France has made history as the first EU Member State to introduce digital Schengen visa procedures for a limited number of travelers. From January 1, 2024, approximately 70,000 applicants worldwide can apply online for a Schengen visa to attend the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
This revolutionary process means that applicants will no longer have to endure the lengthy procedures usually required for a short-term French visa. This includes waiting for appointments, collecting numerous documents, paying significant fees, and attending interviews.
Eligible for the French Digital Schengen visa are two categories of third-country citizens. The first category is members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family while the second category consists of official guests invited by the OCOG.
These categories include members of the International Olympic Committee and Federation, athletes, coaches, journalists, and other sports technicians involved in the games.
The procedures for obtaining a French Digital Schengen Visa may differ depending on the category and visa application center. Members of the Olympic Family can apply without an appointment at the VFS Global center while OCOG guests will have to complete a visa application through the France-Visas website.
Spectators wishing to attend the Paris Olympics in 2024 will need to apply for regular Schengen visas and follow the traditional process, including making an appointment, collecting documents, attending an interview, and paying visa fees.
The introduction of the digital Schengen visa for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics in France sets the stage for a new, convenient visa application process that may revolutionize travel for future international events.
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