Immigration News: France to issue digital Schengen visa for Paris Olympics; Greece introduces Climate Tax for Tourists; Bulgaria & Romania to start issuing short-tern Schengen visas from April 1

France to issue digital Schengen visa for Paris Olympics: France will issue around 70,000 visas completely online to athletes, journalists, and delegations for the Olympic and Paralympic games. The host country has started operating a new Olympic Consulate that will process applications of 15,000 international athletes, 9,000 journalists and delegations of foreign countries participating in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

According to VFS Global, if you wish to participate in or attend events at the Olympic or Para-Olympic Games (OGP) in 2024, a different procedure applies to apply for a visa:

• Members of the Olympic and Para-Olympic Committees, athletes, accompanying persons, media, official guests, etc.: They can come to any VFS Global centre, regardless of where they live and regardless of their nationality. They do not have to book an appointment — a time slot between 11 am and 3 pm is reserved for them. They must present a ‘Certificate’ issued by the OCOG.


• Or you are a guest of the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG): The ordinary visa application procedure applies with a few peculiarities. They must complete a visa application with France-Visas by selecting — short-stay visa application > "work" project > "sporting event" reason. They must present a Letter of Invitation from the OCOG.


• Or, you are going as a spectator: The normal visa application procedure applies in full.

Greece introduces Climate Tax for Tourists: If you are heading to Greece between March and October, get ready to pay Climate Resilience Levy at the accommodation. The tax could range from €1 to €4 per night — varying according to the official rating of the accommodation. This tax will not be applicable during the off season of November to February.

It is important to note that the Climate Tax will not be included in the tariff quoted by travel platforms and tour operators, the tax has to be paid locally in the local currency.

The Greek government expects that the new levy will generate an additional revenue of up to €300 million in 2024.

Bulgaria & Romania to start issuing short-tern Schengen visas from April 1, 2024: With the decision of the European Union (EU) to welcome Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen-fold in March 2024, the two countries will start issuing short-term Schengen visas from April 1. The short-term Schengen visa allows visitors to enter, stay & move freely within the Schengen area for 90 days within a 180-day period.