France has taken the lead as the first European Union nation to start issuing digital visas and to make the visa application procedure completely online for athletes, journalists, and delegations entering the country for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The decision to make the application procedures for a France Schengen Visa completely online for participants was taken in an attempt to prevent files that are currently being processed as visa centres from being mixed up.
Moreover, the move is also aimed at making it possible to issue visas for participants in time for the games, VisaGuide.World reports.
France’s new system, called the “Olympic Consulate”, started officially operating on January 1, 2024.
As the authorities have revealed, the country will be processing around 15,000 visa applications from international athletes and 9,000 visa applications from journalists, as well as delegations of foreign countries participating in the event.
Commenting on the move, the Ministry of Interior of France said that the new system is needed in order to guarantee that all the visas of participants who need the document to enter the country are issued “within timeframes compatible with the successful organization of the Games.”
All applications of those eligible to apply for a digital France Schengen visa will be filed and processed through the France-Visa platform.
Through the new system, France will issue around 70,000 visas online to athletes, journalists, and delegations.
Just like its name suggests, applicants will not get a visa sticker on their passport. Instead, they will have their digital visas integrated into their accreditation cards.
France’s Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place between July 26, 2024, and August 11, 2024, and between August 28, 2024 and September 8, 2024, respectively.
During this period, France expects about 1.5 million people from all over the world to enter the country for the purpose of attending different events. Apart from spectators, the country will host thousands of athletes and journalists who will cover events.
In 2024, France will host the Summer Olympic Games for the first time in a century and the Paralympic Games for the first time in its history. It will host 15,000 athletes, over 9,000 accredited journalists, and almost 1.5 million spectators from all over the world.
All those planning to head to Spain for the Games are advised to check whether they meet the entry requirements and to buy their tickets in advance. Data show that more than 400,000 tickets for all sports have been out for sale.
The prices of the tickets vary depending on the type of sport. The cheapest ticket can be found for €5 and the more expensive for €3,000 for the finals.