Digital France Schengen Visas For Olympics Games 2024

France has shifted its visa processes online and is aiming to grant around 70,000 visas to applicants for Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024.

Since January 1, 2024, France has initiated the issuance of Digital Schengen visas, becoming the first country to hand out these visas in the European Union. This move precedes the anticipated complete digitalization of Schengen visa processes set for 2026.

As the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris approach, scheduled from July 26 to August 11 and August 28 to September 8, French authorities are gearing up to distribute around 70,000 digital visas. It's essential to note that due to the restricted allocation, not all individuals will qualify for application.

Who Are Eligible for Digital Schengen Visas To Visit France?

Two groups of non-EU citizens needing visas for entry may qualify for the French Digital Schengen visa:

1) Members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family applying for accreditation through their respective committees.

This group includes the following:

International Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee members
International federations, and national committees
Olympic Games Organising committee members
National Associations
Athletes
Judges
Coaches,
Sports Technicians
Medical Personnel
Accredited Journalists
Senior Executives, donors, and patrons

The process of application is significantly easy for this group.

They won’t have to wait for an appointment, collect documents, or pay the normal Schengen Visa fees. They will have to show up at the visa centre on the scheduled time and provide their passport, and valid accreditation certificate issued by the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG).

The visas will be directly integrated into their accreditation cards rather than being attached to their passports.

2) Other official guests invited by the Olympic or Paralympic Committee.

People who have been invited by the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG) to attend the games will need to complete a visa application with the France-Visas website and collect the documents listed there.

They must have a letter of invitation from the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG). The perks of applying as a guest of the OCOG are that the visa application is completely free of charge.

Can Spectators Apply for a Digital Visa?

Spectators who wish to attend the games, on the other hand, will have to apply for a regular Schengen Visa.

The process includes making an appointment well in advance, collecting a list of documents, attending the visa interview, and paying the €80 visa fee.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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