How does HelpMyVisa work?

Choose to prepare your France-Visas form step by step with guided answers, or upload your completed France-Visas PDF and supporting documents for an automated review. You get a clear checklist of what is ready and what needs fixing before your appointment.

How much does HelpMyVisa cost?

One-time payment, three packages: France-Visas Form Helper at €29, Application Review at €49, and Full Application + Documents Review at €89. You can upgrade later.

Is HelpMyVisa affiliated with the French government?

No. HelpMyVisa is a private preparation tool and is not affiliated with France-Visas, VFS Global, TLScontact, Capago, any embassy, consulate or government. We do not submit applications or guarantee visa approval.

Yes. HelpMyVisa uses encrypted storage, complies with GDPR, and never shares your documents with third parties. Expired documents are automatically purged.

EES and ETIAS: Transforming Border Control in Europe

Europe is on the verge of a major transformation in how it manages its external borders. Two new systems — the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) — are set to fundamentally change the travel experience for non-EU nationals.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system that will register non-EU travelers crossing Schengen external borders. It replaces the current system of manual passport stamping with:

Biometric data collection: Fingerprints and facial images captured at the border
Digital entry/exit records: Automatic tracking of entries, exits, and refusals
Overstay alerts: Automated notification when a traveler exceeds their authorized stay
90/180-day calculation: Precise digital tracking of remaining days in the Schengen area

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a pre-travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers. Similar to the US ESTA or Canadian eTA, it will require travelers from 60+ visa-exempt countries to obtain authorization before traveling to the Schengen area.

Key details:

Cost: €7 per application (free for under 18s and over 70s)
Validity: 3 years or until passport expiry
Processing time: Most applications approved within minutes
Required for: Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, etc.)

Timeline

Both systems have faced multiple delays but are expected to launch in phases:

EES: Expected to launch at major airports and land borders in 2025
ETIAS: Expected to follow approximately 6 months after EES implementation

Impact on Visa Holders

If you hold a Schengen visa, the EES will affect you directly. Your biometric data will be captured on first entry, and the system will automatically calculate your remaining authorized days. This means overstaying — even by a single day — will be immediately flagged, potentially affecting future visa applications.

How to Prepare

Expect longer wait times at borders during the initial implementation phase
Ensure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages
Keep careful track of your 90/180-day Schengen stay allowance
If you need a visa, apply well in advance to avoid complications with the new systems