In his first in-depth media interview since taking up the post, Sir Tom Drew—Britain’s new ambassador to France and Monaco—told The Connexion that residency-card renewals, long-stay visa logistics and upcoming biometric border changes top the consular agenda for 2026. Drew urged the estimated 150,000 UK nationals resident in France to apply for carte de séjour renewals at least two months before expiry and confirmed that the British Embassy has secured French recognition of the récépissé as valid proof of the right to work while files are pending.
![New UK Ambassador flags visa renewal pain points for Britons in France]()
For applicants who prefer professional assistance, VisaHQ offers an online platform that streamlines French visa and residence document formalities; its dedicated France page (https://www.visahq.com/france/) walks users through requirements, uploads and appointments, making it easier to stay compliant while the new rules bed in.
He added that London and Paris remain in “daily contact” over the Entry/Exit System, noting that both sides want to avoid bottlenecks once France eventually switches on biometrics at Channel crossings. The ambassador also acknowledged calls for a more convenient renewal channel for the temporary long-stay visa popular with second-home owners, suggesting that digitisation is “on the radar” of future talks. For mobility teams relocating UK staff into France the message is clear: start renewals early, use the embassy helpline only for vulnerable cases, and watch for further announcements on potential youth-mobility schemes and pet-passport recognition—both items Drew hopes to progress before the next bilateral summit in July.
For applicants who prefer professional assistance, VisaHQ offers an online platform that streamlines French visa and residence document formalities; its dedicated France page (https://www.visahq.com/france/) walks users through requirements, uploads and appointments, making it easier to stay compliant while the new rules bed in.
He added that London and Paris remain in “daily contact” over the Entry/Exit System, noting that both sides want to avoid bottlenecks once France eventually switches on biometrics at Channel crossings. The ambassador also acknowledged calls for a more convenient renewal channel for the temporary long-stay visa popular with second-home owners, suggesting that digitisation is “on the radar” of future talks. For mobility teams relocating UK staff into France the message is clear: start renewals early, use the embassy helpline only for vulnerable cases, and watch for further announcements on potential youth-mobility schemes and pet-passport recognition—both items Drew hopes to progress before the next bilateral summit in July.
