Planning a trip to France in 2025? There’s a major update you need to know.
France has fully digitized its visa appointment process for both Schengen short-stay and long-stay national visas, introducing a mandatory online procedure that every traveller must follow. This move is part of France’s ongoing efforts to modernize consular services and minimize visa fraud or appointment abuse.
Here’s what the new system looks like:
✅ Step 1: Use the Visa Wizard
Your journey begins at the Visa Wizard portal. This tool helps you:
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Determine if you actually need a visa
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Identify the right visa type
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See what documents and fees are required
🔍 Tip: If you’ve previously been to the Schengen Area in the past 180 days, use the Visa Calculator to ensure you’re not exceeding your allowed stay.
✅ Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Only travellers who are confirmed by the Visa Wizard as needing a visa can proceed. This step is crucial—it reduces application errors and streamlines embassy workload.
Skipping this step could result in blocked access to the next phase.
✅ Step 3: Book Your Appointment via Demarches Simplifiées
Once eligibility is confirmed, head to demarches simplifiees to submit your appointment request.
You’ll need to fill in a questionnaire with:
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Your reason for travel
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Departure date
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Duration of your stay
All information must be accurate and validated before submission. Errors could result in delays or outright rejections.
Important Notes for Applicants
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No skipping steps! Every applicant—regardless of nationality—must use this system.
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Plan ahead: Delays may occur due to the volume of applicants or missing documents.
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Avoid mistakes: Schengen visa rejections are often linked to small errors like incorrect documentation, unclear travel intent, or incomplete applications.
In 2023 alone, EU countries earned over €130 million from rejected visa applications in Africa and Asia, much of it due to avoidable mistakes.
This new system aims to reduce such losses by ensuring applicants are properly guided from the start.
Need help with your France visa?
📞 +2347044161438, +2347044208458
📧 myvisa@routepalng.com
🌐 www.routepalng.com