citizens of the EU will have to pay an €11 fee and provide personal information. Once the ETA is obtained, the document will remain valid for a period of two years.