France Requires All Travelers to Book Visa Appointments Online

France has made it mandatory for all visa applicants—regardless of nationality or visa type—to schedule their appointments online via an official digital platform. The new policy applies to both Schengen short-stay visas and long-stay national visas, marking a significant shift toward digitization in the French visa process.

French authorities have not announced any exemptions, meaning that all travelers must comply with the new system. Anyone planning a trip to France should be aware of this requirement and prepare to complete the online application as part of their travel preparations.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a French Visa Under the New System

Travelers must follow a multi-step digital process to apply for a French visa:

1. Determine Eligibility with Visa Wizard
   The journey begins on the Visa Wizard tool, which helps applicants identify whether they need a visa, what type of visa is required, and what documents and fees apply to their specific case.
2. Register on Demarches Simplifiées
   Once eligibility is confirmed, travelers must register on the Demarches Simplifiées platform to secure an appointment. This online form collects key trip details such as purpose, duration, and travel dates.
3. Receive Appointment Confirmation
   Upon submission, applicants receive a confirmation letter. It is crucial to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date to avoid delays or denial.
4. Attend the Visa Appointment
   After online registration, applicants must attend their appointment at the designated visa center to provide biometric data, submit their passport, and pay the applicable visa fee.

France Expands Visa Services in Morocco

In a move to improve accessibility and service, France has expanded its visa operations in Morocco. New visa centers are being opened in cities such as Dakhla, Laayoune, and Es-Semara, enabling more efficient processing for residents in these regions.

According to the French Embassy in Morocco, the expansion aligns with commitments made during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in October. In Laayoune, visa application services are now operational in partnership with TLS Contact, allowing local applicants to benefit from the same support available in major Moroccan cities.

Official statistics reveal the demand:

• The French Consulate in Rabat processed 170,837 visa applications in 2024.
• The French Consulate in Casablanca handled 111,316 visa applications during the same period.

These figures reflect the strong demand for French visas from Moroccan nationals and reinforce the need for expanded consular infrastructure.