France has taken a groundbreaking step by introducing Digital Schengen visas, making it the first European Union country to issue such visas since January 1, 2024. This initiative precedes the anticipated complete digitalization of Schengen visa processes set to be finalized by 2026.
The decision to implement Digital Schengen visas aligns with France’s preparations for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris, scheduled from July 26 to August 11 and August 28 to September 8, respectively. In anticipation of these events, French authorities aim to distribute approximately 70,000 digital visas. However, due to limited allocation, not all individuals will qualify for application.
So, who qualifies for these digital visas to visit France? French authorities have outlined two main groups of non-EU citizens requiring visas for entry who may be eligible for the French Digital Schengen visa:
- Members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family: This category includes a diverse range of individuals such as members of the International Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee, international federations, national committees, organizing committee members, athletes, coaches, judges, sports technicians, medical personnel, accredited journalists, senior executives, donors, and patrons. The application process for this group is streamlined, requiring no appointment scheduling, document collection, or payment of regular Schengen Visa fees. Instead, applicants must present themselves at the designated visa centre at the appointed time, along with their passport and valid accreditation certificate issued by the OCOG.
- Other official guests invited by the Olympic or Paralympic Committee (OCOG): Individuals invited by the OCOG to attend the games must complete a visa application through the France-Visas website and provide the requisite documents as outlined therein. Additionally, they are required to submit a letter of invitation from the OCOG. Similar to the first category, no visa fee is applicable for this group. However, both categories must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, at the visa centre.
While these digital visas cater specifically to members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family and their official guests, spectators who wish to attend the games will need to apply for a regular Schengen Visa.
This shift towards paperless visas not only simplifies the application process but also aligns with broader sustainability goals. By reducing paper consumption, transportation emissions, and manual labour, digital visas contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly visa processes. France’s pioneering initiative sets a precedent for potential future adoption of paperless visa processes across the EU, marking a significant step towards sustainable and technologically advanced visa systems.