FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 – 5 Easy Steps to Apply for French Schengen Visa

The Women’s FIFA World Cup takes place this year from 7th June to 7th July across 9 locations in France. Why not join thousands of other fans and take a trip to this beautiful Schengen country for this exciting championship? Not only will you be able to enjoy the delights that France has to offer from its delicious cuisine to the fascinating towns and cities with plenty of things to see and do, but you’ll also be part of a thrilling event – a special memory to talk about for many months to come! In this article learn more about how to apply for France visa, visa appointment booking, flight itinerary for France visa, hotel bookings for France visa, Schengen travel insurance for France visa application.

Applying for France Schengen Visa to Attend FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter France for short-stays up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180 day period:

If you are from any other country, you need to apply for a visa to be able to enter France. You can check the website of the European Commission for more information if you are unsure.

Types of Visas for France

There are several types of visas for France:

1. Short-stay (Schengen) visa – for the purposes of tourism, business, or family related trips up to a maximum of 90 days
2. Airport transit visa – if you are transiting through the airport‘s international zone while waiting for a connecting flight onto your final destination
3. Long-stay (National) visa – for the purposes of work, study, residence etc., for a period exceeding 90 days up to 1 year

If your sole reason for visiting France is to attend the Women’s World Cup, then you need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa which will allow you to stay in France for up to 3 months.

When you apply for your France visa, you can choose the number of times you can enter the country. For example:

1. Single entry (1 time)
2. Double entry (2 times)
3. Multiple entry (unlimited times)

However, if you are only attending the football games for the duration of the competition and you will return home after it has ended, then you would specify single entry. If, however, you wish to leave France and return again within the visa dates, you would choose double or multiple entry.

Where to apply for France Schengen visa

You have to make sure you apply at the right French embassy and consulate. The first thing to do is to look at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for France. Click on: “Coming to France”:

On the next page, it will give you information about the main steps in applying for a visa:

The official visa website for France is called France-Visas and the first thing you need to do in order to know where to apply is to go to their website and click on: “General information” then “Visa application guidelines”:

Then, click on: “Gather information on your situation” then “Pages specific to your local“:

On the next page, you will see locations for Africa, America, North Africa/Middle East, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Click on the relevant one and then choose your country of residence:

You will be directed to France-Visas for your specific country. Now, click on: “Whom should I contact?”:

You will then find the relevant office where you can submit your visa application:

Please note, depending on your country, you may apply at:

1. The French Embassy in your location
2. One of the Consulate Generals of France in your location
3. VFS Global in your location
4. Capago International in your location
5. TLS Contact in your location

If you follow the above instructions, the France-Visas’ website will give you the exact location and office you need to approach in order to apply for your France visa.

The France Visa Application Process

There is no set time as to how long it takes to process your application, it really depends on your nationality and your purpose of stay. However, you should aim to submit your application AT LEAST 2 weeks ahead of your departure date. You may apply up to 90 days ahead of time, so the earlier the better.

Here are a few steps to follow to help you apply for your France visa in time for the Women’s FIFA World Cup:

Step 1: Book an appointment

Making appointments with the embassy or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

You can also make an appointment yourself by following below steps:

1. The first step is to book an appointment through the France-Visas’ website. Once you have found out which office you need to apply through, click on “Book an appointment”:
2. Then, you will need to create an account:
3. You will then be able to log in:

From there, you will be able to make a suitable appointment in order to submit your documents to the relevant visa office. 

France-Visas will give you instructions on how to book an appointment if it is not VFS Global (as above).

Step 2: Complete your application

Next, you should set up your online application on France-Visas’ website. Go to “Visa application guidelines” and scroll down to: “Set up my online application form” and click on: “Online application form”:

Click on: “Access”:

You will need to create an account before logging in to complete your application:

Once you have finished, you’ll get an acknowledgement letter and a list of what you need to prepare before your appointment. The documents should be printed so you can sign them.

Please note, some countries are not eligible to use this system, so you should check the relevant instructions on France-Visas’ website if you are not able to do this.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Before you begin this step, you should check France-Visas’ website to familiarize yourself with what is needed. You can use their “Visa Wizard” to answer a few simple questions in order to obtain a list of required documents:

Now, it’s time to prepare your paperwork and ensure you have everything you need before your appointment at the visa office.

