Get The Visibility Your Company Needs
Reduce compliance risks and mobility costs while managing individual and project-related travel with ImmiSMART: the solution that unifies your travel and mobility programs.
FRANCE – Rugby World Cup 2023
July 28, 2023
The Rugby World Cup is heading to France this September, with teams representing 20 countries from around the world – from New Zealand to South Africa, Ireland to Fiji. Drawing teams and fans from around the world, also means dealing with a host of visa and entry requirements. Don’t worry, CIBT is here to help your team and its fans travel without worrying about missing a match.
Immigration Considerations
France is a member of the Schengen zone, so teams from other Schengen countries can enter France without need for further documentation. In addition, Fijian nationals do not need a Schengen visa. Further, nationals/passport holders from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga do not need a visa to travel to France for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport holders of other countries will need to follow the entry guidelines for France from their home country.
Members of each national squad are covered under an exemption of France’s work authorization rules for “sporting, cultural, artistic, and scientific events”. The exemption applies to all participants including athletes, as well as the accompanying staff who participate at the event or are accredited by the organizers: coaches, trainers, doctors, sponsors, technical staff, organizers, etc. While journalists are not specifically mentioned in the waiver, if they are accredited by the organizers to cover the event, they would also be covered by the exemption.
Fans traveling to France to attend World Cup matches would be covered under tourist visas, or visa waivers if their country has a waiver arrangement with France. Typical tourist stays are limited to 90 days within a 180 period.
Individual Categories
All World Cup participants – players, coaches, and team staff – will need to be able to present proof of their activity in France as part of their work permit exemptions.
Newland Chase Insights
If you are unsure about your entry requirements, or if you need assistance in applying for entry into France for the Rugby World Cup, contact CIBT today!
