France Introduces New Mandatory Online Process for Visa Appointments

In a significant overhaul of its visa application system, French authorities have launched a new, mandatory online process for scheduling visa appointments. This updated procedure is now in effect and applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of whether they are applying for a short-stay Schengen visa or a long-stay French national visa.

Visa Eligibility and Initial Online Check
Before scheduling a visa appointment, applicants are required to visit the official France-visas website and use the Visa Wizard tool. This feature helps individuals determine whether they need a visa based on their nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay. It also provides detailed information about the type of visa required, applicable fees, and a checklist of necessary supporting documents. Those who have previously stayed in the Schengen Area within the last six months must also use the Visa Calculator to determine how many days they are still allowed to remain in the Schengen zone.

New Appointment Request Procedure
Once a person has confirmed that a visa is needed, they must proceed to the Demarches Simplifiees platform to request an appointment. Applicants must create an account on the platform if they do not already have one. After registration, a short questionnaire must be completed, asking for travel dates, reason for travel, and the intended duration of stay in France. If the appointment request is accepted, applicants will receive an email invitation. Importantly, applicants must confirm their availability by replying to this email, or the appointment will be cancelled.

Completing the Visa Application
Before attending the appointment, applicants are expected to finish the full visa application process through the France-visas portal. On the day of the appointment, they must bring a printed copy of the completed application, along with all required supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be processed, and any individual appearing with a different identity than the one provided during the booking process will be turned away.

Visa Appointment and Biometric Collection
Visa appointments are typically conducted at French consulates or designated visa centers. During the appointment, staff will review the application, collect the visa fee, and take biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph. The process usually takes around 20 minutes. Applicants may be exempt from appearing in person if their biometric data was previously collected within the last 59 months.

Processing Time and Passport Collection
The standard processing time for French visa applications is 15 calendar days, though this period can be extended up to 45 days in more complex cases. Once a decision has been made, applicants will be notified when their passport is ready for collection at the same visa center where the application was submitted.

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