In a major update for global travelers, France has officially introduced a mandatory online procedure for booking visa appointments, affecting all international visitors, whether they are applying for a short-stay Schengen visa or a long-stay French national visa.

This new system is already active and applies to all applicants across the world, regardless of the purpose or length of their stay in France.

What’s New in the France Visa Appointment Process?

From now on, anyone planning to visit France must follow a redesigned online appointment process, starting with a check on the official France-Visas Visa Wizard tool. This tool will help determine:

  • If you need a visa to enter France
  • The type of visa suitable for your travel
  • Visa fees and necessary supporting documents

    • Before you proceed, make sure to confirm your eligibility for a visa. If you have stayed in the Schengen Area within the past 6 months, you must also use the Visa Calculator tool to determine how many days you’re still allowed to stay.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Book a French Visa Appointment Online

    Here’s how the new French visa appointment system works for all foreign nationals:

    1. Use the Visa Wizard

    Start your application by visiting the Visa Wizard page. It helps you understand the type of visa you need and lists all requirements based on your personal situation.

    2. Check Eligibility

    Only those applicants confirmed as needing a visa will be able to book an appointment. If eligible, proceed to the next step.

    3. Visit the Appointment Portal

    Once eligibility is verified, go to the Demarches Simplifiees platform.

  • If you don’t have an account, register first.
  • Fill in a short questionnaire including:
  • Your travel dates
  • Purpose of visit (tourism, work, study, etc.)
  • Duration of stay

    • Validate your responses and submit the request.

    4. Wait for Confirmation Email

    If your request is accepted, you’ll receive an email with your visa appointment date. You must reply to confirm your availability otherwise, the appointment will be cancelled.

    What You Need Before Your Visa Appointment

    Before attending your appointment, make sure your online application has been completed at the France-Visas portal. On the day of your appointment, bring:

  • A printed copy of your visa application form
  • All required supporting documents (as listed in the Visa Wizard)
  • A valid passport

    • Important: If someone appears for the appointment with an identity different from the one used to book the appointment, they will be denied access.

    What Happens During Your Appointment

    At the visa centre or consulate:

  • Your visa application will be reviewed
  • You’ll pay the required visa fee
  • Your fingerprints and photo will be gathered as biometric information.
  • Your passport and all documents will be submitted for further processing

    • Duration: The appointment typically lasts around 20 minutes. You may be exempt from attending in person if your biometric data was collected in a previous application made within the last 59 months.

    Visa Processing Time and Passport Collection

    After submission, your application will be tracked by the visa centre where you applied. You will receive notification to pick up your passport once it has been processed.

    Processing Time:

  • Standard: Up to 15 calendar days
  • Extended (in special cases): Up to 45 days
    • Why This Update Matters for International Travelers

    This new centralized and mandatory process helps France:

  • Streamline global visa applications
  • Improve appointment management
  • Reduce fraud and identity mismatches

    • This approach is now the sole way to schedule a French visa appointment, regardless of whether you are planning a business trip to Marseille, a study program in Lyon, or a vacation in Paris.

    Helpful Tips for Applicants Worldwide
  • Use the Visa Wizard to avoid mistakes in choosing the right visa
  • Double-check document requirements early
  • Respond to your appointment confirmation email promptly
  • Arrive at the visa center with complete and accurate documentation
  • Track your application through the official website or email alerts
    • Final Thoughts

    The new France visa appointment rules apply to everyone—from tourists and students to professionals and family visitors. If you’re planning a trip to France, be sure to follow the new digital procedure, complete your documentation properly, and book your appointment in advance.

    With this AI and AEO-friendly system, France aims to make its visa process more transparent, secure, and efficient for travelers across the globe.

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