France Introduces Special Streamlined Visa Processes in Advance of Olympic Games

This so-called ‘Olympic Consulate’ will process the short-stay visa applications for accredited athletes, staff, sports teams, delegations, and media (among others) – who will benefit from priority processing, waived visa application and service fees, minimal documentary requirements and the ability to keep their travel document or passport throughout the process instead of submitting it to authorities.

It is expected that the accreditation period will run from shortly before the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 to shortly after the end of the Games.

Those with a letter of invitation from the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG) will also benefit from a simplified visa process with no application fees and access to a dedicated appointment calendar to submit biometrics and visa applications.

All other categories of non-EU/European Economic Area/Swiss nationals remain subject to regular visa application procedures and entry requirements.

Individuals planning to travel or relocate to France during this period should be aware that appointment and processing delays are expected due to a significant influx of visitors. Applications for short-stay visas should be submitted at least 15 days and no more than six months before the planned visit.

This alert, for informational purposes only, was prepared by Fragomen and originally published here. If you have any questions, please contact us.