Making good on its pledge to adopt an EU-wide digital Schengen visa application process by 2026, France has put itself ahead of the curve and launched a new digital system that connects L’Hexagone with 126 countries around the world.
Initiated by the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the new France-Visas system is now fully deployed.
The system was initially designed as a convenient online platform for obtaining student visas or checking visa requirements for visitors to France, but has evolved into a comprehensive digital visa hub, a first in the EU.
In 2023, EU member states including France voted to transition to an EU-wide online format for Schengen visa applications by 2026, with a five-year grace period.
However, in light of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games – and the 70,000 visa requests made by athletes, their support teams, the media and fans – the French state decided to act early and launch the new system ahead of time.
According to the government, “This single system manages all visa applications for France, processing more than three million applications annually via 151 consular posts in 126 countries. France-Visas allows a fully digital, secure and seamless application process, covering all types of visas.”
For more information or to apply for a visa in France, click here.
Read related:
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo source: Annie Spratt, Unsplash