French Visas for Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Special Visas for Family Members & IOC

A great number of people will be converging on Paris in the summer of 2024 for the Olympic Games. 

Many will not require particular visas to enter France, but others will require visas, and special rules apply for family members of athletes and IOC officials.

While general Schengen rules apply to visitors to France for stays under 90 days, this provision will not apply for work in France or for stays over that period of time, or for citizens of countries that do not benefit from Schengen rights of entry.

As regards visitors to France this summer who require visas, the two principal service providers are VFS Global and TLS Contact, who will service visa requests within 90 days of intended entry to France under normal rules.

However, for family members of the Olympics and Para-Olympics, athletes and their accompanying family, the media and official invitees, they will benefit from special provisions under Annexe XI of the 2009 Visa Code.

They can file their visa requests in any country, regardless of their place of residence, subject to providing a COJO certification.

At the visa centers, upon presentation of a COJO certification, the procedure will be limited to taking biometrics. No visa fees will be charged to such persons.

These provisions will greatly facilitate visa issuances to those holding COJO certifications, whether family members, members of the press, or accompanying personnel of athletes.

Our office is available to assist on visa matters to France generally, and for matters specific to obtaining visas for the Paris 2024 Olympics.