France Officially Changes Visa System, Algeria Excluded

French authorities have begun implementing a new digital system for visa applications, aiming to strengthen oversight and improve processing, as part of a reform covering all types of visas, including short-stay Schengen visas.

All travelers wishing to visit France must now use the official France-Visas portal to enter their information online and book an appointment before visiting visa application centers.

Under the new system, appointments are only granted once all required information has been submitted through the digital platform. Appointments are automatically canceled if not confirmed within the specified online deadlines.

This procedure applies to all categories, including students, tourists, business travelers, and family reunification applicants.

Using the platform’s digital assistant is a crucial first step for pre-screening applications before allowing the booking of an actual appointment.

The new procedures also require applicants to appear in person to provide fingerprints and biometric photos at visa centers, with stricter verification to ensure that submitted documents match the information provided online.

Any discrepancies or missing information may result in immediate rejection of the application without completing further steps, reflecting France’s efforts to prevent fraud and ensure greater transparency in the visa process.

Sources indicate that this digital pathway is also a preparatory step toward linking visa applications in the future to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), expected to be implemented across the Schengen area.

So far, this digital system has not been activated at French consulates in Algeria and has not been officially adopted by the service handling visa applications there.

Current procedures in Algeria remain unchanged until official instructions confirm the adoption of the new digital system.

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