We already told you about it in November during our webinar dedicated to the Olympic Games and immigration in France – the deadline is approaching! Today, we focus on applications for short stay visas ( C visas), for people wishing to attend the Olympic Games in Paris under “tourist” status. 90-day law, visa waiver, authorized activities, preparation… Here are some things to keep in mind, for you to submit your application without further delay!
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Do you have a visa waiver?
Being visa-exempt for a country means not having to obtain a visa before arriving in the country. If you are not exempt, you will then need to obtain a visa before your arrival, from the Consulate of the country concerned (in this case, France).
To check if you are of an exempt nationality, you can go to the France Visa website: Assistant visa – France-Visas
You will then know if you can go to France for 90 days for tourist activities, or if you need to obtain a visa in advance from the Consulate of France to which you depend.
Also, pay attention to the 180-day rule in the Schengen area: if in the last 6 months you have already spent 90 days there, you must wait before returning. Calculate your past days via this tool: Schengen-calculator (europa.eu)
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Do your activities in France correspond to those authorized by the C – short stay visa?
A short-stay visa for tourist purposes does not entitle you to work. You will be able to attend conferences, seminars, meet customers, etc. But this visa does not allow you to carry out a professional activity.
Failure to comply with this rule can result in a fine and deportation.
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Anticipate your request
It is strongly advised to submit your application in advance to avoid the congestion that the Consulates will certainly experience in the months leading up to the Olympics: submit your application at least 3 months before the date of departure (for a short-stay visa, the application can be submitted 6 months).
The steps will be as follows:
- Prepare your file
- Book an appointment with the Consulate of France you belong to (or via its service provider such as TLS, VFS,….)
- Go to the appointment to give your biometric fingerprints
- Wait for your visa to be ready (allow an average of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the Consulate’s availability)
Everything is therefore based on the availability of the appointment, and that particular point must be particularly well anticipated.
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Prepare a complete file
Applying for a C visa – short stay is not a simple formality. For logistical reasons, but above all for security reasons, each application is scrupulously analysed by the authority that receives it, and C visa refusals are among the most common, particularly by French authorities.
In addition to a passport that is valid for at least 10 years and for at least 3 months after your return, and also includes 2 blank pages, it is therefore essential to provide all required documents, plus any that you think supports your application. You will need to demonstrate that:
- You will have enough financial resources for the duration of your stay, and to pay for your return (generally, the French minimum wage is taken as a basis – it is currently 1767€ gross)
- Your accommodation and flights are provided (either by a temporary rental, a hotel, etc or by being hosted, which requires additional documents)
- That you have a medical insurance covering your entire stay
- That your links with your country of residence are concrete and prove your willingness to leave French territory at the end of your stay
Do not hesitate to contact Oui Immigration so that we can assist you in these steps.
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Respect the validity of your visa
You’ve got your C visa – congratulations!
Be careful now to respect its expiry date and the number of days it allows in the country. Any failure could complicate your future applications, in France and throughout the Schengen area.
We are at your disposal to assist you in all your immigration procedures (France / global) – enjoy the 2024 Paris Olympics!
