As of May 31, 2025, France has implemented a new mandatory online procedure for all foreign nationals seeking visa appointments, applicable to both short-stay Schengen and long-stay national visas. This initiative aims to streamline the visa application process and enhance efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to the New Visa Appointment Process
- Determine Visa Necessity and Type: Utilize the Visa Wizard to ascertain if you require a visa and identify the appropriate visa category based on your travel purpose and duration.
- Calculate Remaining Stay (if applicable): If you’ve visited the Schengen Area in the past six months, use the Visa Calculator to determine the number of days you can stay.
- Register on Demarches Simplifiees: Create an account on demarches-simplifiees.fr if you haven’t already.
- Submit Appointment Request: Complete a questionnaire detailing your departure date, visit purpose, and stay duration.
- Await Confirmation: If your request is accepted, you’ll receive an email with your appointment date. Confirm your availability promptly; failure to do so will result in cancellation.
- Prepare for Appointment: Complete your visa application on the France-Visas website. On your appointment day, bring the printed application and all required supporting documents.
- Attend Appointment: The visa center will process your application, collect fees, capture biometric data, and retain your passport and document copies for consulate review
- Processing Time: Visa applications are typically processed within 15 days, but this period can extend up to 45 days in certain cases.
Key Considerations
- Identity Verification: Ensure the identity used during appointment booking matches your identification documents; discrepancies will lead to application denial.
- Biometric Data: If your fingerprints were collected within the past 59 months, you might be exempt from providing them again.
- Incomplete Applications: Applications lacking required documents will not be processed.
