France is one of the most visited countries in the world. The French also love to travel and, despite the pandemic, many are already preparing for their next adventures. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about visas to travel around the world.
What does a Frenchman look for when travelling outside of France? The profile of these tourists is very varied, but they generally prefer to travel outside the European continent. Eager to discover other cultures, the French surf on the sites of travel agencies looking for a stay combining comfort and adventure. Ecotourism, shopping and gastronomy are among their favourite activities.
Of course, French travellers hate restrictions and borders. While many countries regulate their access conditions, there are platforms for obtaining an easy and fast travel visa, accessible entirely online, without formalities or waiting.
According to specialised platforms, the French make an average of 38 trips per year. They are the ones who travel the most in Europe. If you are one of them and are waiting for the easing of restrictions linked to the global pandemic to travel again, take the opportunity to get informed and prepare yourself well.
Types of visas that a French person may need
As France is part of the Schengen area and the European Community, few countries require a visa from them. However, it is best to obtain confirmation beforehand.
Electronic visas (eVisa) have greatly facilitated the preparation of trips, whether for leisure, business or study purposes. However, the most common visas may be required in the following cases:
Tourist Visa
It allows you to stay in a foreign country for leisure purposes. Each country has its own laws, but generally to obtain such a visa you must apply online. Within a few hours or even days, you are allowed to spend a short stay in the country.
The eVisa saves you time and money. Depending on the destination, the visa may be free or cost more than 100 euros.
For example, the eVisa is required for French citizens wishing to stay in Saudi Arabia or Australia. For these destinations, the eVisa is valid for one year and allows you to visit the country several times for tourism or business (for a maximum of 90 consecutive days).
Transit Visa
When your itinerary requires you to cross a country without staying there, you may not always need a full visa. A transit visa, usually valid for 24 hours, may be sufficient. It’s quicker and cheaper than a tourist visa, but the procedure is the same.
Moreover, if you have a few hours free or a stopover in the country, this visa allows you to visit the surrounding area before leaving.
Single entry visa only
This visa allows only one entry into the territory. Thus, to return to the country, a new visa must be applied for.
Multiple entry visa
It allows you to enter and leave the territory several times during its period of validity. However, the number of entries may be capped.
How do I get an e-visa ?
Obtaining an electronic visa is easy thanks to specialised platforms which, like visagov.com/en, manage the whole procedure online.
The first step in obtaining an eVisa is to confirm that you really need this document to enter the country. This requirement changes frequently, especially as international agreements change. To check, simply enter your destination and the nationality of your passport on the platform. You will then know instantly whether you need to apply for a visa.
If so, the procedure is as follows : scan your passport and fill in the online form in 5 minutes. Then add your passport photo and provide an email address to receive your documents and the invoice to pay the cost of the visa.
The whole procedure is processed online. The platform sends the approved visa in a few days, without you having to travel. Once you have received your visa, simply print it out and present it, along with your passport, at the airport.
Some countries may require visas for French travellers
Although there are many tourist sites in France, venturing into faraway and exotic places is something you should do at least once in your life, even if you have to apply for a visa to go.
Although visa requirements are constantly changing, depending on the particularities of the traveller, international agreements and so on, it is always possible to find out whether or not a visa is required to travel to a particular destination.
A French passport makes it easy and quick to obtain a travel visa to India, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Burma, Australia or Vietnam, for example. Some countries with heavenly beaches such as Cuba and Puerto Rico also require visas for French nationals.
Why go through a specialised platform to get your eVisa ?
Not all travellers are aware of the latest regulations when travelling to a foreign country.
eVisa management platforms help them to meet all regulatory requirements and deadlines. These platforms are not linked to any government but work directly with embassies to ensure smooth travel.
Plus, by generating your visa through them, you have a better chance of it being approved. In fact, there are no procedural errors. The other advantage of these platforms is that they offer a money-back guarantee in case, for whatever reason, your visa is not granted.
In short, with these platforms, you don’t have to worry about paperwork and red tape. You concentrate on the pleasure of planning your trip and avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival.
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