France Sport & Performer Visas

The France Schengen Sports Visa allows people to exit their home country and enter France or any other Schengen country to attend and take part in sporting events. Within 180 days, the permit may be extended for an additional stay of 90 days.

To acquire a France Sport Visa, there are certain requirements and criteria that applicants will need to ensure they meet the criteria of the pathway.

It is important to note that processing times may be long, so applicants should allow enough time before they plan to travel to France, especially if required to attend an interview at the French embassy or consulate.

Your visa could also be denied even if you fulfil the conditions, usually because of risks of overstaying your visa or inability to financially sustain yourself while in France.

Page Contents

• An Overview Of France Sport & Performer Visas
• Attending a Tournament Or a Sports Event: What Visa Is Needed?
• Moving To France As a Sportsperson Or a Performer: What Visa Is Needed?
• France Athlete & Performer Visa Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required
• How to Apply For a France Sport Visa
• Fees and Processing Times for a France Sports Visa
• How Total Law Can Help
• FAQ

For short-term stays in France, applicants should apply for a Short-stay Schengen Visa; this type of visa allows the holder to travel around the Schengen region, which includes France, for up to 90 days throughout a 180-day period.

You can apply for a Short-stay Schengen Visa at the relevant French Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Not all athletes or performers may be required to obtain a valid visa to enter the Schengen Area. For example, there are several conditions in which a visa waiver may be issued, such as the applicant’s nationality, whether the applicant is already in possession of a Schengen Visa, whether the applicant is in possession of a long-stay permit or the particular status of the foreign national.

If an applicant is joining a French team or club as a sportsperson or is a performer, they can apply for one of the following types of Schengen Visa or Permits:

Long-Stay Schengen Visa

This Schengen visa is required for stays in France that last longer than 90 days. Professional athletes who plan to compete in competitions or extended training programmes may need to apply for this type of visa.

The conditions for obtaining a Long-Stay Schengen Visa differ based on the reason for your stay.

Residence Permit for Athletes

The Residence Permit is valid for one year and can be renewed. Professional athletes who have contact with a French sports club or team are eligible to apply for this permit.

Please note that Residency Permits are not the same as visas. For long-term visits of extended periods, applying for a Residence Permit is necessary.  Applicants must apply for a Residence Permit if they intend to stay in a Schengen nation for longer than a year.

Temporary Long-stay Visa

This visa is valid for between 3 and 6 months. This type of visa is ideal for athletes who are visiting France for a brief training or competition trip.

France Sport Visas can come in two varieties:

• Sport Visa for Athletes (for athletes pursuing a training programme or are competing).
• Sports Visa for Support Staff (support personnel such as coaches, trainers, and officials are eligible to apply for this type of visa.)

The following individuals are eligible to apply for a France Sport Visa:

• Professional athletes competing in a sporting event in France will need a letter of invitation from the French athletic event organiser, as well as evidence of income and confirmation of their professional status from their national sports federation.
• Professional coaches travelling with professional athletes require a copy of their coaching agreement, proof of coaching credentials and a document confirming their position as a coach from the French event organiser.
• Sports officials in charge of planning or officiating a competition in France must have a letter from the French sporting event organisers to verify their status, an official confirmation letter from their national sports federation, and evidence of eligibility for the sporting event.
• Photographers and sports journalists should provide proof of the work assignment and evidence of qualifications.
• Sports students require a confirmation letter from the education provider and a copy of a valid Student Visa.
• Sports volunteers taking part in a sports-related project should have a letter from the French organisation that confirms their sports association.

Other documents and requirements include:

• Reside in the nation in which the application is being submitted (unless you are living abroad on a residence permit).
• Valid passport.
• An A4 copy of the data page from your passport.
• Personal covering letter, which includes an explanation of why the applicant wishes to enter French territory and their plans for the duration of the stay.
• A travel booking showing arrival and departure dates
• Travel Insurance
• Evidence of accommodation in France. For example hotel reservation receipt, invitation letter, or rental contract
• Proof of financial subsistence via bank statements or a sponsorship letter

It is important that all required documentation is factually accurate and submitted with the application otherwise your application could be rejected.

When applying for a Sport Visa is it important to have the correct documentation before submitting an application and ensure you are applying for the right visa category.

The application can be submitted online or via a French Visa Application Centre. Any fees must be paid at the time of application. You may be required to attend an interview to give your biometric information and answer questions about your plans in France.

It is advisable to apply at least one month in advance and you should not make any travel arrangements until your Sport Visa has been approved.

The France Schengen Sports Visa generally costs €40 for minors under the age of twelve and €80 for adults. However, some applicants may be exempt from the fee so it is advisable to reach out to an immigration specialist to confirm the exact costs.

The processing time for the France Sports Visa can depend on the volume of applications at the relevant embassy consulate, past travel history, the legality and authenticity of the documents you use to submit your application, and the number of entries. Typically, the application is handled within 15 business days, although may take up to 30 to even 90 days depending on extreme circumstances.