As per the latest development, France has implemented a new mandatory online system for booking visa appointments, effective immediately. This move aims to improve efficiency and streamline the application process, and will apply to all foreign visitors pursuing either long-stay national visas or short-stay Schengen visas. Here’s all you need to know about the process.
Step 1: Determine visa requirementsApplicants must first visit the official Visa Wizard page. This resource helps determine whether a visa is required based on individual circumstances and specifies the appropriate visa type, necessary documentation, and applicable fees. For those who have recently spent time in the Schengen Area, the Visa Calculator tool will assist further in calculating the remaining authorised stay duration.
Step 2: Verify eligibility before bookingOnly applicants who are confirmed by the Visa Wizard as needing a visa can proceed ahead for booking an appointment. This verification step is designed to reduce unnecessary bookings and improve processing efficiency.
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Step 3: Submit appointment request via Démarches SimplifiéesTo seek an appointment for a visa, eligible candidates will be required to register on the Demarches Simplifiées platform. Candidates fill out a questionnaire upon registration that asks about their length of stay, reason for visiting, and departure date. Complete and accurate information is essential to prevent rejection or delays.


Step 4: Confirm appointment via emailUpon acceptance of the appointment request, applicants receive an email with the appointment details. It is essential to confirm availability by replying to this email; failure to do so will result in cancellation of the appointment.
Step 5: Prepare for the appointmentApplicants must finish their visa application on the France-Visas website prior to the appointed meeting. The printed application form and any other supporting documentation should be brought by candidates on the day of the appointment. Refusal may result from incomplete applications or inconsistent identity information.
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Additional considerationsDuring the visa appointment, staff will verify documents, collect biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and collect the visa application fee. Applicants may not be required to attend in person if their fingerprints were taken within the last 59 months.
The French Government advises against using dubious websites that claim to be able to assist with visas and emphasises the need of using official procedures. To guarantee a smooth visa application procedure, applicants are advised to plan ahead, ensure that all information provided by them is accurate, and they carefully adhere to the new criteria.
This upgraded system reflects France’s commitment to digitizing consular services and improving the overall visa application experience.