Nationals of non-EU countries who will be traveling to France to attend the 2024 Olympics and who need a Schengen visa are encouraged to start their visa application procedure without delay.
France will be hosting the 2024 Olympics after 100 years, with the event set to kick off on July 26 and run until August 11, 2024, in the capital, Paris.
During this period, millions of people from all over the world are expected to enter France, and for a smooth journey, those requiring visas need to start their application process as soon as possible, VisaGuide.World reports.
The latest Schengen visa application can be filed 15 working days before the planned entry into France. However, taking into account the high number of people who will apply for the document and potential processing delays, the application needs to be started well in advance.
On the other hand, the earliest Schengen visa applications can be filed six months before entry to the Schengen Area, in this case, before entry to France. This means that now is the perfect time to take care of this requirement and avoid any unnecessary delays.
Out of the 206 participating National Olympic Committees, citizens from 99 nations must obtain a visa in order to be permitted entry to France.
To make the entire visa application process easier and provide clarity, SchengenVisaInfo.com has unveiled a new online tool, the Paris Olympics 2024 Travel and Visa Checker.
This user-friendly tool lets you know whether you need a visa to enter France based on your nationality and outlines the application procedures.
Moreover, the tool also highlights the passport validity criteria and offers insights into anticipated expenses, aiding travelers in budget planning for their visit to France during the Olympics.
During the 2024 Olympics, France expects to see around 16 million visitors entering the country. The high number of visitors is expected to have a significant impact on France’s GDP, with experts from SchengenVisaInfo.com predicting that their spending will surpass €8,320,000,000 during the 17 days of the Olympics.
Ticket sales for Olympic events have already commenced, with prices ranging from €24 to €990 for regular competitions. On the other hand, prices for ceremony tickets are considerably higher, some reaching up to €2,700.
In light of these figures, experts anticipate a surge in tourism-related revenue, showcasing the country’s capacity to host major international events.
Travel Insurance Is a Must
Travelers applying for a visa for the purpose of attending the Paris Olympics must keep in mind that it is mandatory to purchase Travel Insurance.
Travel insurance ensures that all travelers have financial protection against any unexpected medical costs during their stay in France or any other Schengen member state.
A travel insurance plan can be purchased through online travel insurance providers for a price as low as €20.
While travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for those who need to apply for a Schengen visa, the case is not the same for those who enjoy visa-free travel to the bloc.
Nonetheless, it is highly recommended that everyone gets travel insurance, regardless of whether they need a visa to enter the Schengen Area or not.