In addition, you need to provide originals as well as photocopies, so remember to do that too.

Documents include:

1. Application form dated and signed
2. ID photograph – must be within ISO/IEC guidelines
3. If you are not a national of your country of residence, please provide proof of your legal residency in this country such as a residence permit or valid visa etc
4. Passport or travel document – valid for at least three months after the planned date of return, issued within the last 10 years and 2 free pages
5. Pre-booked return ticket and/or itinerary
6. Reservation confirmation of an organized trip or any other document describing the planned program
7. Schengen Travel health insurance to cover at least €30,000
8. Hotel booking or other proof of accommodation OR invitation letter with your host’s ID
9. Proof of sufficient funds – last 3 bank statements, pay slips, pension statements
10. Proof of the professional situation (employment contract, work certificate, pay slips, proof of pension) or any document relating to your personal links in the country of residence

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2. Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

Step 4: Submit your file

On the day of your appointment, remember the following things:

1. Arrive at the relevant visa office early – if you are late, you may have to reschedule your appointment and this could delay things for you
2. Don’t forget your paperwork – if you submit an incomplete file, your application may be rejected
3. Don’t dress too casually – your aim is to make a good impression, so don’t turn up in shorts and a t-shirt

The visa officer will review your application and if they need any further information, they may ask you extra questions in order to be able to make a fair decision about whether to grant your visa or not. If they do this, simply answer honestly and politely.

Typical questions include:

1. Is this your first time traveling to a football match in the Schengen area?
2. What do you know about France?
3. Are you planning to meet anyone in France?
4. How will you pay for this trip?
5. What is your salary?

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

You will also pay the fee for your France visa. You can usually pay by cash, money order or cashier’s check, but some visa offices accept payment by debit or credit card. Some visa application centers also charge additional fees which you will pay on the day of your appointment along with your visa fee. These fees are non-refundable even if your application gets rejected.

France Visa Fee

If this is your first time applying for a Schengen visa, you will have to provide biometric data which is a scan of your fingerprints and a photo. If you have provided this data within the last 5 years, it can be reused.

Step 5: Receive your visa

Once your visa application has been submitted, you can track your application. Go to France-Visas’ website and click on: “Track your application” and then “Track the progress of your application page”:

On the next page, you will find links to the relevant visa offices. Choose the one where you submitted your application:

You’ll need your reference or tracking number in order to track your application. You would have received this when you submitted your application.

When a decision about your visa application has been reached, you can collect your passport from the correct visa office. Some visa offices offer courier services, so you should check with the one you have been dealing with whether this is an option for you.

The decision will be either:

1. Approved – you will find your visa inside your passport
2. Rejected – your visa application has been rejected for a reason

Common rejection reasons include:

1. Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip and the documents you provide, i.e. bank statements and/or proof of income, must prove this
2. Passport invalid – if your passport is not valid in any way (see above requirements), you must obtain a new one before applying for your visa
3. Flight confirmation missing – you must provide a confirmed flight reservation when you apply for your visa. There are no exceptions
4. You applied too late – you must give the visa office sufficient time to process your application. There is no rush processing available, so you should apply AT LEAST 15 days before your departure date

FAQS

1) Why can’t I complete my application online?

The online application system is not available in some countries, but France-Visas are gradually extending this to all countries

2) Which visa should I apply for?

If you are going to France for up to 90 days you should apply for a Schengen visa. If you wish to go for longer than 90 days you should apply for a National visa

3) I don’t have time to apply for a visa before I leave for France. Can I apply for one in France?

No. You must apply in the country where you live

4) Where can I apply for my France visa?

You can apply at the local visa office or visa application center in your location

5) Do I need proof of accommodation?

Yes. You must provide proof of accommodation for your entire trip to the Schengen area

6) I am going to France for the Women’s FIFA World Cup, do I need to arrange a long-term visa?

No. If you are attending this sports competition only and have no other plans in France, you may apply for a short-stay Schengen visa which permits you to stay in France for up to 90 days

Conclusion

All you need to do to apply for your France Schengen visa is:

1. Select the correct visa office
2. Book an appointment
3. Complete your application form
4. Prepare your documents
5. Submit your file
6. Receive your visa

Then, you can look forward to all the excitement and thrills that awaits at the Women’s FIFA World Cup, 2019!

At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.

See Also

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