New era in France visa: Appointment system is changing

A new regulation concerning Turkish citizens who want to travel to France is being implemented.

According to information published in France-Visas, the official visa portal of the French government, the appointment system for visa applications in Türkiye will change as of October 15, 2026.

With the new application, a waiting list system will be used for short-term Schengen visa applications for touristic and private visits.

Instead of directly selecting an appointment date, applicants will be able to register for the waiting list through VFS Global, the brokerage firm authorized by France.

TWO SEPARATE WAITING LISTS WILL BE CREATED

In the new system, applicants will be divided into two different categories according to the Schengen visas they have previously received.

The first waiting list will be created for people who have previously received a Schengen visa and whose visa has expired within the last two years.

The second list will include those who will apply for a Schengen visa for the first time and those whose previous visa expired more than two years ago.

Thus, applications for touristic and private visits will be processed through separate lists according to visa history.

Visa applications from France in Türkiye are accepted through VFS Global's centers in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Gaziantep.

Final decisions regarding visa applications are made by the French Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul.

French authorities state that the waiting time for an appointment for short-term visa applications can take up to a few weeks due to density.

While the authorities remind that applications must be made at least 15 days before the planned travel date, it is important for applicants to start their procedures earlier in the new system.