Planning a trip to France in 2025? Whether you’re heading to Paris for a short holiday or moving for work or study, there’s one important update you must know: France has made online visa appointment bookings mandatory for all foreign travellers.
This new digital system applies to both short-stay Schengen visas and long-stay national visas, streamlining the process and reducing dependence on third-party agents.
Why the New Digital System?
The primary objective of this digital transformation is to enhance the visa application journey. By adopting an online approach, the French authorities aim to;
- Increase transparency and efficiency
- Reduce errors in documentation
- Eliminate the need for intermediaries
- Prevent fraudulent or ineligible applications
With everything moving online, applicants now have more control over their visa process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a French Visa in 2025
For those planning their French adventure, understanding the new steps is key. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the updated online visa appointment system.
1. Check If You Need a Visa Using France’s Visa Wizard
Start your journey by using the Visa Wizard on the official France-Visas website. This interactive tool helps you figure out:
- Whether you need a visa
- What type of visa suits your purpose (tourism, business, study, etc)
- Required documents and fees
- How many days can you stay (using the Schengen Visa Calculator)
2. Ensure You’re Eligible Before Booking
Only eligible applicants, as confirmed by the Visa Wizard, can proceed. This pre-screening ensures that only valid applications are accepted, saving time and resources. Only once your eligibility is verified can you move forward.
3. New Online Visa Appointment Process via Demarches Simplifiées
Once you confirm your eligibility, you can book your appointment on Demarches Simplifiées, France’s new digital platform for public services. Here’s what to do:
- Create an account on Demarches Simplifiées
- Fill in a short form with travel details:
- Type of visa
- Duration of stay
- Purpose of visit
- Planned travel dates
Important: Enter accurate information. Mistakes can cause delays or rejection.
4. Confirm Your Visa Appointment via Email
After submitting your appointment request on Demarches Simplifiées, keep a close eye on your inbox.
- You’ll receive an email with the appointment date, time, and location
- You must reply to confirm your availability
- If you don’t respond, your slot will be automatically cancelled
Failure to confirm will result in the automatic cancellation of your appointment, so prompt action is essential.
5. Prepare for Your Appointment
Before attending the appointment, complete the following:
- Fill out your visa form on the France-Visas portal
- Print the completed form
- Gather all supporting documents, including a passport, photos, and proof of stay
- Be ready for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo)
On the day of your appointment at the visa center, officials will:
- Review all your submitted documents.
- Collect your biometric data, which includes fingerprints and a photograph.
- Charge the non-refundable visa application fee.
Tip: If you have previously submitted fingerprints for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you might be exempt from providing biometrics again. Check the official guidelines to confirm your status.
Final Checklist for a Smooth Application
To avoid visa delays or denial:
- Double-check all personal details
- Ensure no document is missing
- Arrive on time at the visa centre
Incomplete or inaccurate applications are among the top reasons for rejection
Why This Change Matters for Travellers
This move towards a fully digital visa booking experience reflects France’s commitment to a modern, efficient, and user-focused travel system. It gives travellers more control, ensures fairness, and reduces long waiting periods caused by paperwork errors or agent mishandling
