Attestation d'accueil, what is it ?

If a friend of a member of your family wants to visit you in France, this person needs a « attestation d'accueil ».

Is it important ? Who needs one ?

It is compulsory if your friends or family need a visa to come in France. Without this attestation they won't obtain their visa.

If a visa isn't necessary, this attestation can be asked at the customs. If they don't have it, they won't be allowed to enter the French territory.

Does everybody need one ?

Some nationalities don't need this « attestation d'accueil » among them :

- Members of the European community « espace économique européen » and their familly,

citizens from Switzerland, Monaco, Andorre,

- holders of a visa with « carte de séjour à solliciter dès l'arrivée en France ».

If you don't know, ask people at your « mairie » (town hall).

How do I proceed to obtain this « attestation d'accueil » ?

How long does it take ?

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