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October 13, 2026

IRTF: the ban on returning to France and Schengen (2026)

Updated October 2026

An IRTF (interdiction de retour sur le territoire français) is a ban on coming back to France, and to the whole Schengen area, after an order to leave France (OQTF). It can last up to 5 years, or 10 years in some cases, and it blocks every Schengen visa. Here is how it works in 2026, how to challenge it, and how to have it lifted.

In short

  • An IRTF comes with, or after, an OQTF.
  • It is automatic when the OQTF has no departure period.
  • Up to 5 years, or 10 years for a serious threat to public order.
  • It is recorded in the Schengen system and blocks all visas.

You received an OQTF or an IRTF? Take a photo of your decision and send it to us the same day. Our partner lawyers can file the appeal before the administrative court. You are not alone: we guide you at every step. Send it on WhatsApp

What is an IRTF?

It is a decision of the prefect, linked to an OQTF, that forbids you to come back to France for a fixed period. Do not confuse it with the ITF (interdiction du territoire français), which is decided by a criminal court.
  • The whole Schengen area: the ban is recorded in the Schengen Information System (SIS). You must be told about this alert when the decision is notified to you.
  • From your departure: the duration counts from the day you actually leave France. As long as you stay, it does not run.
  • The end of the alert: it is deleted when the ban ends, when a judge cancels it, or when the prefect lifts it.

When do you get an IRTF?

  • OQTF without delay: the ban on returning is automatic.
  • OQTF with a 30-day period: the prefect can add a ban at the same time as the OQTF, or later if you stay in France after the 30 days.
  • A reasoned decision: the prefect must explain the ban. Humanitarian circumstances can justify not issuing one.

How long does it last?

5 yearsmaximum in most cases, counted from your departure
10 yearsmaximum in case of serious threat to public order (OQTF without delay)
+2 yearspossible extension if you stayed or came back despite the OQTF
  • OQTF with a departure period: up to 5 years. If you stayed or came back despite the OQTF, it can be extended by up to 2 years, without going over 5 years in total.
  • OQTF without delay: up to 5 years, or 10 years in case of serious threat to public order.
  • Long bans: a ban of more than 5 years must be reviewed every 5 years.

How to challenge an IRTF

You challenge the ban together with the OQTF, before the administrative court, within the same short deadlines:
  • General case: 1 month from the notification
  • Under house arrest: 7 days
  • In a detention centre (CRA): only 48 hours
You can also challenge the related decisions, such as the refusal of your residence permit or the country of return. A lawyer is not mandatory, and legal aid can cover the fees. Read our page on the OQTF.

How to have the ban lifted

  • You left in time: if you left France within the deadline of your OQTF and proved your departure within 2 months, the ban can be lifted. The prefect can refuse in some situations.
  • A request from abroad: you can ask the prefect in writing to lift the ban once you live outside France.
  • At any time: the prefect can decide to lift the ban.
In your request, explain any new situation clearly, with documents: marriage, birth of a child, family in France, health, a job offer or a professional project.
Keep proof of your departure: boarding pass, ticket and passport pages. Follow the instructions written in your decision to prove your departure within 2 months. This proof can make a big difference.

Marriage, children and the IRTF

  • Marriage does not cancel the ban: to come back with a spouse visa, you generally need the ban to be lifted first.
  • A French spouse or child is a strong reason to ask for the ban to be lifted, but it is never automatic.
  • Minors: a minor cannot receive an OQTF, so no ban on returning either.

The risks if you come back during the ban

  • Coming back to France during the ban is a crime, punishable by up to 3 years in prison
  • A criminal court can add a ban on French territory (ITF)
  • Your visa applications will be refused in all Schengen countries
  • You can be removed again

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have an IRTF? It is written in your OQTF decision, or in a separate decision notified to you, with its duration. You must also be told that you are recorded in the Schengen Information System. Does the ban start when I receive it? No. The duration counts from the day you actually leave France. If you stay in France, the ban does not run. Can I get a Schengen visa with an IRTF? No. The Schengen alert blocks visas for all Schengen countries until the ban ends, is cancelled by a judge or is lifted by the prefect. I married a French citizen. Is my IRTF cancelled? No. Marriage does not cancel the ban. It is a strong reason to ask the prefect to lift it, so that you can apply for a spouse visa.

How TSA helps you

  • We read your decision with you, in your language, and check the duration of the ban
  • We help you prove your departure on time
  • We prepare your request to lift the ban, with your family and professional documents
  • Our partner lawyers challenge the OQTF and the ban before the court

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Official sources: Service-public.fr, ban on returning to France (IRTF) (checked 21 October 2025) and Service-public.fr, OQTF